Craving something fast, better-for-you options? Fast food salads are total game-changers! And no, not all of them are sad, soggy afterthoughts. We found the 10 best fast food salads that bring the crunch, the flavor, the comfort, and the fullness. Finally, you can satisfy hunger without the guilt!
10. Panera Bread’s Green Goddess Cobb Salad With Chicken
This item from Panera will make you forget that salad can look sad. It’s bright, colorful, and most importantly, pretty filling with a calorie amount of 510! The high-protein content (43 grams) from chicken and hard-boiled egg makes you feel full for a sustained period. The greens blend also adds bulk to the salad. The Green Goddess dressing? Chef’s kiss!
9. El Pollo Loco’s Double Chicken Avocado Salad
What’s better than a chicken salad? The one with a double portion of chicken, of course! This exact salad is available at El Pollo Loco, featuring two portions of fire-grilled and citrus-marinated chicken breast. But that’s not all, because it also comes with healthy fats (avocado) and dietary fiber (greens and corn) that help delay the return of hunger.
8. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad, clocking in at 510 calories, has 32 grams of protein, which is already substantial for a single meal. The salad also offers a good volume of food, thanks to the mix of leafy greens. Another thing you’ll enjoy is the variety of textures (from apples, pecans, and tenders chicken), making the salad more enjoyable and satisfying.
7. Sweetgreen’s Kale Caesar Salad
Sweeetgreen’s Kale Caesar Salad is considered quite filling, with the roasted chicken as the primary driver of satiety. Aside from the dressing, the salad includes parmesan crisps and shaved parmesan, for added flavor. Of course, there’s also some fat and protein from the cheese. The blend of romaine, kale, and tomatoes adds a good amount of fiber, enhancing the salad’s filling properties.
6. Panera Bread’s Mediterranean Chicken Greens w/ Grains
In this flavor-packed salad, Panera brings together a high amount of protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich whole grains and vegetables, all of which contribute to a prolonged feeling of fullness. The whole grain blend (farro and rice) is a standout ingredient, offering complex carbs that help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that lead to quick hunger.
5. Chick-fil-A’s Market Salad
Chick-fil-A’s Market Salad is well-loved for its balanced flavor profile, with fans describing it as sweet, tangy, and savory. Without chicken, the salad clocks in at 440 calories, but with grilled nuggets, it jumps to 570 calories with 32 grams of protein. You can also choose other toppings like spicy grilled filet or Chick-n-Strips. The salad is served with roasted almonds and granola for added crunch!
4. The Habit’s Garden Salad
The Habit Burger Grill’s Garden Salad might not look filling at first glance but don’t be fooled. It has a generous base of fresh veggies that provide volume, fiber, and crunch. The basic Garden Salad is meatless, but you can easily add ahi tuna, tri-tip steak, or grilled chicken to boost protein content and make it a well-rounded meal. Also, adding ranch (wisely) can bring in healthy fats.
3. Arby’s Farmhouse Salad with Turkey
Arby’s Farmhouse Salad with Turkey is perhaps one of the most flavorful fast food salads out there. It’s loaded with smoky turkey, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar for added richness. Of course, it comes with mixed greens, lettuce, and tomatoes, providing fiber while keeping carbs low. Add extras like hard-boiled egg or avocado for more protein or fat.
2. Panera Bread’s Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad
Panera’s Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad stands out for being filling and flavorful. It’s packed with around 680 calories, with over 30 grams of protein largely from grilled chicken and avocado. The balanced nutrition gives you that feel-good energy while the layered flavors—smoky, creamy, fresh, and crisp—offers a satisfying bite.
1. Chick-fil-A’s Cobb Salad with Nuggets
Clocking in at 830 calories, Chick-fil-A’s Cobb Salad with Grilled Nuggets is the most filling fast food salad on this list. Chick-fil-A definitely knows how to offer bulk without too much calories, as the salad is packed with fiber-rich elements like greens, roasted corn, and hard-boiled egg, to name a few. Even if you remove the dressing, the salad is still among the most filling, with over 500 calories.