I love trying new, healthy recipes, and the kale crunch salad is a gem. It’s a homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s popular side dish, but better. It’s filled with curly kale, green cabbage, toasted almonds, and a tangy Dijon apple cider vinaigrette.
This kale crunch salad recipe is special because of its perfect mix of flavors and textures. The fresh kale and cabbage give a nice crunch. The creamy vinaigrette and crunchy almonds add more depth. It’s great for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course.
This kale recipe is quick to make, taking only 5-10 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want a crunchy salad that’s tasty and healthy. Its bright colors, bold flavors, and simple steps make it a favorite.
What Makes This Kale Crunch Salad Special
This vegetarian salad is special because of its perfect mix of flavors and textures. It combines earthy kale with crunchy almonds and tangy homemade dressing. This makes it a delightful and nutritious choice.
Unlike fast-food versions, you can customize this salad and enjoy bigger servings. You get all the benefits of a leafy green salad with tasty toppings.
A Copycat Recipe with a Twist
This recipe is inspired by Chick-fil-A’s kale crunch salad but has its own twist. It uses a homemade Dijon apple cider vinaigrette instead of soybean oil and preservatives. This makes it a healthier, vegetarian option with no artificial additives.
Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
The salad’s mix of crisp kale, crunchy almonds, and zesty dressing is perfect. Each bite is a mix of earthy, nutty, and tangy flavors. The massaging of kale makes it tender yet crisp.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
This kale crunch salad is not just tasty but also very nutritious. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With about 205 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free choice for a light lunch or side dish.
Essential Ingredients for Kale Crunch Salad Recipe
The secret to a great Kale Crunch Salad is choosing the right ingredients. We start with fresh curly kale and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Each part is key to making a salad that’s both healthy and delicious.
Fresh Produce Components
Curly kale is the base of our salad. One bunch gives us about 10 cups, once chopped. We also add 2 cups of green cabbage, sliced thin, for extra crunch and nutrition.
Crunchy Toppings and Add-ins
Toasted almonds are a must for this salad. They add texture and a nutty taste. You can also add chopped apples, dried cranberries, vegan feta, or shredded carrots for more flavor and color.
Homemade Dijon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The star of the salad is the homemade Dijon Apple Cider Vinaigrette. It’s made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a bit of salt and pepper. This dressing brings all the flavors together perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curly kale | 8 cups, thinly sliced |
| Green cabbage | 2 cups, thinly sliced |
| Almonds | ⅓ cup, chopped and toasted |
| Olive oil | ⅓ cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 ½ tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon |
How to Prepare and Massage Kale
Getting kale ready for a salad is key. First, wash and dry it, then take out the tough ribs. Cut the leaves into small pieces and put them in a bowl. Add olive oil and massage the kale for 2-3 minutes. This makes the leaves tender and less bitter.
Using olive oil to massage kale softens its fibers. This makes the leaves taste better. Curly kale works best because its leaves are tough enough to benefit from the massage.
- Wash and dry the kale leaves thoroughly.
- Remove the tough stems and ribs from the kale leaves.
- Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the kale and use your hands to gently massage the leaves for 2-3 minutes.
- Massage the kale until it becomes softer and more pliable, reducing the bitterness.
Massaged kale can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep. The soft leaves work well with dressings and in many salad recipes.
| Kale Variety | Suitability for Massaging |
|---|---|
| Curly Kale | Best |
| Tuscan Kale | Good |
| Baby Kale | Not Recommended |
Creating the Perfect Dijon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The star of our delightful Kale Crunch Salad is the homemade Dijon apple cider vinaigrette. It perfectly balances the crisp sweetness of pure maple syrup with the tangy kick of apple cider vinegar. This creates a harmonious pairing that elevates the entire salad experience.
Mixing Instructions
To whip up this versatile vinaigrette, simply combine the following ingredients in a mason jar or small bowl:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2.5 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well-emulsified. Or, you can whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl.
Storage Tips
The Dijon apple cider vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes it the perfect make-ahead component for your Kale Crunch Salad. It allows you to quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
Customization Options
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the vinaigrette to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced apple cider flavor, you can increase the amount of vinegar. If you’d like a sweeter dressing, simply add a touch more maple syrup. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your taste buds.
Assembly and Serving Instructions
Making the perfect kale crunch salad is easy. Begin by mixing the massaged kale and shredded cabbage in a big bowl. Add toasted almond slivers and optional ingredients like feta cheese or diced apples.
Then, pour the homemade Dijon apple cider vinaigrette over the salad. Toss until everything is well coated. You can serve it right away as a tasty side dish or make it the main course.
This recipe makes 4-6 servings as a side salad or 2-3 servings as a main dish. You can adjust the amount based on your needs or preferences.
This kale crunch salad is great as a side dish or a light meal. It’s full of flavor and texture, making it a hit with everyone.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
This kale crunch salad is easy to change for different diets and tastes. You can make it vegan, gluten-free, or add protein. We’ve got tips for you.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based one. The Dijon apple cider vinaigrette is already gluten-free. This makes it perfect for those with dietary limits.
Protein Add-ins
Make this salad more filling with grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas. These add savory protein that goes well with the kale and crunchy toppings. It’s a balanced and tasty meal.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use seasonal ingredients to make this salad special. In fall, add dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for autumn flavors. In summer, try grilled grilled chicken or roasted sunflower seeds for a protein boost.
This recipe is very flexible. With a few tweaks, you can make it fit your diet and taste. Enjoy this healthy and refreshing kale crunch salad all year.
Conclusion
This homemade kale crunch salad is a tasty and healthy choice. It’s a great way to add more leafy greens to your meals. You can also make it your own by adding different ingredients.
The salad has roasted almonds, curly kale, and a yummy Dijon apple cider vinaigrette. These ingredients make it full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a fresh and nutritious salad.
Learning how to prepare kale and make dressings can improve your salad-making skills. You can add different things to the salad to make it your own. Enjoy this healthy salad and make it a part of your daily meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this kale crunch salad special?
This homemade kale crunch salad is a tasty and healthy copycat of Chick-fil-A’s side dish. It has a great mix of flavors and textures. Kale’s earthiness, almonds’ crunch, and the tangy dressing all come together beautifully.
What are the key ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients are 6 cups of curly kale, 2 cups of green cabbage, 1 cup of almonds, and a homemade Dijon apple cider vinaigrette. You can also add feta cheese and diced apples for extra flavor.
Why is properly preparing the kale important?
Preparing the kale right is key for a great salad. First, wash and dry the kale, then remove the tough ribs. Chop the leaves into small pieces and put them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and massage the kale for 2-3 minutes. This makes the leaves soft and less bitter.
How do you make the Dijon apple cider vinaigrette?
To make the dressing, mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 3.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2.5 tablespoons maple syrup, 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and seasonings in a mason jar. Shake well to mix. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
How do you assemble the salad?
To make the salad, put the massaged kale and shredded cabbage in a big bowl. Add toasted almond slivers and optional ingredients like feta cheese or diced apples. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to mix. Serve it as a side dish or main course right away.
Can this salad be customized for different dietary needs?
Yes, this salad can be changed to fit different diets. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based substitute. Add protein with grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas. Try adding dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a seasonal twist.
