If you’re a fan of Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Side, you’re going to love this easy homemade version. In my opinion, it tastes even better than the original—and it’s so much more affordable. I recently paid $11.07 for two small Kale Crunch salads at my local Chick-fil-A. With this recipe, you can make a generous bowl at home for a fraction of the cost.

This copycat salad is made with just a few wholesome ingredients: chopped kale, shredded green cabbage, chopped almonds, and a tangy apple cider-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of satisfying crunch.

Thanks to prepackaged chopped kale and simple-to-shred cabbage, it’s quick and easy to prepare. I shredded the cabbage myself using a chef’s knife (affiliate link)—nothing fancy required. (You could always opt for pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix if you prefer.) And for an extra flavor boost, I recommend toasting the chopped almonds. Just heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the almonds, and stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden and fragrant. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or prepping it ahead for the week, this Kale Crunch Salad is a delicious, better-than-takeout option you’ll want to make again and again.

How Many Calories and WeightWatchers Points in this Copycat Kale Crunch Salad?

According to my calculations, each serving has about 163 calories.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

Ingredients

Olive oil – The base of the dressing. I use extra virgin olive oil (affiliate link) for the best flavor, but any olive oil will work.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and brightness. Look for raw, unfiltered cider vinegar if you have it.
Dijon mustard – Gives the dressing a subtle kick and helps it emulsify.
Pure maple syrup – Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors. Start with a little and adjust to taste. I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which is less salty. Opt for whatever salt you like best.
Curly kale – Washed, chopped, and with the tough stems removed. I often use pre-chopped kale to keep things easy.
Green cabbage – I shred it myself using a sharp knife or mandoline (affiliate link) for a bit of crunch and contrast. You could use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix if you prefer.
Raisins – Add a pop of natural sweetness that complements the tangy dressing and hearty greens. Dried cranberries would also work well.
Chopped almonds – For that classic crunch. Toasting is optional but adds extra flavor and nuttiness.

How to Make Kale Crunch Salad, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl (affiliate link), whisk together the olive oil, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup and salt until combined.

Step 3: Add the kale to the dressing and massage until thoroughly coated and begins to wilt. Toss in the cabbage and raisins until combined.

Step 4: Sprinkle with almonds before serving.

Step 5: Store any leftover kale salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can definitely be made ahead of time. Prepare the salad (leaving the almonds off until just before serving), cover tightly, and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days and actually tastes better as the flavors meld.

To Toast the Almonds (Optional): Place chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3–5 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Watch carefully—they can burn quickly.

Make It a Meal: Add your favorite protein to turn this into a satisfying main dish. Grilled or rotisserie chicken, salmon, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or canned chickpeas all work well.

Add-Ins and Variations: Feel free to swap the raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or leave them out if you prefer less sweetness. Extra crunch? Try sunflower seeds or pepitas.

Dressing Tip: Double the dressing and store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. It’s delicious on other salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This Kale Crunch Salad is super versatile and pairs well with just about anything!

Picnic & Potluck Ready: Because it’s hearty and doesn’t wilt quickly like lettuce, this salad travels well and is ideal for barbecues, potlucks, and picnics.

As a Side Salad: Serve alongside your favorite grilled foods for a fresh, crunchy contrast. It’s perfect with grilled chicken breasts or chicken thighs, hamburgers, fish, shrimp, pork chops, or veggie burgers.

Make It a Main Dish: Turn it into a satisfying entrée salad by adding some protein. Try chopped cooked chicken breast, leftover rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or even a scoop of hummus for a vegetarian option.

Meal Prep Friendly: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it great for lunch prep. Portion it into individual containers (keep the almonds separate until serving) for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container or a quart-size Mason jar in the refrigerator. Mason jars (affiliate link) work especially well for portioning salads and make for easy grab-and-go meals. Just keep the almonds separate and add them right before serving to maintain their crunch.

The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing, as some liquid may settle at the bottom. If the salad seems a bit dry, add a splash of olive oil or a little extra apple cider vinegar to refresh it.

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If you’ve made this Simple Kale Crunch Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Better Homes & Gardens Cut the Sugar Magazine (affiliate link)

If you like this Copycat Kale Crunch Salad, you might also like

• Coming together quickly and easily adaptable thanks to all the prepared vegetables available these days, Crunchy Ramen Slaw is the perfect accompaniment to anything off the grill, but can also easily be turned into a satisfying main course with the addition of a little cooked, chicken shrimp, pork or tofu!
• This Apple and Date Kale Salad couldn’t be easier – just thinly sliced kale, chopped dates, apples, slivered almonds, dried cranberries and grated Pecorino cheese tossed in a little olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon juice.
• Packed with all the same flavors you love from a California sushi roll without the hassle of rolling, this California Roll Sushi Rice Salad makes a satisfying and balanced meal.
• Cool, crunchy and delicious, Thai Inspired Chicken Coleslaw has all the same salty, sweet and peanut flavors of your favorite Thai peanut dressing.