Chick-fil-A Market Salad Copycat Recipe: Make it at Home

Craving Chick-fil-A’s fresh and vibrant Market Salad but want to enjoy it any day of the week? This copycat recipe captures all the delicious elements of the original – from the tender grilled chicken to the sweet-tart berry mix and crunchy nuts.

Perfect for meal prep or a healthy lunch option, this salad combines premium ingredients that create a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Difficulty: Medium
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 large salads

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Salad Base:

• 8 cups mixed baby greens
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

For the Nut Mix:

• 1/2 cup roasted almonds, sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup granola

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness
   • Mix olive oil and seasonings, then coat chicken evenly
   • Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing
2. Make the Vinaigrette:
   • Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard
   • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously
   • Season with salt and pepper
   • Refrigerate until ready to use
3. Prepare the Nut Mix:
   • Combine sliced almonds, chopped pecans, and granola in a bowl
   • Set aside for topping
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and romaine
   • Layer red cabbage and carrots
   • Add sliced apples, strawberries, and blueberries
   • Top with sliced grilled chicken
   • Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles
   • Add nut mix just before serving
   • Drizzle with apple cider vinaigrette
5. Final Presentation:
   • Divide into individual serving bowls
   • Garnish with additional fruit if desired
   • Serve immediately with dressing on the side

Additional Tips

1. Meal Prep Tips:
   • Prepare chicken and dressing up to 3 days in advance
   • Store nuts and fruit separately to maintain freshness
   • Wait to slice apples until ready to serve to prevent browning
   • Pack dressing separately if taking to work
2. Ingredient Substitutions:
   • Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese
   • Use rotisserie chicken to save time
   • Substitute seasonal berries as available
   • Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled tofu
3. Storage Guidelines:
   • Store assembled salad (without dressing) for up to 24 hours
   • Keep dressing refrigerated for up to 1 week
   • Store nut mix in an airtight container at room temperature
   • Freeze extra grilled chicken for future use
4. Serving Suggestions:
   • Pair with a warm bread roll for a complete meal
   • Serve as a side salad without chicken for gatherings
   • Consider offering extra dressing on the side
   • Present components separately for a build-your-own salad bar