Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat) – A Fresh and Flavorful Favorite

Let’s be honest—there’s just something irresistible about Chick-fil-A’s Market Salad. It’s light, crunchy, sweet, savory, and surprisingly satisfying. But here’s the catch: grabbing it from the drive-thru too often can really start to add up. What if you could recreate the Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat) at home for a fraction of the price, with even more freshness and flexibility?

That’s exactly what we’re doing today. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a homemade version of this iconic salad, right down to the Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette. We’ll cover everything—from ingredients and substitutions to storing tips and fun customizations.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a healthy lunch you won’t get bored of, this copycat Chick-fil-A salad is about to become a weekly go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat)

So, what’s the big deal? Why bother recreating a salad when you can just grab one from the nearest Chick-fil-A? I’m glad you asked. Here’s why this homemade version is an absolute game-changer:

1. Healthier and More Affordable

Let’s face it—eating out is convenient, but it comes with hidden calories and a higher price tag. This homemade version uses fresh, whole ingredients without the preservatives or added sugars you might find in the store-bought kind. Plus, you can make multiple servings for the price of one!

2. Packed With Flavor and Texture

You’ve got crunchy greens, juicy grilled chicken, sweet fruit, tangy cheese, and crunchy granola all dancing together in one bowl. It’s basically a party on your plate—and everyone’s invited.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch of ingredients at the start of the week, and just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. It’s a lifesaver if you’re juggling work, kids, and life in general.

4. Totally Customizable

Want to make it vegetarian? Easy. Trying to cut back on sugar or dairy? No problem. This copycat Market Salad can be tailored to fit almost any dietary need.

What’s in the Chick-fil-A Market Salad?

If you’ve ever peeked inside one of these salads, you know it’s more than just lettuce. The original Chick-fil-A Market Salad is a colorful blend of greens, grilled chicken, fruits, cheese, and crunchy toppings, paired with a zesty dressing. Here’s what goes into recreating that magic at home:

Mixed Greens

Start with a base of spring mix and romaine lettuce. You want a combo that gives you crunch and freshness without being too heavy. The contrast between the tender spring greens and crispy romaine makes each bite feel balanced.

Fresh Fruits

What sets this salad apart is the unexpected sweetness from fresh fruit. Chick-fil-A uses:

• Red and green apple slices
• Fresh strawberries
• Blueberries

These fruits add a juicy burst of flavor and a little natural sugar that plays beautifully with the savory chicken and creamy cheese.

Grilled Chicken Breast

A generous serving of perfectly grilled chicken breast takes this from side salad to full-blown meal. You can season it simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder—or get fancy with a marinade.

Crumbled Blue Cheese

This might be the most controversial ingredient (some people either love or hate blue cheese), but it adds a rich, tangy kick that really ties the salad together. If it’s not your thing, feta or goat cheese works just as well.

Harvest Nut Granola + Roasted Nuts

Chick-fil-A’s salad comes with a packet of Harvest Nut Granola and roasted almonds, which give it that signature crunch. You can use a store-bought granola, or better yet, toast your own nuts at home for extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need (With Substitution Options)

Let’s break down everything you’ll need to make this copycat Chick-fil-A Market Salad, plus a few smart swaps depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups spring mix
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• ½ cup sliced strawberries
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ medium apple, thinly sliced (use both red and green for color)
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup granola
• 2 tbsp roasted almonds or pecans
• 1 grilled chicken breast (seasoned and sliced)

Substitution Suggestions:

• Cheese: Swap blue cheese for feta, goat cheese, or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, shredded baked chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Fruits: Dried cranberries or mandarin oranges are great add-ins or substitutes.
• Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts all work—just toast them lightly for the best flavor.
• Greens: Don’t have spring mix? Try kale, arugula, or spinach for a different vibe.

This is one of those recipes where you can’t really mess it up—just use what you’ve got and make it your own.

How to Make the Perfect Copycat Chick-fil-A Salad

This might be the easiest salad you’ll ever make, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. It’s all about layering the flavors and textures just right. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you’re grilling fresh chicken, season it with:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Grill on medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest, then slice thin.

Shortcut? Use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips or even shredded rotisserie chicken.

Step 2: Wash and Chop the Veggies

Rinse and dry your greens (a salad spinner helps big time). Chop the romaine for crunch. Slice your strawberries, blueberries, and apples into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: soak your apple slices in lemon water for a few minutes to keep them from browning.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts

Grab a small dry skillet, toss in your almonds or pecans, and toast on medium heat for about 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they go from golden to burnt real quick.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now the fun part. In a large bowl or plate:

1. Add your greens.
2. Layer on the fruit.
3. Top with chicken slices.
4. Sprinkle blue cheese, granola, and nuts.

You want a little bit of everything in every bite. Don’t skimp on the toppings—that’s where the magic happens.

The Famous Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette (Copycat Recipe)

Okay, let’s talk about the real MVP of this salad: that apple cider vinaigrette. It’s sweet, tangy, slightly creamy, and just plain addictive. Chick-fil-A doesn’t bottle this one for retail (sadly), but here’s a homemade version that’s spot on.

Ingredients for the Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a natural sweetener)
• ⅓ cup olive oil (or a mix of olive oil and avocado oil)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Whisk everything together in a small bowl or shake it in a mason jar until emulsified.
2. Taste and adjust—more honey if you like it sweeter, more mustard if you like it tangier.
3. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

Pro tip: Let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Trust me—it makes a difference.

Nutrition Breakdown – How Healthy Is This Salad?

Let’s break down why this salad isn’t just tasty but also a nutritional powerhouse.

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (without heavy dressing):

• Calories: 420–500 (depending on toppings)
• Protein: 35–40g (thanks to grilled chicken)
• Fat: 18–25g (from cheese, nuts, and dressing)
• Carbs: 25–35g (mostly from fruit and granola)
• Fiber: 5–8g

This makes it a great balanced meal—perfect for lunch or dinner. And if you’re watching carbs or calories? You can skip the granola or go lighter on the dressing without losing flavor.

Tips for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Lunches

One of the best things about this Chick-fil-A Market Salad copycat is how easy it is to prep ahead. Here’s how to save time and stay fresh all week:

1. Prep Ingredients Separately

Chop the lettuce, grill the chicken, slice the fruit, and portion out the cheese and toppings. Store each ingredient in its own container in the fridge.

2. Use Airtight Containers

Mason jars, bento boxes, or meal prep containers work great. Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until just before eating.

3. Mix Right Before Eating

Layer your greens and proteins first, then add fruit and cheese. Add nuts, granola, and dressing at the last minute to keep everything crisp.

Quick hack: Make 3–4 jars on Sunday night and enjoy a fresh, no-fuss salad every day at work or on the go.

If you love fruity, refreshing salads, don’t miss our Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes: Quick And Tasty — it’s another reader favorite!

Substitutions for Special Diets

Whether you’re dairy-free, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky, here’s how to adjust this salad to fit your lifestyle:

Vegetarian:

Skip the chicken or replace it with:

• Grilled tofu
• Roasted chickpeas
• Plant-based “chicken” strips

Want a fully plant-based version of this recipe? Check out this flavorful Vegetarian Copycat Chick-fil-A Market Salad that skips the chicken but keeps all the freshness.

Dairy-Free:

• Omit the blue cheese or use dairy-free feta
• Check your granola for hidden dairy (some contain milk powders)

Gluten-Free:

• Choose a certified gluten-free granola
• Double-check that your Dijon mustard and seasoning blends are gluten-free

Low-Carb/Keto:

• Ditch the fruit or limit to a few berries
• Replace granola with toasted seeds or crushed pork rinds (keto-friendly crunch!)
• Use a sugar-free vinaigrette

This salad is like a blank canvas—go ahead and play with it.

Chick-fil-A vs. Homemade – The Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s compare what you’re getting with the drive-thru version versus the one you’re making at home:

Winner? Homemade—every time. You get more salad, more flavor, and way more value for your money.

Serving Suggestions and Add-ons

You can totally enjoy this salad as-is, but if you want to bulk it up or turn it into a full meal for guests, try these extras:

1. Add a Side

Pair it with:

• A warm whole grain roll
• A cup of tomato basil soup
• A small smoothie for a summery vibe

2. Turn It Into a Wrap

Yep—grab a large tortilla or low-carb wrap and stuff the salad inside. Roll it up, slice it in half, and enjoy a crunchy, creamy wrap full of flavor.

3. Try Other Dressings

Tired of vinaigrette? Try:

• Honey mustard
• Balsamic glaze
• Ranch or avocado lime dressing (not Chick-fil-A-style, but still delicious)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the Chick-fil-A Market Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. Just keep the dressing, fruit, and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

Is this salad good for weight loss?

Yes, especially if you’re focusing on high-protein, nutrient-dense meals. Just go light on the cheese, dressing, and granola if you’re watching calories or sugar.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

Prepped ingredients can last 3–5 days if stored properly. Assembled salads should be eaten within 1–2 days for best texture.

Can I freeze the salad?

Not really. Leafy greens and fresh fruit don’t freeze well. But you can freeze grilled chicken in meal-size portions for easy weekly prep.

Final Thoughts – A Salad Worth Making Again and Again

So, there you have it—a Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat) that tastes just like the original (maybe even better). It’s fresh, healthy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to throw together. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so it’ll never get boring.

Next time you’re craving something crunchy, sweet, and protein-packed, skip the drive-thru and hit the kitchen instead. Your wallet—and your body—will thank you.

Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat)

Create the ultimate Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat) at home! Fresh, flavorful, and healthy—perfect for any meal. Try this crave-worthy recipe now!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Light Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Salad:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 cups spring mix greens
• 2 grilled chicken breasts sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 medium apple thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup granola such as Harvest Nut Granola or similar

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Grill the Chicken:

• Season and grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let cool, then slice into thin strips.

Make the Vinaigrette:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl or individual plates, combine romaine and spring mix. Top with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, apple slices, blue cheese, almonds, and granola.

Dress and Serve:

• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side. Enjoy fresh!

Notes

💡 Tips:

• Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
• Only add the dressing before serving to keep the greens crisp.
• Substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder taste.

---

🧊 Storage:

Store salad ingredients (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep vinaigrette in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

---

🔄 Ingredient Substitutions:

• Chicken: Try grilled tofu or salmon for a different protein.
• Almonds: Use walnuts or sunflower seeds as an alternative.
• Granola: Swap with roasted seeds or low-sugar nut mix.