Taste the flavors of fall with crunchy kale and shaved Brussels sprouts, sweet and savoy chicken apple sausage, creamy white cheddar and a honey dijon vinaigrette!

It’s fall it’s fall I don’t care what they say!

Forget the calendar and delete your weather app because if it’s after Labor Day and under 90º I say, it’s fall yall!

Okay technically it’s not quite fall but it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season and there are pumpkins out at the grocery store. Doesn’t that count for something!?

It’s still toasty here in Texas but I love tip-toeing into the new season by incorporating some fall flavors into our meals. Enter: my Fall-ish Kale Salad!

I’ve shared this Fall Harvest Kale Salad recipe before and it’s one of our favorites. This salad has similar vibes, but I made this recipe even simpler by using pre-cooked chicken sausage. Fall FTW!

All of the elements of this salad are delicious individually, but when combined their forces are unstoppable. It’s like the Power Rangers of salads.

Watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram page here!

Why I Love This Fall-ish Kale Salad with Chicken

This is one of those easy kale salad recipes that works as a complete meal—it’s hearty, packed with leafy greens, naturally gluten-free, and filled with cozy fall flavors. The combination of shredded kale, apples, quinoa, toasted pecans, creamy aged cheddar, and crisped chicken sausage creates a satisfying Kale Salad with Chicken that feels indulgent but nourishing.

Plus, it holds up beautifully for meal prep! If stored in an airtight container, the kale stays sturdy and delicious even the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup shredded kale ribs removed
1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts remove any thick cores
3 links chicken apple sausage cut into discs
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 large Honeycrisp apple diced
1/4 cup roasted and salted pecan halves crushed
1/4 cup shredded aged white cheddar cheese I like Unexpected Cheddar from TJ’s

Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

3 tbsp. dijon mustard
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. honey
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/3 cup avocado oil

How to make my Fall-ish Kale Salad with Chicken Sausage:

First you’ll start with a base of shredded kale and shredded Brussels sprouts. Both veggies are quite fibrous (aka TOUGH) and they need a little TLC to help them become all that they can be in this salad. Nothing a little massaging can’t do! Yes, you’re going to pour half of the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette onto the kale and Brussels then with a clean hand, get on in there and rub your lettuce. I’m serious. It helps to break down those tough fibers making the salad both more delicious AND easier to digest!

Then you’ll add some pre-cooked quinoa to the salad. I love making a big batch of this on Mondays to use in my salads all week! Quinoa is naturally gluten free and is a great source of plant protein. It also tastes nutty and adds a nice heartiness to the veggies!

Then comes the Honeycrisp apple – the PREMIER apple in my opinion! Sweet, tangy, super crunchy – it just doesn’t get better. Dice half of one up (ours in TX are always very large?) and toss it in.

Then the roasted pecans – salty, nutty perfection. I love all types of nuts but pecans are reallllly growing on me. They add a certain comfort I just adore.

You’ll want to use an aged white cheddar cheese for this recipe – it’s nuttiness will help to balance any sweetness from the apples and Honey Dijon vinaigrette. I am obsessed with the shredded Unexpected Cheddar from Trader Joe’s – it’s almost parmesany, slightly tangy and super creamy.

Lastly you’ll add your chicken apple sausage discs! These links come pre-cooked but I love to pan sear the sliced discs to add some smokiness — and they texture is just better with a little crispiness. Heat a skillet, spray with cooking spray and cook the sliced discs for 2-3 minutes per side.

You’ll finish off your salad with a little more dressing before you’re ready to dive right in! I hope you enjoy this scrumptious slice of (pre) fall on your plate 🙂

Optional Add-Ins

These additions elevate flavor, texture, and nutrients:

diced red onion or thin-sliced shallots
chopped bell pepper
cherry tomatoes
crunchy almonds
sweet cranberries
roasted sweet potato cubes
drizzle of hot sauce
swap dressing for balsamic vinaigrette or tahini dressing

How to Store Your Kale Salad with Chicken

This salad holds up beautifully thanks to the sturdy kale leaves.

Store leftovers in an airtight container
Keeps well for the next day
If storing longer, keep leftover dressing separate to maintain texture

FAQs

Yes! Try rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, air fryer chicken, or leftover roasted chicken.

You can use curly kale, lacinato kale, Tuscan kale, cavolo nero, or dinosaur kale. All shred beautifully when washed in cold water and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Absolutely! Kale holds up better than most greens. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy as a main dish salad throughout the week.

Yes — try balsamic vinegar, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a creamy tahini dressing for a fun twist.

Whether you’re easing into fall or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this chicken kale salad brings together all the cozy ingredients and satisfying textures you want in a hearty kale salad. It comes together quickly, stores well for meal prep, and works just as beautifully for lunch as it does for an easy weeknight dinner. I hope this fall-ish favorite finds a spot in your regular rotation — enjoy every crunchy, delicious bite!

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