Eating healthy? 5 salads for when you’re on the go in Utah
Just because you're eating fast food doesn't mean it can't also be healthy. Salads from McDonald's, Cubby's Chicago Beef, Chick-fil-A, Shirley's Bakery & Cafe, and Kneaders taste good, and can be good for you. See our roundup on fast food salads at heraldextra.com.
The Grilled Market Salad from Chick-fil-A.
The Turkey Cranberry Sunflower Salad from Kneader's.
The Southwest Salad from McDonald's.
Shirley's Bakery & Cafe's Seasonal Salad.
Salads from McDonald's, Cubby's Chicago Beef, Chick-fil-A, Shirley's Bakery & Cafe and Kneaders are photographed at the Daily Herald in Provo on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald
The Grilled Market Salad from Chick-fil-A.
Shirley's Bakery & Cafe's Seasonal Salad photographed at the Daily Herald in Provo on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald
Cubby's Chicago Beef's Tri Tip Steak Salad.
By now, a chunk of people have probably ditched their New Year’s resolutions — I know this by the sheer number of treadmills now available at the rec center that in January were about as elusive as a BYU win.
But for those on a health kick, still maintaining their goals strong, in a company-wide health competition, or prepping for the impending summer season, let it be known that there are options available beyond juicy burgers dripping in aioli sauce or French fries covered in cheese.
My motivation stems from a 10-week challenge with co-workers to increase our healthiness. We share recipes. Cheer each other on. Perhaps chastise one when we see them turning to a sleeve of mini donuts. At the end of April, we plan to do a 5K run together. In light of our efforts to lead more healthy lives, this week I’m sharing five salads you can find in Utah County that are wonderful alternatives to 99-cent hamburgers, chicken strips or a large fry — which is usually more detrimental than a burger.
Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Market Salad
With Chick-fil-As popping up all over Utah County, I have to admit it’s been my go-to fast food restaurant. I love a good spicy chicken sandwich. However, it alone is 490 calories and who orders that without a side of waffle fries and honey mustard? The Grilled Market Salad is the restaurant’s healthiest option — and one of the healthiest options around — and happens to be quite delicious too. With chicken being the name of the game there, the protein is good and the salad is very colorful. This salad features plenty of fruit — strawberries, blueberries, apples, baby greens and romaine lettuce with blue cheese and optional nut granola. I’d suggest going with the Reduced Fat Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette. It’s not as strong as the Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette and works wonderfully with the fruit.
Calories: 310 (with dressing)
Price: $8.07
Cubby’s Tri Tip Steak Salad
There are plenty of locally owned restaurants offering up fresh, healthy options on their menus. Whether you’re in Lehi, Provo or Spanish Fork, Cubby’s has some delicious salads. While the price is on the higher end, customers can take comfort in the quality of the ingredients they’re feeding their bodies. Regardless if you’re on a diet or just love all food, I always recommend Cubby’s Tri Tip Steak Salad. It’s one of my favorite things on the menu. The salad features mixed greens, roasted bell peppers, almonds, dried cherries, tomatoes, feta cheese, cilantro and tri tip steak with a lemon cilantro vinaigrette. The tri tip is a wonderful variation if you usually stick to chicken or turkey for a protein.
Calories: Calorie count unavailable.
Price: $9.15
Shirley’s Seasonal Salad
In the drive-thru, the smell of sweet rolls and pastries wafted through the window and mesmerized my senses. Luckily, I’d already made my order at the menu or my self-control would have been sorely tempted. Shirley’s offers multiple salads — one of the customer favorites is the Seasonal Salad. This ample salad includes spring mix, a heaping amount of pulled turkey, strawberries, red onion, caramelized walnuts, a little too much shredded mozzarella cheese and some sugary and beautiful raspberry poppy seed vinaigrette.
The portion is quite big; the local restaurant offers both half- and full-sized salads. For those that enjoy more meat than greens, the proportions in this entrée are skewed in your favor. The flavor of Shirley’s turkey is reminiscent of beloved Thanksgiving dinners. The salad also comes with a soft dinner roll.
Calories: No calorie count available.
Price: $7.53
McDonald’s Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken
Yes, I included McDonald’s in this list. On most occasions I typically refuse to dine at this fast food joint; I’m a slight food snob. Rumors of fake chicken nuggets and hamburgers that don’t mold for months just doesn’t appease or tease my stomach. Despite not being its biggest fan, the Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken is not a bad deal. Though the portion is a bit smaller than the other salads highlighted on the list, it’s also the cheapest by several dollars and an option available in nearly every corner of America.
The salad is comprised of a mix of greens, roasted corn, black beans and tomatoes with a little bit of cheddar and jack cheeses, chili-lime tortilla strips and Southwest Dressing. The corn and beans add color to the salad and are essential to the success of this lunch or dinner option. When ordering, I’d skip the crispy chicken and opt for grilled. Otherwise, you might as well stick with a burger and fries. The crispy chicken would make the salad top 600 calories.
Calories: 460 (with dressing)
Price: $5.70
Kneaders’ Turkey Cranberry Sunflower Salad
Did you know Kneaders has options beyond its famous French toast and case of drool-inducing desserts? It features at least seven different salads. The Turkey Cranberry Sunflower Salad is considered a favorite among customers. Like Shirley’s Seasonal Salad, Kneaders makes this with pulled turkey in a spring mix with mozzarella, generous sprinklings of sunflower seeds, chopped portabello mushrooms, red onion, dried cranberries and two containers of poppyseed dressing.
Every salad comes with a slice of bread or croutons. Don’t let the cranberry and thick poppyseed dressing mislead you; this full salad is savory. Kneaders has locations across Utah County — including Orem, Lehi, Saratoga Springs and two in Provo. For those wanting a vegetarian route, the Large Green Avocado Salad is a nice alternative.
Calories: No calorie count available.
Price: $8.40