live better apple cider vinegar

KALE CRUNCH SALAD 

Make Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad at home with my copycat recipe! It’s just like the one from the restaurant—but even better because it’s homemade. Ready in just 5–10 minutes!

INGREDIENTS

Salad

  • 4 cups (268g) curly kale, chopped
  • 1 cup (89g) green cabbage, shredded
  • ¼ cup (36g) roasted almond slivers

Apple Cider & Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup (10g) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (42g) honey, blue agave, or maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare the Kale – Wash and dry the kale with paper towels. Remove the tough ribs by hand or with a knife, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Place in a medium bowl, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Massage the kale with your hands for 2–3 minutes to soften.
  • Mix the Greens – In a large mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale with shredded green cabbage.
  • Make the Vinaigrette – In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey (or alternative sweetener), olive oil, salt, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
  • Assemble the Salad – Drizzle the vinaigrette over the greens and toss to coat. Sprinkle with roasted almond slivers.

NOTES

  • Extra Dressing – Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Serving Suggestions – Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates. This recipe makes 4–6 side servings or 2–3 main course portions.
  • Vegan Modification – Replace honey with blue agave or maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio.

NUTRITION (PER SERVING)

  • Calories: 388kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Sodium: 326mg
  • Potassium: 1051mg
  • Fiber: 15g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Vitamin A: 24,221IU
  • Vitamin C: 244mg
  • Calcium: 682mg
  • Iron: 5mg

Enjoy your homemade Kale Crunch Salad—fresh, flavorful, and easy to make!

DIY COCONUT SHAMPOO

Homemade coconut shampoo is truly a game-changer! Not only is this DIY shampoo incredibly easy to make, but it’s also much better for your hair and health. Unlike store-bought options filled with toxic chemicals and questionable ingredients, this all-natural shampoo only uses 4 simple ingredients.

A few weeks ago, I shared my natural homemade mosquito spray, which received great feedback. Since that post sparked interest in the other homemade products I’ve been making, I decided to share another favorite: my homemade coconut shampoo.

I’ve been using this shampoo for quite a while now, and my family loves it. Whether or not it’s cheaper than store-bought options is irrelevant to me—I’m more than happy to trade in commercial shampoos filled with harmful ingredients for a safe, effective, homemade alternative.

Along with this coconut shampoo, I’ve also been making my own laundry detergent, which we absolutely love. I’m thinking about sharing that recipe soon as well!

If you decide to give this coconut shampoo a try, let me know how you like it. We’re hooked, and I hope you will be too!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2/3 cup castile soap (I used Dr. Bronner’s brand)
  • 30 drops essential oil (I used jasmine)
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in an empty shampoo bottle or jar.
  2. Use a funnel for easier pouring into the bottle.
  3. Shake well to mix everything together.

Storage:

  • Keep the shampoo in the shower for 1–2 months.
  • Shake well before each use.

Note:

If your hair feels oily or heavy after use, rinse it with apple cider vinegar. Many people find that this extra step helps achieve cleaner, lighter hair.

I used an empty castile shampoo bottle to store my homemade coconut shampoo, but you can use any type of shampoo bottle you have on hand. A funnel is also super helpful when pouring the liquids into the bottle, making the process much cleaner and easier.

I actually double the recipe so it lasts a bit longer! Just be sure to shake the bottle before each use. It works really well, and I hope you love it as much as we do!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own homemade coconut shampoo is an easy, natural, and effective way to care for your hair without the harmful chemicals found in many store-bought products. With just four simple ingredients, you can create a shampoo that works great, lasts longer when you double the recipe, and is much gentler on your hair and skin. Plus, it’s a satisfying and eco-friendly alternative to commercial shampoos. I hope you enjoy making and using it as much as we do! Let me know how it works for you!