How Many Calories in Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad? You’re Gonna Wanna Know!

Hey there, fam! If you’ve ever rolled up to a Chick-fil-A drive-thru, craving somethin’ a bit lighter than their iconic waffle fries, you mighta eyed their chicken salad But hold up—how many calories are we talkin’ here? Spoiler alert it’s 350 calories per serving Yep, that’s the magic number, and today at our lil’ blog corner, we’re gonna unpack everything about this dish. From what’s in it to whether it’s a diet win or a sneaky splurge, I’ve gotcha covered. So, grab a sweet tea, and let’s dive in!

The Calorie Lowdown: 350 and What It Means

Straight outta the gate, let’s confirm it again—Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad clocks in at 350 calories per serving. Now, that ain’t crazy high for a fast food item, but it ain’t exactly a lettuce leaf either. If you’re countin’ calories like I do sometimes (okay, when I’m tryin’ to be good), this number matters. But calories alone don’t tell the whole story, so let’s break down the nutritional goodies.

Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re gettin’ in one serving:

• Calories: 350 (obvi)
• Fat: 24g (that’s a hefty chunk, mostly from the mayo, I bet)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (not too bad, includes 1g fiber and 5g sugar)
• Protein: 26g (nice! That’s a solid protein punch)
• Sodium: 1040mg (whoa, salty much?)
• Cholesterol: 120mg (somethin’ to watch if you’re mindful of that)

Now, if you’re like me, numbers can feel like a math test. So, lemme put it simple this chicken salad got a good amount of protein to keep ya full, but the fat and sodium are kinda high. That 24g of fat? It’s about 37% of your daily recommended intake if you’re followin’ a standard 2,000-calorie diet. And that sodium—43% of your daily limit! So, yeah, it’s tasty, but it ain’t no health halo food

What’s in This Chicken Salad Anyway?

Alright, let’s talk about what makes up this 350-calorie bite. From what I’ve picked up over my many Chick-fil-A runs, their chicken salad is basically their signature chicken, chopped up real fine, and mixed with some celery, relish, and a good dollop of mayonnaise. That mayo is prob’ly why the fat content is up there, but it’s also why it tastes so dang creamy and good.

The chicken itself is the star—high quality, tender, and packed with that protein (26g, remember?). The celery adds a lil’ crunch, and the relish brings a sweet-tangy vibe. It’s like a comfort food sandwich fillin’, just without the bread—unless you order it that way, of course. I’ve had it both as a standalone salad and slapped between some buns, and lemme tell ya, it’s a vibe either way.

Is 350 Calories a Lot for a Salad?

Now, you might be thinkin’, “A salad with 350 calories? Ain’t salads supposed to be light?” And you’re not wrong to wonder. When we think “salad,” we often picture a bowl of greens with maybe a sprinkle of chicken or dressing But this ain’t that kinda salad This is more like a hearty, creamy mix where the chicken and mayo are the heavy hitters.

To put it in perspective, let’s compare it to some other stuff you might grab on the go:

So, sittin’ at 350, this chicken salad is more caloric than a basic garden salad or even a small pack of nuggets, but it’s way less than a full-on burger. It’s kinda in that middle ground—not a diet savior, but not a total cheat meal neither. For me, it’s a solid pick when I want somethin’ filling without goin’ overboard.

How Does This Fit Into My Day?

Let’s get real for a sec. If you’re eatin’ around 2,000 calories a day (which is the general guideline for most folks), 350 calories is about 17.5% of your daily intake. That means one serving of this chicken salad takes up a decent slice of your calorie pie. If you’re pairin’ it with a drink or a side, you could easily hit 500-600 calories for the meal. Not terrible, but somethin’ to keep in mind if you’re watchin’ your waistline.

I remember one time I grabbed this salad thinkin’ I was bein’ all healthy, only to pair it with a large lemonade and some fries. Yeah, my “light” lunch ended up closer to 800 calories! Lesson learned—balance is key, y’all. Maybe skip the extras or split the salad with a buddy if you’re tryna keep things tight.

Burnin’ Off Them 350 Calories

Alright, let’s say you’ve chowed down on this chicken salad and now you’re wonderin’ how to work it off. I ain’t no fitness guru, but I can tell ya it’s gonna take some effort. Based on some general calcs for a person around 144 pounds, here’s how long you’d need to move to burn off them 350 calories:

• Swimming: About 29 minutes (if you’re goin’ at a decent pace)
• Jogging: Roughly 40 minutes (I’d be winded, tbh)
• Cycling: Around 54 minutes (a chill bike ride could do it)
• Walking: A whopping 97 minutes (that’s a long stroll!)

Now, I ain’t sayin’ you gotta hit the gym right after eatin’, but it’s good to know what it takes. Personally, I like takin’ a nice walk after a meal—it helps me feel less guilty, ya know? Plus, it’s a great way to clear your head.

Is Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad a Healthy Choice?

This is where it gets tricky. On one hand, that 26g of protein is awesome—protein keeps you full longer and helps with muscle repair if you’re active. But on the flip side, the 24g of fat and over 1,000mg of sodium ain’t exactly doin’ your heart any favors if you’re eatin’ this regular. Plus, with only 8g of carbs and 1g of fiber, it’s not givin’ ya much in terms of energy or gut health.

If you’re askin’ me, I’d say it’s a “sometimes” food. Like, if you’re cravin’ somethin’ creamy and satisfying, go for it. But if you’re tryna eat clean every day, you might wanna mix in some lighter options—like a grilled chicken wrap or a big ol’ pile of veggies. Balance, fam. That’s the name of the game.

Why Do We Even Care About Calories?

Let’s take a step back. Why are we even obsessing over calories in the first place? Well, for a lotta folks (myself included), it’s about knowin’ what we’re puttin’ in our bodies. Calories are just a measure of energy, right? Too many, and you might gain weight. Too few, and you’re draggin’ through the day. Findin’ that sweet spot is what keeps us feelin’ good.

But it ain’t just about weight. It’s also about how food makes us feel. That chicken salad might hit the spot emotionally—maybe it reminds ya of a family recipe or a fun lunch with friends. And that’s worth somethin’ too. I’ve had days where I needed that comfort more than I needed a perfect diet, and I ain’t gonna apologize for it.

How to Make Your Own Version at Home

If 350 calories feels a bit much, or if you’re just curious to tweak it, why not whip up your own chicken salad at home? I’ve done this a few times, and it’s pretty darn easy. Start with some cooked chicken—grilled or baked is best. Shred it up or chop it fine, then toss in some chopped celery for crunch. Add a spoonful of relish or pickles for that tangy kick, and mix in just enough mayo to bind it together. If you’re feelin’ fancy, throw in some grapes or nuts for extra flavor.

Here’s a quick recipe idea I’ve played with:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie works great)
  • 1 stalk celery, diced small
  • 1 tbsp sweet relish
  • 2-3 tbsp mayonnaise (or use Greek yogurt to cut fat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Steps:

  1. Mix everythin’ in a bowl.
  2. Taste and adjust—if it’s too dry, add a lil’ more mayo.
  3. Serve on lettuce, bread, or just eat it with a fork like I do!

The beauty of makin’ it yourself is you control the portions and the ingredients. Wanna cut calories? Use less mayo or swap it for somethin’ lighter. Worried ‘bout sodium? Skip the extra salt. It’s all in your hands.

Pairin’ It with Other Chick-fil-A Goodies

If you’re at Chick-fil-A and grabbin’ this chicken salad, what else should ya pair it with? Well, if you’re keepin’ it light-ish, maybe go for a side of fruit or a small soup. Their fruit cup is a sweet lil’ balance to the savory salad. But if you’re goin’ all out (no judgment here), a small order of waffle fries never hurt nobody. Just know that’ll bump your calorie count way up.

I’ve also tried it with their iced tea—unsweetened if I’m feelin’ virtuous, or that sweet tea if I’m livin’ life. Either way, it’s a combo that feels like a Southern hug. Just watch the extras, ‘cause they add up quicker than you’d think.

Who’s This Salad For?

Let’s chat about who might love this chicken salad. If you’re a protein junkie, that 26g is gonna make you happy. It’s also great for folks who want somethin’ quick and portable—perfect for a lunch break or a picnic. I’ve taken it to work before, and it held up fine without needin’ to be reheated.

But if you’re super strict on low-fat or low-sodium diets, this might not be your jam. Same goes if you’re expectin’ a big pile of greens—this ain’t that. It’s more of a treat than a health food, and that’s okay as long as you know what you’re gettin’ into.

Fast Food and the Calorie Game

Zoomin’ out a bit, let’s talk fast food in general. Places like Chick-fil-A are awesome for convenience and taste, but they often sneak in more calories, fat, and sodium than we expect. That’s just the nature of the beast—flavor often comes from stuff like mayo, oils, or salt. And while I’m all for indulgin’ now and then, it’s smart to check the numbers every once in a while.

I’ve made it a habit to peek at nutritional info before orderin’ somethin’ new. Not to stress myself out, but just to make informed choices. Like, knowin’ this chicken salad is 350 calories helps me decide if I wanna splurge or save my calories for later. It’s all about that balance, y’all.

Wrappin’ It Up with Some Real Talk

At the end of the day, Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad is a tasty option sittin’ at 350 calories. It’s got a solid protein boost, but the fat and sodium remind us it’s still fast food—not a magic diet food. Whether you’re grabbin’ it for a quick bite or makin’ a version at home, the key is knowin’ what it brings to the table (pun intended).

A serving of Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad contains 350 calories, according to Chick-fil-A.

A Chick-fil-A Market Salad with grilled chicken contains 330 calories without dressing. The salad includes grilled chicken, mixed greens, and toppings like berries and nuts.