While fast food might be synonymous with burgers and fries, many chains are stepping up their game by offering surprisingly good salads. For those seeking a quick, convenient meal that includes fresh greens and avoids the usual heavy options, fast food salads are an increasingly attractive choice. They’re perfect for adding more fiber and vegetables to your diet without sacrificing speed and accessibility.
Though often overshadowed by dedicated salad chains, several fast food restaurants serve salads that can rival their higher-end counterparts in terms of taste and quality. To help you navigate the fast food salad landscape, we’ve sampled salads from five popular chains. We’re ranking them from least impressive to the absolute best, considering flavor, freshness, and overall satisfaction. From Wendy’s fruity and nutty offering to Panera Bread’s classic Mediterranean-inspired salad, discover which fast food salads are genuinely worth your money and your taste buds.
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad
Nutrition: (Per 1 Salad w/o Dressing) Calories: 440 Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g) Sodium: 1,160 mg Carbs: 28 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 19 g) Protein: 31 g
Having enjoyed Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad in the past, revisiting it was a nostalgic experience. The salad itself, featuring grilled chicken, crunchy pecans, blue cheese crumbles, and crisp apple pieces, holds promise. However, the chicken component didn’t quite live up to expectations. For future orders of this $8.99 salad, opting for it without the protein and perhaps adding a side of their chicken nuggets might be a better strategy for a more satisfying, protein-rich meal.
The look: Presented in a clear, square container, the salad showcased a vibrant mix of fresh lettuce, generous chunks of red and green apples, and a modest amount of blue cheese. Pecans and dressing were thoughtfully packaged separately.
The taste: The core salad components were enjoyable, but the chicken was a definite weak point. Its saltiness was overpowering, the texture was somewhat off-putting, and the overall flavor was underwhelming. Aside from the chicken, the salad shone. The dressing was a highlight, offering a delightful fruity, tangy, and subtly acidic profile. The lettuce was crisp, and the apple slices were incredibly fresh and colorful. The blue cheese, though sparse, provided welcome bursts of flavor, and the pecans delivered satisfying crunch and were nicely chopped. Without the chicken, this salad has real potential.
Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
Nutrition: (Per 1 Salad w/o Dressing) Calories: 830 Fat: 60 g (Saturated Fat: 13 g) Sodium: 2,220 mg Carbs: 31 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 8 g) Protein: 42 g
Chick-fil-A’s reputation is built on its chicken, and thankfully, their salads hold their own. The Cobb Salad, a popular choice, allows for customization with various chicken options. From classic nuggets to grilled or spicy filets, the choices are extensive. Opting for the traditional nuggets atop this $14.55 salad, while tasty, resulted in a dish where the flavors felt somewhat disjointed.
The look: Served in a clear, medium-sized container, the Cobb Salad was visually appealing with fresh lettuce, bright red grape tomatoes, and chopped chicken nuggets. Sprinklings of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, a small portion of roasted corn, a sliced hard-boiled egg, and crumbled bacon bits added to the mix. Dried tomatoes, crispy red peppers, and an avocado-lime dressing came in separate packets.
The taste: This salad evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of McDonald’s salad shakers, mainly due to its indulgent flavor profile. This “throwback” sensation was confirmed by a second opinion, highlighting a familiar, comforting taste. As expected, the chicken nuggets were excellent – juicy inside with a slightly crispy exterior. The lettuce remained crisp, the egg was properly cooked and thinly sliced, the tomatoes were sweet and fresh, and the bacon provided a pleasant saltiness.
However, the corn and shredded cheese were barely present in noticeable quantities. The dressing, while rich and creamy, didn’t harmonize well with the dried tomatoes and peppers. Overall, while individually the components were good, the salad lacked cohesion in its flavors.
Chipotle Custom Salad
Nutrition: (Per 1 Salad) Calories: 1,045 Fat: 61 g (Saturated Fat: 18 g) Sodium: 2,370 mg Carbs: 99 g (Fiber: 17 g, Sugar: 18 g) Protein: 27 g
Discovering salads at Chipotle was a pleasant surprise, as previous orders typically revolved around burritos or bowls. This generously sized, customizable salad, priced at $15.73, proved to be well worth the cost. It felt more like a double portion, incredibly filling, and satisfying in both taste and value, making it a definite re-order.
The look: Contained in a substantial oval container with a foil lid, this salad was packed to the brim. Customization is key at Chipotle, and this salad featured fajita vegetables (peppers and onions), white rice, guacamole, queso, shredded cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes, and more.
The taste: A flavor explosion! This salad was packed with diverse and well-integrated tastes, largely thanks to the customization options. The rice was cooked perfectly, neither dry nor mushy, the guacamole tasted fresh, and the fajita vegetables were well-prepared. High-quality shredded cheese and creamy, savory queso added to the richness. The salad had a gentle spice and rested on a bed of lettuce that remained crisp, which was impressive.
While delicious and flavorful, the dressing seemed unnecessary given the already intense flavors within the salad. This is a hearty, substantial salad, perhaps not ideal if you’re seeking a particularly light meal, but perfect for a flavorful and filling option.
Subway Tuna Salad
Nutrition: (Per 1 Salad) Calories: 310 Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g) Sodium: 390 mg Carbs: 10 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 5 g) Protein: 15 g
Subway is best known for its sandwiches, but their salads, including options like the Veggie Delite and Club, should not be overlooked. If you’re craving Subway but want a lighter, lower-carb choice, their salads are excellent. The $9.19 Tuna Salad, based on positive reviews, turned out to be surprisingly delicious and satisfying.
The look: A round black bowl with a clear lid held a generous portion of chopped lettuce, sliced peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and plenty of cheese. The star was undoubtedly the two large scoops of tuna salad, rich with mayonnaise. Dressing was requested, but it was unclear if it had been added, which ultimately proved unnecessary.
The taste: Surprisingly fantastic. Everything in this salad tasted fresh and wholesome, a pleasant shock for a fast food salad. The tuna salad was freshly made, not overly salty or mushy, and generously portioned. The peppers and cucumbers were crisp and tasted freshly sliced, and the shredded cheese was of good quality, not rubbery at all. All these fresh ingredients sat atop a bed of crisp lettuce. This salad was outstanding and didn’t even need dressing to be flavorful and enjoyable.
Panera Bread Greek Salad
Nutrition: Half-Size Serving w/Apple for Side (Per 1 Order) Calories: 210 Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g) Sodium: 570 mg Carbs: 9 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 4 g) Protein: 4 g
Panera Bread’s consistency is a hallmark of the brand, and their Greek Salad is a testament to this. A reliable favorite since high school, it rarely disappoints. Fresh, light, and an excellent accompaniment to soups and sandwiches, the half-portion Greek Salad, priced at $7.39, is a menu staple worth ordering again and again.
The look: This salad is simply composed of sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, bright cherry tomatoes, a good amount of crumbled feta cheese, and fresh lettuce. The vinegary dressing, served on the side, effectively prevents sogginess before you’re ready to eat.
The taste: While one of Panera’s simpler salad options, the Greek Salad is a true classic for good reason. The vegetables were fresh and full of flavor – the red onion provided a welcome sharpness, and the cherry tomatoes were sweet and juicy. The feta cheese tasted high-quality, and the tangy, vinegar-based dressing brought all the elements together perfectly.
Ultimately, Panera Bread’s Greek Salad takes the top spot. It’s light yet satisfying, with a bright, refreshing, and versatile flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The ingredients feel high quality, and the price is reasonable. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for a fast food salad.
