Introduction
When it comes to fast-food, salads are often the go-to option for those looking for a healthier meal. But not all salads are created equal. Some fast-food chains offer salads that are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, while others offer salads that are packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients. To help you make the best choice, we’ve rounded up the five fast-food chains with the best salad options right now. From salads with grilled chicken and fresh vegetables to salads with quinoa and roasted nuts, these salads are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling full and energized. So, if you’re looking for a healthier fast-food option, look no further than these five fast-food chains.
5 Fast-Food Chains With the Best Salad Options Right Now
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. With so many fast-food chains offering delicious and nutritious salads, you can get your greens on the go. Here are five of the best fast-food salads you can find right now.
1. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious option. It’s made with fresh greens, grilled chicken, apples, blue cheese, and pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a great way to get your protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
2. Chick-fil-A Superfood Side
Chick-fil-A’s Superfood Side is a great way to get your greens. It’s made with a mix of kale and broccolini, tossed in a light and tangy maple vinaigrette. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals without feeling like you’re eating a salad.
3. McDonald’s Southwest Salad
McDonald’s Southwest Salad is a great option for those looking for a little spice. It’s made with fresh greens, grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy southwest dressing. It’s a great way to get your protein and fiber without feeling like you’re eating a salad.
4. Burger King Garden Grilled Chicken Salad
Burger King’s Garden Grilled Chicken Salad is a great way to get your greens. It’s made with fresh greens, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a great way to get your protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
5. Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl
Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl is a great way to get your greens. It’s made with fresh greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing. It’s a great way to get your protein and fiber without feeling like you’re eating a salad.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. With so many fast-food chains offering delicious and nutritious salads, you can get your greens on the go. Whether you’re looking for a light and tangy salad or something a little spicier, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in a rush, don’t forget to check out these five fast-food chains for the best salad options.
When it comes to the landscape of fast food, it’s looking less green than ever. These days, many chains are pulling back on providing fresh options for customers as menus are simplified.
But why are we forgoing the fork? According to McDonald’s, which ditched salads at the beginning of the pandemic, restaurant operators were reporting that tossing greens became too much work during peak times. And as operations became streamlined, it was at the expense of healthier options.
All is not lost, however. There are plenty of great fast-food chains stepping up to fill the void with fresh and leafy burger alternatives and we’re here to showcase our favorites.
These big salads aren’t here to stick to the sidelines, either. If you’re looking for a full plate, brimming with color and dressed like it’s a party, we’ve got you covered. The salad days are finally here.
Nutritional information varies by order
What we love about Chipotle’s salad is the fact it’s highly customizable, meaning you can fit it into any meal plan. The protein options include different choices of meat, where you can either go lean with two types of chicken, meatier with carne asada and barbacoa, or even vegetarian with a plant-based choice. The greens aren’t boring either, with a tri-blend of romaine, baby kale, and baby spinach.
Additionally, the Tex-Mex chain lets you add rice, beans, and an array of different toppings, including its delicious Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette.
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Per salad: 710 calories, 51 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1770 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (6 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 36 g protein
Chic-Fil-A’s Cobb Salad with a Spicy Grilled Filet chicken breast is not to be overlooked. Served on a bed of mixed greens and topped with roasted corn kernels, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced egg, grape tomatoes, crispy red bell peppers, and Avocado Lime Ranch dressing—this fast-food salad is as good as more expensive versions at any full-service restaurant!
While it does pack a punch of protein, it comes with a big serving of calories as well, so those that are cutting down should be leery as this item isn’t necessarily a low-cal option. However, it is very delicious and one of the best big salads you’ll be able to find at a fast-food restaurant.
Per Cobb Salad w/Grilled Chicken: 440 calories, 20 g fat (9 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1490 mg sodium, 17 g carbs (3 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 52 g protein
Zaxby’s always has a good variety of salads on its menu but this summer its upgraded selection is even healthier. The fried chicken chain has introduced a lineup of “Zensible Zalads” made with fresh ingredients that have fewer than 600 calories.
Both the House version and Cobb salad are served with a Lite Vinaigrette dressing, and can either come with grilled or fried chicken. These specialty salads are only available for a limited time, however, so if you’re feeling the salad munchies, you better get there quick.
Per salad: 500 calories, 29 g fat (7 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1030 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (8 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 37 g protein
Panera has always been the go-to place to grab something green and nothing has changed in that department. Our favorite salad on the menu when it comes to taste, a healthy variety of veggies, and plenty of lean protein is the Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken.
It comes packed with arugula, romaine, baby kale, and red lettuce before being topped with grape tomatoes, pickled onions, avocado, chicken, Applewood-smoked bacon, and a boiled egg. The fresh Green Goddess dressing has a creamy texture with the bright lemon and fresh herbs flavors–definitely a memorable option!
Per salad: 421 calories, 16 g fat (5.6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0.84 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (4.3 g fiber, 34 g sugar), 29 g protein
Burger giant Wendy’s never fails to impress with its salads, which it managed to keep fresh where other fast-food chains have failed.
In particular, we love the Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad. It’s made daily with a lettuce blend, crisp apple chips, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, Italian cheese, and grilled chicken. Additionally, its Pomegranate Vinaigrette dressing tops it perfectly, proving it doesn’t all have to be burgers in fast food.