Where Can I Get a Grilled Chicken Salad? Top Spots for Your Healthy Cravings

Are you on the hunt for a delicious grilled chicken salad but not sure where to look? Trust me, I’ve been there! Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just craving something light and tasty, finding the perfect grilled chicken salad can sometimes feel like a challenge.

As someone who’s constantly searching for that perfect balance of protein and greens, I’ve done the legwork to bring you the ultimate guide to finding mouthwatering grilled chicken salads near you. From national chains to local hidden gems, I’ll show you exactly where to satisfy those healthy cravings!

Quick Answer: Best Places to Get Grilled Chicken Salads

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the short answer: You can find delicious grilled chicken salads at national chains like Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle, as well as at dedicated salad restaurants like Sweetgreen and Chopt. Many local cafés, family diners, and farm-to-table restaurants also offer unique takes on grilled chicken salads with fresh ingredients and creative flavors.

National Restaurant Chains with Great Grilled Chicken Salads

When you’re looking for reliability and consistency. these national chains won’t disappoint

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is known for its Fuji Apple Chicken Salad, which combines grilled chicken breast with a mix of fresh greens, apple chips, gorgonzola cheese, pecan pieces, and a sweet white balsamic vinaigrette It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers a delicious Grilled Market Salad featuring grilled chicken breast, a blend of greens, blue cheese crumbles, red and green apples, strawberries, and blueberries. It comes with a light, zesty vinaigrette that complements the ingredients perfectly.

Chipotle

At Chipotle, you can create your own custom grilled chicken salad. Start with a bed of romaine lettuce, add grilled chicken, then customize with black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, and other fresh ingredients. The ability to build your own salad makes it perfect for any dietary preference.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s offers a classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad that combines grilled chicken with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and their house Caesar dressing. It’s a reliable option when you’re craving something familiar.

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is known for its Garden Bar, which allows you to add fresh ingredients on top of their grilled chicken salad. This customizable approach lets you create exactly what you’re in the mood for.

Dedicated Salad Restaurants

For those who want more variety and specialization in their salads

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their salads featuring grilled chicken often include creative combinations of vegetables, fruits, and homemade dressings. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.

Chopt

Chopt Creative Salad Company specializes in, you guessed it, salads! Their grilled chicken options range from classic Caesar to more exotic combinations with international flavors. They’re known for their fresh ingredients and house-made dressings.

Local Restaurants and Hidden Gems

Don’t overlook the local scene! Some of the best grilled chicken salads can be found at:

Local Cafés

Small, independent cafés often serve up unique grilled chicken salads with locally sourced ingredients. These places usually put their own creative spin on classics, resulting in one-of-a-kind flavor combinations.

Health-Focused Eateries

Restaurants like “Fit Fuel” and “The Health Bar” (names will vary by location) specialize in nutritious meals, including perfectly prepared grilled chicken salads designed for those with health and fitness goals.

Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Farm-to-table establishments like “Harvest Kitchen” offer seasonal grilled chicken salads made with ingredients from nearby farms. The freshness is unmatched, and you’ll be supporting local agriculture.

Family Diners

Don’t underestimate your local family diner! Places like “Sunny Side Diner” often include grilled chicken as a customizable option on their menu, allowing you to craft the perfect meal.

Grocery Store Options

When you need a quick and convenient option, check out:

Pre-Made Deli Salads

Many grocery stores offer ready-to-eat grilled chicken salads in their deli section. These can be a great grab-and-go option when you’re short on time.

Salad Bars

Grocery stores with salad bars often include grilled chicken as a protein option, allowing you to build your own creation with the toppings you prefer.

What Makes a Great Grilled Chicken Salad?

When I’m hunting for the perfect grilled chicken salad, here’s what I look for:

Quality of the Chicken

The star of the show should be tender, juicy grilled chicken that’s seasoned well. Nothing ruins a salad faster than dry, overcooked chicken!

Freshness of Ingredients

Fresh, crisp greens and vibrant vegetables make all the difference in a salad. Look for places that emphasize seasonal ingredients for the best flavor.

Dressing Options

A good grilled chicken salad needs the right dressing to bring everything together. Whether you prefer something light like a vinaigrette or something creamy like ranch, the dressing should complement the other ingredients.

Customization Possibilities

The ability to add or remove ingredients based on your preferences is a huge plus. Many restaurants now offer customization options to ensure you get exactly what you want.

Making Healthy Choices

If you’re ordering a grilled chicken salad for health reasons, keep these tips in mind:

• Ask for dressing on the side so you can control how much you use
• Skip high-calorie toppings like croutons, bacon, and excessive cheese
• Add extra vegetables for more nutrients and fiber
• Consider a lighter dressing like vinaigrette instead of creamy options
• Check portion sizes – some restaurant salads can be enormous!

Price Considerations

Grilled chicken salads vary widely in price depending on where you get them:

Delivery Options for Grilled Chicken Salads

Can’t make it out to a restaurant? No problem! Many delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub offer grilled chicken salads from a variety of restaurants. Simply search for “grilled chicken salad near me” in the app, and you’ll see all your local options.

Keep in mind that salads sometimes don’t travel as well as other foods, so consider asking for dressing on the side to prevent sogginess during delivery.

DIY Grilled Chicken Salad at Home

If you wanna make your own salad at home (which is what I often do!), here’s a super simple recipe:

Quick Homemade Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper
2. Grill until internal temp reaches 165°F
3. Let chicken rest for 5 mins, then slice
4. Combine all veggies in a bowl
5. Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice for dressing
6. Top salad with sliced chicken and drizzle with dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

Are grilled chicken salads healthy?

Generally, yes! Grilled chicken salads provide lean protein and vegetables, making them a nutritious choice. However, watch out for high-calorie toppings and dressings which can add significant calories.

What’s the best dressing for a grilled chicken salad?

This depends on your taste preferences, but popular options include balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, Caesar, and honey mustard. For a lighter option, try a simple lemon vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing.

How can I make my restaurant salad healthier?

Ask for dressing on the side, skip high-calorie toppings like croutons and bacon, and add extra vegetables. You can also request light or no cheese to reduce calories further.

How long will a grilled chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

A properly stored grilled chicken salad will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

The Bottom Line

Finding a great grilled chicken salad isn’t as hard as it might seem! From fast-food chains to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Remember to consider factors like ingredient quality, customization options, and your dietary needs when choosing where to get your salad.

And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to customize your order or even make your own at home. The perfect grilled chicken salad is out there waiting for you—you just need to know where to look!