This Chick-fil-A Market Salad copycat brings all the fresh flavors right to your kitchen! With crunchy greens, juicy chicken, and sweet fruits like berries, it’s a delicious meal.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip this salad up. Just toss everything together, and enjoy it with your favorite dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Greens: A combination of spinach and romaine provides a nice crunch and nutrients. If you can’t find one, you can substitute with arugula or kale for a different flavor.
Chicken Breast: Cooked chicken breast adds protein and heartiness. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or black beans instead for a filling option.
Fruits: I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but any crisp apple works well. Fresh berries are great, but frozen can be used if fresh isn’t available; just thaw them first!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a savory touch. If you’re dairy-free, crumbled tofu or vegan feta can be a good substitute. You could skip it entirely for a lighter salad.
Granola: For crunchiness and sweetness, granola is perfect. Choose a nut-free version if you have allergies, or swap granola for toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a different texture.
How Can I Make My Salads Taste Amazing with the Right Techniques?
Building a flavorful salad comes down to layering ingredients properly. Start with mixed greens as your base, then layer heartier ingredients like chicken and apples. Follow up with fruits and cheese for balance.
- Combine your greens in a bowl, ensuring they’re nice and fresh.
- Chop chicken, making sure it’s cooked and seasoned well for extra flavor.
- Be mindful of the dressing; drizzle lightly and add more as needed after tossing.
- Gently toss the salad to combine without crushing the ingredients – this keeps everything looking fresh.
How to Make a Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 apple, diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
- 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing or dressing of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chick-fil-A Market Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy dish—perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by taking a large salad bowl and adding the mixed greens. This will be the fresh and crunchy base for your salad.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, layer the sliced or diced cooked chicken breast over the greens. This will give the salad a nice source of protein and flavor.
3. Layer the Fruits:
Now it’s time to add the colorful fruits! Sprinkle the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the chicken, followed by the diced apple. This will add sweetness and freshness to your salad.
4. Sprinkle on the Feta:
Next, gently sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over everything. The feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor that’s delicious!
5. Add Crunchy Toppings:
On top of the feta, sprinkle the sliced almonds, granola, and dried fruit. These will add great texture and additional flavors to the salad.
6. Dress It Up:
Drizzle your honey mustard dressing (or any dressing of your choice) over the salad. This will bring everything together with a yummy flavor boost.
7. Season It:
Finally, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. This little step can really enhance the taste of your dish!
8. Toss and Serve:
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the salad to combine all of the ingredients well. Now it’s ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A Market Salad!
Can I Use Different Greens for This Salad?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the mixed greens with other leafy greens like arugula, kale, or even a bagged salad mix. Just make sure the greens are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and feta cheese. You can replace the feta with avocado or nutritional yeast for added creaminess and flavor. Also, check your dressing to ensure it’s free from animal products!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. Enjoy the leftover salad within 1-2 days for the best quality!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Of course! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to mix in other fruits like pears, peaches, or even citrus fruits such as mandarin oranges. Just keep in mind the balance of sweetness and acidity for the best flavor!
