Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad with Salty Almonds

Why This Crunchy Salad Is Always a Good Idea

If you’re craving something crisp, fresh, and satisfying, this copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad delivers. With tender kale, shredded cabbage, and salty toasted almonds, it’s a side dish that feels both wholesome and delicious.

• All the crunch you want from kale, cabbage, and roasted almonds
• A sweet and tangy vinaigrette that’s quick to whisk up
• Pairs well with chicken, grilled meats, or sandwiches
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegan
• Can be prepped ahead for lunches or gatherings

Kale Crunch Salad with Salty Almonds (Chick-fil-A Copycat)

Just like the popular Chick-fil-A side, this healthy salad features kale, cabbage and extra crunch from salty toasted almonds.

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Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 249kcal

Author: Danelle

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Ingredients 

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For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

• 4-5 cups finely chopped kale
• 1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup whole almonds
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• To make the dressing, whisk together the 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and Salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Toss the 4-5 cups finely chopped kale and 1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage together in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, toss the 1/2 cup whole almonds with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown. Cool and chop.
• Toss the kale mixture with the desired amount of dressing and garnish with the salty toasted almonds.

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Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2126IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 1mg

Keep scrolling for tips, ingredient substitutions, answers to frequently asked questions and more!

Recipe Tips

• Chop the kale finely—it helps soften the leaves and makes the salad easier to eat.
• Toast the almonds—it takes just a few minutes, but adds tons of flavor.
• Dress the salad early (about 20–30 minutes before serving). This softens the kale without making the salad soggy.
• Grate a little Parmesan on top for a fancy touch, even though it’s not in the original.

Leftovers & Make-Ahead Notes

This salad is great fresh, but also holds up well over time.

• Extra almonds? Store them in an airtight jar and sprinkle on other salads or soups!
• Dressed salad: Can be made up to 30 minutes ahead. After that, it may get a bit too soft.
• Undressed salad: Store greens and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Make It Your Way

This salad is super flexible—feel free to make it work for you.

• Swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or Romaine
• Use pecans or sunflower seeds instead of almonds for a nut-free version
• Add toppings like cranberries, feta, or roasted chickpeas for extra flavor and texture
• Mix up the dressing with a dash of balsamic or a squeeze of lemon for variety

Serving/Pairing Suggestions

This salad goes with just about any meal, but since it’s a Chick-fil-A copycat, serving it with our favorite chicken dishes only makes sense.

Here are some of our favorite chicken recipes to make with Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad.

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