11 Fast-Food Salad Picks That Make Eating Healthy Easy
Fast food and healthy eating aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath, but sometimes you need a quick meal that won’t derail your nutrition goals.
Many popular chains now offer surprisingly nutritious salad options packed with fresh veggies, lean proteins, and flavor.
Next time you’re stuck with drive-thru as your only option, these salads will save you from the usual grease-laden alternatives.
1. Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Market Salad
Bursting with fresh berries and grilled chicken, this vibrant bowl is my go-to after gym sessions. The antioxidant-rich fruit pairs perfectly with protein-packed chicken breast. Last summer, I grabbed one before a road trip and was still energized hours later—no mid-drive slump!
The combination of blue cheese and harvest nut granola adds satisfying texture without calorie overload.
2. Panera’s Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken
Mediterranean flavors dance in this protein-packed powerhouse. Quinoa, hummus, and Kalamata olives create a satisfying base while grilled chicken delivers lean protein that keeps hunger at bay for hours. The lemon-tahini dressing adds creamy tanginess without drowning the fresh ingredients.
Skip the feta to slash sodium, or keep a sprinkle for that authentic Mediterranean zing—either way, your taste buds win!
3. Sweetgreen’s Harvest Bowl
Autumn flavors meet nutritional powerhouse in this seasonal sensation. Wild rice and roasted sweet potatoes form a hearty base while kale and apples add fresh crunch.
I once ordered this during a particularly hectic workday, and the combination of protein and complex carbs kept me focused through three back-to-back meetings!
The goat cheese adds just enough creaminess to make you forget you’re eating something so virtuous.
4. Wendy’s Parmesan Caesar Chicken Salad (Half Size)
Caesar salad lovers, rejoice! This slimmed-down classic delivers that garlicky, cheesy flavor without the usual calorie catastrophe. The grilled chicken provides lean protein while the half portion keeps portions reasonable.
During a road trip last month, I grabbed this instead of my usual burger and felt remarkably lighter afterward.
Ask for dressing on the side and use half—you’ll still get that signature Caesar taste without drowning those crisp romaine leaves.
5. Subway’s Chopped Salad with Turkey
Sandwich artists transform into salad wizards when you request your favorite sub toppings over greens instead of bread. Turkey breast offers lean protein while the rainbow of veggie options lets you create a nutrient bonanza.
I’ve become such a regular with this order that my local Subway staff starts prepping it when I walk in! Vinegar and a touch of olive oil make a perfect light dressing, or try the oil-free sweet onion for flavor without the fat.
6. Cava’s Greens & Grains Bowl
Mediterranean magic happens when you customize a bowl at this fast-casual gem. The half-greens, half-grain base provides both fiber and satisfaction, while protein options like grilled chicken or falafel add staying power. Hummus and tzatziki offer creamy texture without calorie overload.
The variety of veggie toppings means your taste buds never get bored! Skip the salt-heavy processed options like feta and olives if you’re watching sodium.
7. Pret A Manger’s Chicken & Avocado Salad
British-born Pret brings proper nutrition to busy city dwellers with this protein-packed bowl. Creamy avocado chunks provide healthy fats while grilled chicken delivers lean protein that keeps you full through afternoon meetings.
During a particularly chaotic workweek, I grabbed this three days straight and never tired of the fresh flavors! The light vinaigrette comes packaged separately, allowing you to control your dressing destiny—use half for perfect flavor balance.
8. Starbucks’ Grilled Chicken & Cauliflower Tabbouleh
Coffee giant Starbucks surprises with this protein-rich, veggie-forward option. Cauliflower ‘rice’ slashes carbs while maintaining the satisfying texture of traditional tabbouleh. Grilled chicken provides lean protein to power your afternoon.
Fresh herbs and lemon brighten the flavor profile without adding calories. The portion size is perfect—substantial enough to satisfy but not so massive that you’re tempted to overeat.
9. Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Island Chicken Salad
Vacation vibes meet nutritional sense in this tropical-inspired creation. Juicy mango chunks and crunchy pineapple bring natural sweetness while grilled chicken provides satisfying protein. The light vinaigrette has just enough tang to balance the fruit’s sweetness.
I discovered this gem during a beach vacation and now make special trips just to get my fix! The mixed greens base provides more nutrients than typical iceberg-heavy fast food salads.
10. Saladworks’ Farmhouse Salad
Farm-fresh ingredients shine in this hearty yet healthy creation. Roasted turkey, hard-boiled eggs, and bacon bits (use sparingly!) create a protein trifecta that keeps hunger at bay for hours.
The rainbow of vegetables—crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and crunchy carrots—provides a nutrient bonanza. My nutritionist actually recommended this when I complained about boring ‘diet food’!
Request dressing on the side and use just enough to coat the ingredients.
11. CoreLife Eatery’s Steak & Blue Buffalo Bowl
Protein seekers will fall head over heels for this flavor-packed creation. Grass-fed steak provides iron and protein while blue cheese crumbles add bold flavor in small amounts. Buffalo sauce brings the heat without excessive calories—unlike typical ranch-drenched buffalo dishes.
The kale and romaine base delivers serious nutrients, while the portion size satisfies even my husband’s hearty appetite! He actually requests this over burgers now.