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13 Best Fast Food Salads in America

vegetable salad from fast food restaurant

In the midst of decadent fast food, there’s something cool and nutritious to choose from: the colorful world of fast food salads. In this piece, we explore the fast food industry’s menu to find the most delicious and fulfilling salad selections in the United States. Fast food restaurants have changed their menus to appeal to health-conscious customers by including a range of salads with creative ingredient combinations and fresh ingredients. These menu items offer a tasty diversion from typical fast food fare, from the crunchy and healthy options at Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A to the creative salads at Panera Bread. Our investigation will focus on these cool substitutes, presenting the top fast food salads that entice the palate and encourage a well-rounded approach to eating while on the go. Come celebrate these tasty and nutritious options that show that you can have both health and deliciousness in the fast food industry.


Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad

Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad
Source: Instagram

First up, we have the Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad. This is a very popular choice at Jack in the Box, and it is easy to see why. With flame-grilled chicken and shredded cheese served on a bed of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes, there is something for everyone in this salad. So, it is definitely one to try. 


Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Source: Instagram

Alternatively, we would recommend giving the Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad a try. Some people don’t like sweet ingredients in their salad, but if you do, then this is definitely one to try. With lettuce, grilled chicken, and poppy seed dressing mixed with sweet ingredients such as blueberries and mandarins, it is the perfect balance of sweet and savory for those who like that.  


Quizno’s Apple Harvest Salad

Quizno’s Apple Harvest Salad
Source: Instagram

Speaking of sweet ingredients in a salad, next we would recommend giving Quizno’s Apple Harvest Salad a try. This salad is actually pretty low in calories, and this is primarily because it contains a perfect balance of different ingredients. So, if you are looking for a salad for an autumn day, this is the one to try. 


Chipotle Build Your Own Salad

Chipotle Build Your Own Salad
Source: Instagram

The best thing about Chipotle is that you can make your own dishes, and their salad is one of these. With a Chipotle salad, you can tailor it entirely to suit your wants and needs, which is why it is such a great choice. 


Steak ‘n Shake Grilled Chicken Salad

Steak ‘n Shake Grilled Chicken Salad
Source: Instagram

When you visit Steak ‘n Shake, the last thing that you want to order is a salad. But their Grilled Chicken Salad is likely to tempt you. This chicken takes the best components of a Steak ‘n Shake garden fresh salad, and adds grilled chicken to the mix. This creates a healthy salad that is perfectly balanced nutritionally, too. 

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Arby’s Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad 

Arby’s Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad 
Source: Instagram

Everybody loves Arby’s, so it makes sense that everybody loves their Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad. This salad begins with fresh chopped lettuce, topped with shredded cheese, roasted turkey, diced tomatoes, and diced bacon. It is full of flavor, and a favorite for this chain. 


QDOBA Citrus Lime Chicken Salad

QDOBA Citrus Lime Chicken Salad
Source: Instagram

If you are visiting QDOBA, then the salad to order is the Citrus Lime Chicken Salad. The Mexican influence on this salad is clear, but it just makes it all the more delicious. With fresh romaine lettuce, served with grilled adobo chicken, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and salsa, there is something for everyone in this salad. So, you definitely need to give it a try.  


Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad

Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad
Source: Instagram

Speaking of Mexican salads, next up we would suggest giving the Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad a try. This salad is great because you can order it standard, or you can customize it to suit your taste buds. Choose whichever ingredients you want, and they will be delivered in a large tortilla. It is unique, and that is what makes it so great.  


Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad

Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad
Source: Instagram

Making the conscious decision not to order chicken from Chick-fil-A is not easy. The great thing about the Cobb salad is that you can choose from a variety of different ingredients to serve with it. Whether you would prefer chicken strips, fillets, nuggets, or simply a plain salad, you can get it at Chick-fil-A.


Subway Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki 

Subway Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki 
Source: Instagram

If you love a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sub, then you will love the salad version of this sandwich. Choose the different salad toppings that you would usually add to your sub, then the sweet onion chicken teriyaki will be served on top. It is totally delicious, and a true delight if you love this sub. 


Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad

Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
Source: Instagram

Avocado has become very popular in recent years, primarily for its health benefits. That is why the Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad has become so popular. With all the classic salad ingredients served alongside smoked bacon, grilled chicken breast, and avocado balls, it is clear to see why you have to give this salad a try. Just one more reason that Wendy’s is so incredibly popular across the country.


McDonald’s Southwest Salad

McDonald’s Southwest Salad
Source: Instagram

The salads at McDonald’s have some pretty negative connotations, and that is because they originally contained more calories than a Big Mac. But, some simple changes to the recipe have made the McDonald’s Southwest Salad a lot healthier like some of their breakfast options, and that is why it is a great option if you are visiting this store. 

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Zaxby’s The Grilled Cobb Zalad 

Zaxby’s The Grilled Cobb Zalad 
Source: Instagram

Finally, let’s wrap this up with Zaxby’s ‘The Grilled Cobb Zalad’. This salad is unique to the other options that we have looked at because it contains red cabbage, hard-boiled eggs, and lots more. So, if you are looking for a salad that is a little different, this is the one.  

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  1. I was just at Arby’s last night in Knoxville, Tn. Zero salads. I am post diabetic and have to watch what I eat. When I get sandwiches I have them hold the bread. They really had nothing that I could eat other than the sandwich with no bread.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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