When people think about Chick-fil-A, usually the first thing that comes to mind is their waffle fries. But this New Year, Chick-fil-A seems to be jumping on the healthy bandwagon and offering a new salad side called the Kale Crunch Side, which is a blend of kale and green cabbage, dressed with an Apple Cider and Dijon Mustard vinaigrette, and an additional packet of almonds for the “crunch.”
The salad, as displayed on the menu looks appealing and well-portioned and is marketed to be a substantial substitute for the classic waffle fries. Unfortunately, like most fast food joints, their marketing was largely misleading. This Kale Crunch Salad appeared soggy, took up at most three-fourths of the petite container, barely classifying as a side. It makes Wendy’s salads look like gourmet dishes.
Does the salad taste as unappetizing as it looks? Honestly, no, though it is not ground-breaking on any regard. The salad surprisingly didn’t have a mushy texture previously speculated but definitely didn’t wield that typical crunch kale is known for. Similarly, kale is known to be predominantly bitter and strong, yet this kale didn’t encompass any of those qualities, which can be a hit or miss depending on the individual. The salad, simply put, seems to taste like the average, run-of-the-mill salad, nothing spectacular, but nothing horrendous either, minus the presentation.
The salad obviously isn’t ideal by itself, and strangely enough, doesn’t complement or contrast the entrees at all, but rather cancels them out. When nuggets were paired with the salad, the flavor seemed to be nonexistent, just adding a bit of texture to the meal. It’s actually better when the two dishes are eaten separately; that way customers still enjoy their usual nuggets.
Overall, it’s probably best that customers stick with the classic fries’ option, as they perfectly complement their entrees, are filling in their own right, and are worth the exact same price as the salad. The only benefits going for the salad is that there is no up-charge and that the side is only 120 calories, which makes since due to the tiny portion the dish is delivered.
Even salad lovers will pass up this Kale Crunch Side.
3/10
Alexandra Gerges // Staff Writer
I think the Kale Crunch side salad at Chick-fil-A is very tasty.
The amount could be larger though.
I liked it!