# Crunchy Kale Side Salads Chick-fil-A is Testing a New Salad Called the Kale Crunch Side By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2019-03-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kale-crunch References: [delish](https://www.delish.com/food-news/a26910657/chick-fil-a-testing-vegan-kale-salad/) In an effort to expand its plant-based offerings and give consumers better-for-you options, Chick-fil-A has announced that it will be testing a new salad called the Kale Crunch Side. The new Kale Crunch Side salad is a serving of fresh greens that's designed to serve as a [healthy alternative to fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-avocado-salad). The flavorful salad consists of curly kale and green cabbage, topped with [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-harvest-lineup) Dijon Dressing and some salted almonds for added crunch. For those looking to swap their burger as well, the chain recommends pairing the Kale Crunch with the Grilled Nuggets or the [Original Chicken Sandwich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-waffles-sandwich). As Chick-fil-A's Leslie Neslag, "We are thrilled to introduce the Kale Crunch Side to our guests looking for a healthier side alternative that is still convenient." Image Credit: *Chick-fil-A.* ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Plant-based Options:** The trend of offering plant-based menu options is growing, providing an opportunity for restaurants to cater to health-conscious consumers. - **Healthier Alternatives:** There is a demand for healthier alternatives to traditional fast food sides, creating opportunities for innovative salads and vegetable-based dishes. - **Convenience Without Compromise:** Consumers are seeking convenient options that align with their health goals, presenting an opportunity to develop convenient yet nutritious food offerings. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains have the potential to expand their offerings and attract health-conscious consumers with innovative salads and plant-based menu items. - **Restaurant Chains:** Restaurant chains can capitalize on the demand for healthier options by introducing innovative salads and vegetable-based dishes to appeal to a wider customer base. - **Food Service Providers:** Food service providers can address the need for convenient yet nutritious food offerings by developing grab-and-go salad options and plant-based side dishes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Convenient For-Home Salad Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunch-kits.md) - [QSR Salad Dressings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickfila-salad-dressings.md) - [Plant-Forward Cauliflower Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickfila-cauliflower-sandwich.md) - [QSR-Designed Salad Dressings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chick-fil-a.md) - [QSR Salad Dressing Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottled-salad-dressings.md) - [Lemon Kale Caesar Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-lemon-kale-caesar-salad.md) - [Crunchy Asian-Inspired Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-crunch-salad.md) - [Chicken Tender-Topped Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-fried-salad.md) - [Mediterranean Cuisine Salad kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dole-hummus-crunch-chopped-salad-kit.md)