Here’s Where to Find the Healthiest Fast Food Salads
When you think of fast food, you’re probably not thinking about healthy options. As a salad lover who still loves fast food, I always look for the best salads in fast food chains.
If you’re searching for healthy salads on the go, you’re bound to find one at one of these popular chains. Check them out the next time you’re hitting the road.
1. Panera
Panera has plenty of delicious salads on its menu, so you won’t be limited to unhealthy options. The Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is packed full of protein, though a little high in sugar. That said, it’s only 370 calories.
Another healthy pick is the Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad. It’s the perfect summer meal, brimming with nutritious veggies.
2. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is known for its delicious burgers, like the iconic Baconator, but the fast-food joint also offers mouth-watering salads. Their Apple Pecan Chicken salad is made with grilled chicken breast, apples, cranberries, roasted pecans, crumbled blue cheese, all topped off with a pomegranate vinaigrette.
The infamous fast-food spot also offers three other tasty salads to satisfy your cravings.
3. Burger King
While Burger King isn’t known for its healthier options, you’ll be surprised to learn there are a few delicious healthy salads worth trying. Their Grilled Chicken Salad is perfect if you want something light but still protein-loaded.
It’s filled with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and grilled chicken fillet, and you can choose between the balsamic, yogurt, or Caesar’s dressing.
4. Subway
If you’re a fan of Subway, you’ll be happy to learn that most of your favorite subs can be turned into a tasty salad. The Oven Roasted Chicken, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, and Tuna Salad are just a few of the delicious salads you can get at the fast-food spot packed full of veggies and protein.
5. Chopt
Chopt is the place to go if you’re looking for a salad and want more than just a few options. The chain restaurant’s menu features eight delectable salads full of fresh protein and vegetables.
I love that Chopt offers so many diverse salad choices, from a filling Greek salad to a tangy Mexican Caesar salad. You’ll definitely satisfy your salad craving here.
6. Chick-fil-A
For days when you’re not feeling a chicken sandwich and fries, head to Chick-fil-A for one of their iconic salads. Their Cobb Salad is filled with mixed greens, corn, shredded cheese, bacon, a sliced hard-boiled egg, and grape tomatoes.
The best part about this salad? You have endless protein options, including cauliflower, nuggets, a filet, grilled or crispy chicken, and more. It’s topped with an Avocado Lime Ranch dressing that gives it unforgettable flavor.
7. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box has various salad options to help you achieve your health goals. Try their Garden Salad with grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken, as grilled is always the healthier choice.
The chain also has a Southwest Salad with crispy or grilled chicken and a vegetarian side salad featuring tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce.
8. Au Bon Pain
Au Bon Pain has six unique salads to choose from, and they’re all mouthwateringly delicious. The Chicken Ceasar Asiago Salad is a go-to choice if you want to limit your calorie intake. Go for the Chicken Cobb Avocado Salad if you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier.
It’s packed with healthy ingredients, including a hard-boiled egg, chicken, fresh avocado, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, gorgonzola, and greens.
9. Chipotle
If you’re looking to build your own salad from scratch, Chipotle is the place to go. When crafting a healthy salad at Chipotle, you’ll get to choose a fresh protein that’s served on their Supergreens lettuce blend.
You can add guacamole, beans, rice, queso blanco, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and more to your salad and top it off with their infamous Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette.
10. Quiznos
Quiznos offers three salad choices for those days when a sub just isn’t cutting it. We recommend trying the Apple Harvest Chicken Salad for a healthy meal that’s full of fruit, veggies, and protein. The salad features delicious Honey-Dijon chicken salad, apples, dried cranberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds and is topped with an apple cider vinaigrette.
The light, flavorful dressing is a bonus, as creamier dressings tend to be on the unhealthier side.
11. Dairy Queen
Did you know that Dairy Queen has salads on its menu? While there aren’t as many options as other fast food chains, they have two delicious salads to choose from when you’re hunting for a light, healthy meal.
You can order a delicious Crispy Chicken Strips Salad, which features crispy chicken strips, lettuce, bacon, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar with a dressing of your choice. Or opt for the Side Salad for a vegetarian alternative.
12. Taco Bell
Good news for bowl lovers — Taco Bell has finally jumped on the trend and has its own delicious protein-packed bowls on the menu. The Cantina Chicken Bowl is brimming with roasted chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and other fresh toppings for a healthy Mexican-style bowl.
It comes with the chain’s iconic Avocado Ranch sauce and Avocado Verde Salsa for a tangy taste you’ll love.
13. El Pollo Loco
Don’t miss out on El Pollo Loco’s delicious Double Chicken Avocado Salad. This is their healthiest salad option, and it’s keto-friendly! The protein-packed salad has chicken, lettuce, avocado, pico de galo, corn, and cotija cheese for a tangy, tasty flavor.
You can also get one of their tostada salads, but since they’re served in a crispy tostada, they’re the less healthy choice.