Fast food is often seen as a dietary downfall, especially when you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For many, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly solution during busy weeks when cooking feels impossible. The challenge arises when health is a priority. Traditional fast food menus are frequently loaded with high-calorie, high-sodium, and saturated fat-laden fried options, notoriously lacking in essential fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, it’s not all doom and gloom in the drive-thru lane. According to nutrition experts, healthier fast food items do exist, provided you know where to look and what to order.
To guide you through the often-confusing world of fast food menus, we consulted with registered dietitians. They’ve pinpointed some of the healthiest fast food choices available at popular chains like Subway, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, and more. These expert insights will empower you to make informed decisions, allowing you to enjoy convenient meals that align with your health and wellness goals, even when you’re pressed for time.
Expert Tips for Choosing Healthiest Fast Food Items
Navigating fast food menus for healthier options requires a strategic approach. When seeking out the Healthiest Fast Food Items, your primary focus should be on menu options that are naturally lower in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. To provide concrete, actionable advice, we consulted Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Body Designs by Mary. Her expert recommendations are invaluable for anyone aiming to make better nutritional choices at their favorite fast-food restaurants:
- Prioritize Grilled Over Fried: Whenever possible, choose grilled, baked, or roasted items instead of fried counterparts. This simple swap significantly reduces your intake of unhealthy fats and excess calories, making it a cornerstone of healthier fast food ordering.
- Embrace Whole Grains: To boost your fiber intake, actively look for whole grain options. Opt for whole wheat buns, wraps, or bread whenever they are available. Increased fiber contributes to better digestion and sustained energy levels.
- Vegetables are Your Allies: Maximize your nutrient intake by loading up on vegetables. Request extra vegetables on your sandwiches, burgers, or salads. This adds crucial vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your fast food meal, enhancing its nutritional value.
- Portion Control is Key: Be mindful of portion sizes. Consider ordering smaller portions or selecting items from the kids’ menu. This is a practical strategy to prevent overeating and manage calorie intake effectively.
- Hydrate Smartly, Skip Sugary Drinks: Choose your beverages wisely. Water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water are the best choices. Avoid sugary drinks like soda or sweetened juices, which add empty calories and contribute to health issues.
- Customize Your Order to Your Advantage: Don’t hesitate to customize your order. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side to control the amount you use. Better yet, choose healthier condiments like mustard or vinaigrette, which are lower in calories and fat compared to creamy sauces.
- Skip the Unnecessary Extras: Be selective about add-ons. Avoid high-calorie extras such as cheese, bacon, and creamy sauces. Instead, opt for healthier additions like avocado, which provides healthy fats and valuable nutrients.
- Consider Bowls, Wraps, and Salads as Healthier Bases: Favor menu items like bowls, wraps, or salads. These options are generally richer in fiber, protein, and vegetables while being lower in refined carbohydrates and added sugars compared to traditional fast food meals.
It’s important to recognize that not every fast food order is destined to derail your healthy eating habits. Increasingly, fast food chains are acknowledging the growing consumer demand for nutritious options and are adapting their menus accordingly. To help you navigate these evolving menus, we’ve compiled a list of 25 of the best healthy fast food orders available. Keep reading to discover dietitian-approved choices that can keep you on track with your health goals, even when you’re on the go. For contrast, you might also want to check out our companion piece on the 86 Unhealthiest Fast Foods on the Planet to know what to avoid.
1. Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap
Image alt text: Close-up of a Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap, showcasing the grilled chicken and vegetables inside a whole wheat wrap.
Wendy’s Nutrition (Per wrap):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 16 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
- Sodium: 1,170 mg
- Carbs: 42 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g)
- Protein: 27 g
While Wendy’s is renowned for its burgers and indulgent sides, a closer look reveals healthier, lighter choices like the Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap. “Grilled chicken is an excellent lean protein source, and the whole-grain wrap provides beneficial fiber while reducing refined carbohydrates,” explains Sabat. This wrap is a smart choice for a satisfying yet health-conscious meal.
Explore More: 10 Healthiest Wendy’s Orders
2. Subway 6-inch Oven Roasted Turkey Sub
Image alt text: A 6-inch Subway Oven Roasted Turkey Sub, fully loaded with fresh vegetables on whole wheat bread, highlighting healthy fast food sandwich options.
Subway Nutrition (Per 6-inch sub):
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 4 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Carbs: 40 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 6 g)
- Protein: 21 g
The Subway 6-inch Oven Roasted Turkey Sub stands out as a quick and healthy fast food option when you desire something lighter, according to Sabat. Its customizable nature allows for a nutritionally balanced meal.
“It offers lean protein from turkey and can be enriched with a variety of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers,” she notes. “Choosing whole-grain bread boosts fiber content, and adding toppings like avocado provides healthy fats. By avoiding high-calorie additions like extra cheese and creamy sauces, and opting for mustard or a light vinaigrette instead, you ensure the sub remains nutritious and balanced.”
Explore More: 9 Healthiest Subway Sandwiches To Order
3. Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl
Image alt text: Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl, showcasing slow-roasted chicken, black beans, rice, and fresh vegetables, emphasizing a balanced and healthy fast food bowl.
Taco Bell Nutrition (Per order):
- Calories: 490
- Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
- Sodium: 1,150 mg
- Carbs: 44 g (Fiber: 11 g, Sugar: 3 g)
- Protein: 25 g
Taco Bell offers several healthier options, but the Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl is among the most satisfying and nutrient-dense. It provides a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins.
“This bowl is a healthy fast food choice due to its balanced macronutrient profile and essential vitamins. The slow-roasted chicken delivers lean protein, while seasoned rice and black beans offer fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy,” Sabat explains. “Fresh vegetables like lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, and pico de gallo contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Healthy fats come from guacamole, and the dish is rounded out with a moderate amount of cheddar cheese and reduced-fat sour cream to manage calorie count. Overall, it’s a nutrient-rich option with a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.”
Explore More: 9 Healthiest Dishes to Order at Taco Bell
4. Burger King Royal Crispy Wrap
Image alt text: Burger King Royal Crispy Wrap, featuring crispy chicken, tomato, and lettuce in a wrap, highlighting a lower calorie healthy fast food wrap option.
Burger King Nutrition (Per order):
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 17 g (Saturated Fat: 3 g)
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Carbs: 28 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 2 g)
- Protein: 15 g
In contrast to Burger King’s calorie-dense burgers and fries, the Royal Crispy Wrap presents a healthier and lighter alternative within their menu.
“With only 310 calories and 15 grams of protein, this wrap provides a satisfying meal without excessive calories,” says Sabat. “It also contains 4 grams of fiber, aiding digestive health, and its 3 grams of saturated fat and zero trans fat make it a heart-healthier choice compared to many fast-food items. The addition of juicy tomato and crisp lettuce adds vitamins and minerals, while the spicy Buffalo glaze and creamy Buffalo sauce enhance flavor without significantly increasing sugar content.”
Explore More: The Best & Worst Menu Items at Burger King
5. Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Image alt text: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a white background, showcasing the grilled chicken breast, lettuce, and tomato on a multigrain bun, emphasizing a classic healthy fast food sandwich.
Chick-fil-A Nutrition (Per sandwich):
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Carbs: 44 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 12 g)
- Protein: 28 g
Chick-fil-A is celebrated for its chicken sandwiches, both the original and grilled versions. Finding quality grilled chicken in fast food can be challenging, but Chick-fil-A excels in this area. For a healthier sandwich choice, consider their Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
“Chicken is a lean protein, and choosing whole-grain bread and minimal toppings helps keep the sandwich relatively low in calories and saturated fat,” Sabat explains. “It comes in at 390 calories and 12 grams of fat, making it a sensible choice for a healthy fast food meal.”
6. Arby’s Classic Roast Beef
Image alt text: Arby’s Classic Roast Beef sandwich, showing thinly sliced roast beef on a sesame seed bun, highlighting a protein-rich healthy fast food sandwich option.
Arby’s Nutrition (Per sandwich):
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g, Trans fat: 0.5 g)
- Sodium: 970 mg
- Carbs: 37 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 38 g
While the small amount of fiber and trace trans fat are not ideal, the Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at Arby’s is a relatively healthier option compared to other items on their menu and fast-food sandwiches in general.
It provides 38 grams of protein and only 5 grams of saturated fat, which is low for a red meat fast-food sandwich. With just 360 calories, it’s a filling yet lighter sandwich option.
Explore More: The Best & Worst Menu Items at Arby’s
7. Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich
Image alt text: Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich, open-faced to show tuna salad on multigrain bread with lettuce and tomato, emphasizing a healthy fast food sandwich with good fats and protein.
Panera Bread Nutrition (Per sandwich, whole):
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 29 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g)
- Sodium: 1,060 mg
- Carbs: 50 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 4 g)
- Protein: 24 g
Panera’s extensive menu includes both healthy and less healthy items. The Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich is a standout healthy fast food sandwich, offering healthy fats, fiber, and protein for 550 calories. The main concern is the sodium content (1,060 milligrams), so consider another option if you’re monitoring sodium intake closely.
8. Chipotle Balanced Macros Bowl
Image alt text: Chipotle Balanced Macros Bowl, featuring rice, chicken, black beans, fajita vegetables, salsa, and guacamole, highlighting a customizable and healthy fast food bowl.
Chipotle Nutrition (Per bowl):
- Calories: 700
- Fat: 33 g
- Carbs: 61 g
- Protein: 45 g
Chipotle’s Balanced Macro Lifestyle Bowl is a healthy fast food option when craving Mexican cuisine. While full nutritional details are not listed by Chipotle, the ingredients speak for themselves.
“The Balanced Macro Bowl at Chipotle is an excellent healthy option when craving a Mexican dish. It includes rice, chicken, black beans, fajita vegetables, fresh salsa, guacamole, and extra romaine lettuce,” says Dr. Lisa Young, PhD, RDN. “This bowl provides all macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken and black beans are excellent protein sources, with black beans also contributing fiber. Guacamole adds heart-healthy fats.”
9. Taco Bell Fresco Soft Tacos
Image alt text: Taco Bell Fresco Style Soft Taco, showcasing lean ground beef, lettuce, and pico de gallo in a soft taco shell, emphasizing a lower calorie healthy fast food taco option.
Taco Bell Nutrition (Per taco):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Carbs: 18 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 1 g)
- Protein: 9 g
Taco Bell’s soft tacos are highly customizable. Choosing a Fresco Style Soft Taco—which replaces cheese and sour cream with diced tomatoes—adds vegetables and reduces calories to just 180 per taco with only four grams of saturated fat.
“Opting for Fresco-Style substitutes high-calorie ingredients like cheese and sour cream with flavorful pico de gallo, reducing overall calorie and fat content,” Sabat explains. “These modifications make Fresco Soft Tacos a better choice at Taco Bell.”
Explore More: 10 Fast-Food Burgers with Over 1,000 Calories
10. KFC Kentucky Grilled Chicken
Image alt text: KFC Kentucky Grilled Chicken breast, highlighting the grilled texture and lean protein aspect of a healthier fast food chicken choice.
KFC Nutrition (Per chicken breast, grilled):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 7 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
- Protein: 38 g
While KFC is synonymous with fried chicken, their grilled options are equally flavorful and significantly healthier. Save the fried chicken for occasional treats and choose Kentucky Grilled Chicken for a juicy and healthy fast food chicken option.
“[Kentucky Grilled Chicken] is a healthier alternative to fried chicken due to its lower fat content,” says Sabat. “With just 210 calories and 7 grams of fat, it’s the healthiest option on the KFC menu.”
11. Subway Grilled Chicken No Bready Bowl
Image alt text: Subway Grilled Chicken No Bready Bowl, filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables, emphasizing a low-carb and healthy fast food bowl option.
Subway Nutrition (Per bowl):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 4 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Carbs: 9 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 35 g
Subway offers several healthy subs and wraps, but their No Bready Bowls are an excellent healthy fast food choice if you prefer a bowl format.
“With only 200 calories and 4 grams of fat, you can load up the Grilled Chicken No Bready Bowl with vegetables for a satisfying high-fiber, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate choice,” Sabat recommends.
12. Panera Bread Greek Salad
Image alt text: Panera Bread Greek Salad, featuring romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and Greek dressing, highlighting a vegetable-rich and healthy fast food salad option.
Panera Nutrition (Per order):
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 36 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
- Sodium: 1,090 mg
- Carbs: 17 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 8 g)
- Protein: 8 g
Panera Bread is a great fast food option when you want a healthier lunch, especially paired with a hot cup of coffee. Sabat recommends the Greek Salad as a flavorful and light healthy fast food salad.
“It’s a healthy choice because it includes a variety of vegetables and healthy fats from olives and feta cheese,” Sabat says. “Plus, it’s a lighter option at just 410 calories, compared to some of the calorie-heavy sandwiches and pastries on their menu.”
13. In-N-Out Burger Protein Style Burger
Image alt text: In-N-Out Protein Style Double-Double, featuring burger patties and toppings wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, emphasizing a low-carb healthy fast food burger option.
In-N-Out Burger Nutrition (Exact nutrition information is not publicly available):
Have you explored the “Not So Secret Menu” at In-N-Out? It includes options not on the regular menu but readily available and featured on their website. The Protein Style Burger is a healthier burger choice, “which removes refined carbohydrates from the bun and replaces it with lettuce, reducing overall calorie intake,” Sabat explains. This is an excellent way to enjoy a burger while keeping it a healthier fast food meal.
14. Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast
Image alt text: Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast, showcasing chicken and green beans in a light sauce, highlighting a vegetable-rich and healthy fast food Asian entree.
Panda Express Nutrition (Per order):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Carbs: 30 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 12 g
Customization is a key benefit at Panda Express. You can choose a base of low mein, white rice, brown rice, or steamed vegetables, and then select from various savory protein toppings. The String Bean Chicken Breast is a popular and healthier choice on their menu.
“This dish is a better choice because it features lean chicken breast and steamed vegetables, minimizing the use of high-calorie sauces,” says Sabat. It’s a flavorful and relatively healthy fast food Asian option.
15. Starbucks Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap
Image alt text: Starbucks Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap, sliced in half to show the spinach, feta, and egg white filling in a whole wheat wrap, emphasizing a healthy fast food breakfast wrap.
Starbucks Nutrition (Per wrap):
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat: 3.5 g)
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Carbs: 34 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 20 g
Starbucks offers more than just coffee for breakfast. The Spinach, Feta, and Egg Wrap is a healthy fast food breakfast choice when you’re on the go.
“It’s a good source of fiber and protein, helping you start your day feeling full and energized,” says KeyVion Miller RDN, LDN, culinary nutritionist and owner of The Miller’s Kitchen. “The second ingredient is whole wheat flour, aligning with dietary guidelines recommending whole grains for positive health outcomes.” Miller also points out the wrap includes vegetables, adding to its nutritional value as a healthy fast food breakfast.
16. Dunkin’ Wake-Up Wrap
Image alt text: Dunkin’ Wake-Up Wrap, showing a small breakfast wrap on a white plate, emphasizing a low-calorie healthy fast food breakfast option.
Dunkin’ Nutrition (Per wrap):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Carbs: 14 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 1 g)
- Protein: 7 g
While Dunkin’ is famous for donuts and coffee, they offer lighter, filling menu items for a better start to your day. The Wake-Up Wrap is a healthy fast food breakfast option. Although it could have more protein, at only 180 calories, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 10 grams of total fat, it’s a good choice for a lighter meal and healthier than a sugary donut.
17. Chick-fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad
Image alt text: Chick-fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad, featuring grilled chicken, greens, corn, beans, and pepitas, highlighting a high-protein and high-fiber healthy fast food salad.
Chick-fil-A Nutrition (Per salad):
- Calories: 680
- Fat: 49 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)
- Sodium: 1,570 mg
- Carbs: 27 g (Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 7 g)
- Protein: 33 g
“I’m obsessed with Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Southwest Salad featuring cold grilled chicken,” says Stacey Bender, MA, RD. “It’s a protein and fiber powerhouse, thanks to the pepitas. These pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack loaded with heart-healthy fats and all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.” With 7 grams of fiber, this salad is among the highest-fiber options on the Chick-fil-A menu, making it a very healthy fast food salad choice.
18. Taco Bell Bean Burrito Fresco
Image alt text: Taco Bell Bean Burrito Fresco, showing a simple bean burrito with pico de gallo, highlighting a vegetarian and high-fiber healthy fast food burrito option.
Taco Bell Nutrition (Per burrito):
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 10 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g)
- Sodium: 1,080 mg
- Carbs: 54 g (Fiber: 8 g, Sugar: 3 g)
- Protein: 13 g
While some Mexican fast food can be heavy, Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito Fresco is a surprisingly healthy fast food meal. It has 360 calories, 10 grams of fat, 8 grams of fiber, and 13 grams of protein, offering a fairly balanced meal. It’s important to note the sodium content is still high at 1,080 milligrams. If you’re sodium-sensitive, consider this.
19. Sweetgreen Super Green Goddess
Image alt text: Sweetgreen Super Green Goddess Salad, featuring a vibrant mix of greens, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and almonds, emphasizing a nutrient-dense and healthy fast food salad bowl.
Sweetgreen Nutrition (Per order):
- Calories: 415
- Fat: 25 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
- Sodium: 1,046 mg
- Carbs: 37 g (Fiber: 10 g, Sugar: 12 g)
- Protein: 11 g
Sweetgreen is a reliable choice for nutrient-rich meals. The Sweetgreen Super Green Goddess is a particularly excellent healthy fast food salad bowl.
“This bowl is a healthy choice because it’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients,” says Sabat. “Chickpeas and roasted almonds provide plant-based protein and healthy fats, while roasted sweet potatoes and raw carrots offer fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin A. Spicy broccoli and shredded cabbage add crunch and vitamins C and K. The base of baby spinach and shredded kale is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and iron.”
Explore More: The Best & Worst Menu Items at Sweetgreen
20. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Image alt text: Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, featuring grilled chicken, apples, pecans, cranberries, and blue cheese on a bed of greens, highlighting a flavorful and healthy fast food salad option.
Wendy’s Nutrition (Per salad):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)
- Sodium: 1,170 mg
- Carbs: 28 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 19 g)
- Protein: 31 g
While fast food salads can sometimes be calorie and fat bombs, Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a healthy fast food exception. According to Dan LeMoine, RD, co-founder of Re:Vitalize Weight Loss and Wellness, its ingredients are primarily healthy, whole foods. “This salad features a blend of greens, grilled chicken breast, diced apples, dried cranberries, roasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese. It’s a flavorful and filling salad option,” he states.
21. Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap
Image alt text: Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap, showcasing grilled chicken, lettuce, cheese, and a creamy dressing in a wrap, highlighting a high-fiber and protein-rich healthy fast food wrap.
Chick-fil-A Nutrition (Per wrap):
- Calories: 660
- Fat: 45 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
- Sodium: 1,420 mg
- Carbs: 32 g (Fiber: 14 g, Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 43 g
What makes the Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap so cool? “It’s packed with fiber and protein and will keep you feeling full without the sluggish feeling after fast food,” says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES. “For fun, I love to wash it down with a diet lemonade!” It’s a substantial and healthy fast food wrap choice.
22. Chipotle Salad Bowl
Image alt text: Chipotle Salad Bowl, customizable with various ingredients like chicken, rice, beans, vegetables, and salsa, emphasizing a customizable and healthy fast food salad bowl.
Chipotle Nutrition (Per salad, with chicken):
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Protein: 42 g
Chipotle stands out for its customizable Tex-Mex ingredients and healthy fast food options. Next time you’re there, build your own salad bowl with nutritious veggies. “I usually ask for a little less rice and add sautéed peppers and onions,” says Carrie Gabriel, MS, RDN, of Steps 2 Nutrition. “This way I get more vegetables, adding more fiber. Vegetables are also naturally more filling with fewer calories.” Going light on sour cream and cheese further reduces calories and fat, making it a very healthy fast food bowl option.
23. Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Image alt text: Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, featuring chicken and mushrooms in a savory brown sauce, highlighting a protein and vegetable-balanced healthy fast food Asian entree.
Panda Express Nutrition (Per order):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 9 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Carbs: 11 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 9 g)
- Protein: 12 g
Mushrooms are rich in potassium and B vitamins. Combined with lean chicken and a savory sauce, Panda Express’ Mushroom Chicken is a tasty and healthy fast food Asian meal. “Mushroom Chicken offers a good balance of protein and vegetables, making it healthier compared to other menu options,” says Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, of One Pot Wellness. “Pairing it with steamed rice and mixed vegetables creates a well-rounded meal.”
24. Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets
Image alt text: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets, showcasing 8 grilled chicken nuggets on a white background, emphasizing a lean protein and healthy fast food nugget option.
Chick-fil-A Nutrition (Per order, 8-count):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 11 g (Saturated Fat: 2.5 g)
- Sodium: 1,210 mg
- Carbs: 11 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 1 g)
- Protein: 27 g
Chick-fil-A appears again with their Grilled Chicken Nuggets. “These are a healthy fast food option for individuals looking to add a lean protein source to their meal,” says Mandy Tyler, MEd, RD, LD. Balance your meal by adding a veggie side like the Kale Crunch Side for a more complete and healthy fast food meal.
25. Panera Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains
Image alt text: Panera Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains Salad, featuring grilled chicken, greens, grains, and Mediterranean-style vegetables, emphasizing a Mediterranean diet-inspired healthy fast food salad.
Panera Bread Nutrition (Per salad, whole):
- Calories: 670
- Fat: 40 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
- Sodium: 1,410 mg
- Carbs: 45 g (Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 7 g)
- Protein: 34 g
The Mediterranean diet’s benefits, from reduced inflammation to lower chronic disease risk, are well-known. To follow this healthy eating pattern, consider Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains at Panera. The sodium is higher than ideal, but the 34 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber make it a nutritious and healthy fast food salad inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
This story has been updated to include new information, fact-checking, and copyedits.
Sign up for our newsletter!
