We Tried 13 Fast Food Salads, This Is the Best Choice

Fast food salads are often underrated, but not all are created equal. From bland and basic to surprisingly gourmet, these salads represent the spectrum of fast food offerings. Here’s our detailed review of 13 fast food salads, rated from worst to best, to guide your next healthy drive-thru decision.

1. Dairy Queen – Side Salad

Dairy Queen’s Side Salad is a study in simplicity. Consisting mainly of iceberg lettuce, with a few shreds of carrot and perhaps a singular grape tomato, it offers little in terms of excitement or flavor. The absence of protein or any substantial toppings leaves it feeling more like a filler than a meal. It’s a minimalistic option that may serve as a light accompaniment, but don’t expect it to satisfy hunger on its own. For those looking for a quick, low-calorie vegetable fix, it might suffice, but flavor seekers will need to look elsewhere.

2. Subway – Veggie Delite Salad

Subway’s Veggie Delite Salad is essentially a deconstructed sandwich, sans the bread. It contains a mixture of fresh-ish vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, which provide a crisp texture. However, it tends to lack excitement unless you decide to pile on extra toppings. While it’s a healthier option compared to many fast food choices, it doesn’t deliver on satisfaction unless customized generously. Ideal for those who enjoy Subway’s sandwich toppings in a bowl, it may still leave some diners craving more substance or flavor in their meal.

3. Sonic – Grilled Chicken Salad

Sonic’s Grilled Chicken Salad aims to combine protein with greens, but the execution falls short. The grilled chicken itself is quite decent, providing a hearty and satisfying protein element. Unfortunately, the rest of the salad feels neglected, with wilted lettuce and bland toppings that fail to complement the chicken effectively. It’s a meal that might satisfy in terms of protein content but leaves much to be desired in terms of flavor and freshness. For those prioritizing protein on the go, it might work, but salad enthusiasts might be disappointed.

4. Burger King – Garden Side Salad

Burger King’s Garden Side Salad is as basic as it gets. Offering a small portion with limited toppings, it serves as a modest addition to a meal rather than a centerpiece. The simplicity makes it better than no salad at all, but it’s far from satisfying as a standalone dish. While it provides a quick and convenient way to add some greens to your diet, it lacks the variety and quantity that salad lovers might desire. A practical choice for those in a rush but not one to seek out for a flavor experience.

5. White Castle – Chicken Caesar Salad

White Castle’s Chicken Caesar Salad surprisingly delivers more than expected. The grilled chicken boasts a smoky flavor, adding a pleasant twist to the classic Caesar base. However, the lettuce quality can be inconsistent, ranging from crisp and fresh to slightly wilted. Despite this variability, the salad stands out as a decent option for those seeking a quick chicken Caesar fix. It’s a practical choice for a fast food salad, especially when options are limited, and offers a reasonable balance of protein and flavor when needed in a pinch.

6. Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s – Charbroiled Chicken Salad

Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s Charbroiled Chicken Salad presents a marked improvement in size and satisfaction. The generous portion includes a succulent grilled chicken breast that stands out as the star of the dish. Complemented by a variety of fresh greens and vegetables, it offers a more balanced and fulfilling salad experience. Perfect for those craving a lighter meal with substantial protein, this salad manages to deliver both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or a healthier fast food choice, it’s a worthy contender in the fast food salad lineup.

7. Arby’s – Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad

Arby’s Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. With generous slices of savory roast turkey, fresh greens, and an array of vibrant toppings, it’s a salad that manages to feel hearty and refreshing. While some might find the turkey a bit on the salty side, the combination of ingredients creates a well-rounded dish. Ideal for those seeking a fast food salad that doesn’t skimp on protein or taste, it satisfies both hunger and flavor cravings. It’s an appealing choice for anyone wanting a substantial yet healthy meal option.

8. Chick-fil-A – Side Salad

Chick-fil-A’s Side Salad is a delightful surprise. With crisp greens, genuine cheese, and sweet grape tomatoes, it finds a way to satisfy despite its smaller size. Enhanced by Chick-fil-A’s signature dressings, it becomes a worthy companion to any meal, or a light standalone choice. The fresh ingredients and flavorful dressings elevate its appeal, making it a standout in the realm of fast food salads. For those who appreciate quality over quantity, this side salad offers a refreshing and colorful alternative that awakens the taste buds.

9. McDonald’s – Discontinued Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

Although discontinued in some areas, McDonald’s Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad is fondly remembered. It provided a balanced blend of grilled chicken, beans, corn, and a creamy Southwest dressing, creating a flavorful and textural delight. This salad was a testament to how a fast food chain can make a satisfying meal out of greens and protein. Those lucky enough to find it appreciated its bold, zesty flavors and hearty ingredients. A favored choice for many, it’s hoped that this southwest gem will make a return to menus far and wide.

10. Panera – Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

Panera’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad brings a touch of elegance to the fast food world. With fresh greens, tender grilled chicken, and the unexpected crunch of apple chips, it offers a sweet-savory flavor profile that feels upscale. The addition of gorgonzola cheese adds richness, making each bite complex and satisfying. This salad transcends typical fast food offerings, providing a dining experience that is both nourishing and indulgent. For those seeking a more gourmet touch in their meals, this salad delivers both in taste and presentation, standing out as a delightful choice.

11. Wendy’s – Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad

Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed powerhouse. Featuring grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a tangy Southwest dressing, it provides a bold and satisfying meal. The combination of textures and flavors ensures each bite is exciting and fulfilling. Perfect for those who crave a robust salad with a kick, it manages to be both hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or simply love a bit of zest in your meal, this salad stands out as a top contender for both taste and satisfaction.

12. Chipotle – Salad Bowl with Chicken or Sofritas

Chipotle’s Salad Bowl offers a customizable feast for salad lovers. Packed with a choice of chicken or sofritas, along with greens, beans, salsa, and guacamole, it’s a meal that satisfies on multiple levels. The build-your-own style allows for endless possibilities, making it easy to create a salad that’s as simple or extravagant as desired. It’s a gigantic, satisfying option for those who appreciate fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or mild, the flexibility and size of this bowl make it a standout option.

13. Chick-fil-A – Market Salad

Chick-fil-A’s Market Salad emerges as a winner among fast food salads. With juicy grilled chicken, a medley of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and apples, along with a mix of nuts and granola, it offers a nutrient-dense and flavorful meal. This salad’s vibrant ingredients, combined with a Light Balsamic Vinaigrette, create a refreshing and satisfying dish that feels like more than fast food. For those seeking a wholesome and full-bodied salad experience, it delivers both in taste and nutrition, setting a new standard for what a drive-thru salad can be.