These 10 Fast Food Salads Are Better Than Chick-fil-A’s

When I'm looking for a quick bite, Chick-fil-A usually makes the top of my list as far as fast-food restaurants go. The beloved chain has the best chicken, tasty waffle fries, and of course, the iconic Chick-fil-A sauce. But even if I'm in the mood for a salad, the Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad is a great option.

When you look at lists of some of the best fast food salads, Chick-fil-A is often near the top. You can't beat some of their menu options or the excellent customer service the chain offers. However, despite how beloved Chick-fil-A's salads are, many other fast-food salads are better.

Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, something sweet, or something vegetarian, these 10 options are a great choice if you want a salad on the go.

• Calories: 530

While technically a bowl, not a salad, the Cantina Chicken Bowl at Taco Bell is highly rated and perfect if you're looking for something a little healthier than a burrito. This option has slow-roasted chicken, black beans, and a creamy avocado ranch sauce. You can also customize the bowl to include additional toppings and sauces if you choose.

• Calories: 430

Dairy Queen might not be the first restaurant that comes to mind when you're looking for a salad, but if you want to balance out all the calories in the Blizzard you order afterwards, try the Crispy Chicken Strips Salad. This salad has crispy chicken strips, lettuce, diced tomatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

• Calories: 410-700

Zaxby's version of a salad, known as a Zalad, is another choice that you can't go wrong with. The House Zalad is one of the best, complete with mixed greens, cheddar jack cheese, fried onions, and tomatoes. You can choose either fried or grilled chicken strips, and it comes with a side of Texas toast.

• Calories: 350-500

While most people head to Jack in the Box for a tasty burger, you can also order a delicious salad at this restaurant. The Southwest Salad is one of the best options, and you can order it with either crispy or grilled chicken strips. The salad also includes grape tomatoes, tortilla strips, and cheddar cheese.

• Calories: 700-830

I generally wouldn't choose PDQ over Chick-fil-A, except when it comes to salads. If you're a fan of honey mustard, this dressing from PDQ is by far the best. The PDQ Chicken Salad includes mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and chicken. Make the salad complete with the creamy honey mustard dressing that PDQ does so well.

• Calories: 540

Wendy's isn't just known for burgers — they also have some of the best salads out of any fast-food restaurant. The Apple Pecan Salad is a tasty option if you're looking for something on the sweeter side. The base is Wendy's signature lettuce blend, which is topped with crisp apples, dried cranberries, roasted pecans, blue cheese, and grilled chicken.

• Calories: 400-1,000+

The best part about the salads at Chipotle is that you get to build your own. While this may not be the best option if you're chronically indecisive, it's perfect if you love to customize your meal. Choose from an array of toppings, such as the famous guac, recently-added red chimichurri, or the classic queso blanco.

• Calories: 560

Panera Bread has so many delicious salads to choose from, which makes it hard to pick just one favorite. The Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is by far one of the tastiest salads they have. It's both sweet and savory, with the perfect crunch from the pecan pieces and apple chips. The salty feta pairs perfectly with the sweet white balsamic vinaigrette, and a whole salad is only 560 calories.

• Calories: 830-1,000

The Chicken Tostada Salad from El Pollo Loco is one of the top choices if you're looking for something that rivals Chick-fil-A. This salad features citrus-marinated chicken, seasoned rice, and pinto beans. It's also topped with sour cream, cheese, and salsa fresca. Of course, the entire salad is placed in a fried tostada shell. Both the Classic Chicken Tostada and the Double Chicken Tostada are great options.

• Calories: 620

Wendy's makes the list with another tasty fast-food salad: the Taco Salad. This entree includes romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, fire-roasted corn, chili, and taco strips. Even with the creamy salad dressing, the salad has 620 calories and includes 28 grams of protein.

There's no doubt that Chick-fil-A's Cobb Salad is a tasty option if you're looking for something quick and healthy. However, there are plenty of other fast-food salads that make an even better meal. Next time you're in the mood for something sweet, savory, or crunchy, try one of the salads on this list.