Kristen B. Reed

WXIA-TV, Atlanta

ATLANTA — A week after Chick-fil-A broke the news to fans that it was discontinuing coleslaw, the fast-food chain announced a healthier alternative dubbed the Superfood Side.

The new salad is stuffed with chopped kale and broccolini tossed a maple vinaigrette dressing topped with dried sour cherries. It has a packet of walnuts, almonds and pecans on the side for nut lovers. The side dish checks off superfood boxes with its kale, broccolini, dried sour cherries and walnuts.

"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," said David Farmer, Chick-fil-A's vice president of menu strategy and development.. "Customers who have tried it rave about having an option that's incredibly healthy where you don't have to sacrifice great taste."

Chick-fil-A, where the signature sandwich and french fries still are deep-fat fried, has other healthy options including grilled chicken, fruit cups and salads.

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The kale salad was developed in collaboration with Atlanta-based chef Ford Fry of Ford Fry Restaurants. Chick-fil-A officials 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," Fry said. "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."

The Superfood Side debuts Jan. 18 nationwide in two sizes: 5 ounces for $2.59 and 8 ounces for $3.79. It also will be able to be substituted for fries in a combo meal for an additional 94 cents.

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What's the calorie count?

• 140 calories and 7 grams of fat for 5 ounces vs. 310 calories and 16 grams of fat for a small waffle fries. The discontinued coleslaw comes in at 360 calories and 31 grams of fat.

• 170 calories and 8 grams of fat for the 8-ounce portion vs. 520 calories and 27 grams of fat for a large waffle fries. The coleslaw packs 580 calories and 50 grams of fat.

Chick-fil-A officials said their restaurants are one of the first in the fast-food industry to offer kale, which used to be dismissed as a garnish, as a side item.

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