ATLANTA -- A week after breaking the news to cole slaw fans that they were discontinuing the side, Chick-fil-A announced it's replacement.
They're calling it the Superfood Side. The fast-food chain describes it as "a blend of hand-chopped kale and Broccolini, tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette dressing and topped with flavorful dried sour cherries. It is served with a blend of roasted nuts (walnuts, almonds and pecans) that enhances the flavor and provides added crunch."
Knoxville Chick-fil-A restaurants tested the Superfood Side last year. The feedback from Knoxville customers led to the side being added to menus nationally, according to a release.
This move comes at a time where consumers are calling for healthier options from an industry where french fries and calories are king. However, healthy options are not new at Chick-fil-A where hungry folks can get a fruit cup, grilled chicken and salads.
"The Superfood Side is not something you would expect to see at a fast food restaurant, and we're thrilled to kick off 2016 with something that can help people stick to their New Year's resolutions to eat healthfully. Customers who have tried it rave about having an option that's incredibly healthy where you don't have to sacrifice great taste," said David Farmer, vice president of menu strategy and development for Chick-fil-A.
The kale salad was developed in collaboration with Atlanta-based chef Ford Fry, of Ford Fry Restaurants. Chick-fil-A said this is the first time an outside chef has partnered with the chain to introduce a new menu item.
"I really enjoyed working with the culinary team from Chick-fil-A on incorporating ingredients that are unique to the industry," said Fry. "We know that it can be challenging to eat healthy on-the-go, so we wanted to create something that customers will love eating that's also nutritious."
Customers can begin ordering the salads on January 18 at restaurants across the country. There will be two size options: The 5 oz. is $2.59 and the 8 oz. is 3.79.
The Superfood Side will also be offered as a substitution for fries in any combo meal for .94 cents more.
According to the company, the side has 140 calories and 7 grams of fat in the 5 oz. portion and 170 calories and 8 grams of fat in the 8 oz. portion.
Chick-fil-A said they are one of the first in their industry to offer kale as a side item.
