Fast food isn’t just about burgers and fries—sometimes, you crave something lighter yet satisfying. That’s where Burger King salads come in. While Burger King is famous for its flame-grilled burgers, its salad menu has been an option for those looking for a healthier alternative. But what’s the deal with their salads today? Do they still exist, or have they vanished from the menu?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the history of Burger King salads, the different varieties that have been available, their nutritional value, and why some were discontinued. We’ll also compare them to other fast-food salads, share customization tips, and answer some burning questions from customers.
An Overview of Burger King’s Salad Menu
A Brief History of Salads at Burger King
Burger King has been serving salads for decades, but they were never as popular as their burgers. While other fast-food chains, like McDonald’s and Wendy’s, heavily promoted their salads, Burger King’s offerings remained relatively low-key.
In the early 2000s, as health-conscious eating gained traction, Burger King introduced several fresh salad options to cater to customers seeking lighter choices. They experimented with various ingredients, including grilled chicken, bacon, and cheese, to add some fast-food flair to their greens.
Over the years, these salads evolved, with some becoming customer favorites and others disappearing from the menu entirely.
Types of Salads Burger King Has Offered Over the Years
Burger King’s salad menu has seen multiple changes, with some salads gaining popularity while others quietly faded away. Here’s a look at the notable ones:
- Garden Grilled Chicken Salad – A mix of crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and grilled chicken breast, served with a dressing of choice.
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad – A fan favorite that combined grilled or crispy chicken with crunchy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing.
- Crispy Chicken Salad – A classic with fried chicken pieces, fresh veggies, and either Caesar or ranch dressing.
- Chicken Garden Salad – Similar to the Garden Grilled Chicken Salad but available in select locations with variations in toppings.
- Garden Side Salad – A simple yet refreshing side option, usually consisting of lettuce, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
These salads aimed to provide healthier options while still satisfying the fast-food cravings of customers.
Current Salad Options on the Menu (2025 Update)
So, does Burger King still have salads? It depends on where you live!
As of 2025, Burger King no longer offers salads in most U.S. locations. The chain quietly discontinued them around 2022 due to low demand and operational costs. However, in some international markets—such as Malaysia, Cyprus, and select European countries—salads are still available.
If you’re craving a salad from Burger King today, your best bet is to check your local menu or customize an order using existing ingredients. Some locations may allow you to swap fries for a small side salad, but full-sized salads are increasingly rare.
Detailed Breakdown of Burger King’s Salads
Garden Grilled Chicken Salad: Ingredients & Nutrition
One of the healthier options that Burger King once offered was the Garden Grilled Chicken Salad. This salad featured romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and a grilled chicken breast for added protein. Customers could choose from a variety of dressings, including balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, and Caesar.
From a nutritional standpoint, this salad was a good low-carb option, especially when paired with a lighter dressing. It contained:
- Grilled chicken for lean protein
- Fresh vegetables packed with vitamins and fiber
- Healthy fats, depending on the dressing choice
A standard serving without dressing was around 320 calories, but this number could increase significantly depending on the dressing and toppings. Compared to the traditional burger and fries, this salad provided a balanced meal option for those looking to eat lighter at Burger King.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad: A Fan Favorite?
The Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad was one of Burger King’s more indulgent salad options. While it still contained leafy greens and tomatoes, it also featured crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing. Customers had the choice of grilled or crispy chicken, with the latter adding more crunch and calories.
The calorie count for this salad varied:
- Grilled chicken version: ~470 calories
- Crispy chicken version: ~690 calories
Despite its higher calorie content, many fans loved this salad because it offered a rich, savory flavor that didn’t make them feel like they were eating “diet food.” However, due to its high sodium and fat content, it wasn’t the healthiest option.
Crispy Chicken Salad: A Fast-Food Twist on a Classic
Burger King’s Crispy Chicken Salad was another option for those who wanted a heartier meal. This salad was similar to the Garden Grilled Chicken Salad, but instead of grilled chicken, it came with crispy, breaded chicken pieces.
While this added an extra layer of crunch and flavor, it also significantly increased the calorie count. The crispy chicken, combined with a creamy dressing, made this more of a comfort food choice rather than a health-conscious one.
Chicken Garden Salad: How It Compares to Other Fast-Food Chains
The Chicken Garden Salad was Burger King’s attempt to compete with salads from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-A. It featured a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and either grilled or crispy chicken.
Compared to its competitors:
- McDonald’s salads were known for their variety, but many were discontinued.
- Wendy’s salads had more diverse ingredients, like nuts, fruits, and unique dressings.
- Chick-fil-A’s salads were considered fresher and had more protein-packed options.
While Burger King salads provided a decent alternative, they didn’t quite stand out in the competitive fast-food market.
Nutritional Information of Burger King Salads
Calorie Count of Each Salad Option
Salads are often seen as the healthy choice, but depending on the ingredients, they can be just as calorie-heavy as a burger. Here’s a breakdown of Burger King’s past salads and their calorie counts:
- Garden Grilled Chicken Salad: ~320 calories
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad (grilled): ~470 calories
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad (crispy): ~690 calories
- Crispy Chicken Salad: ~600+ calories
- Garden Side Salad: ~150 calories
The biggest factor affecting calorie count was the dressing choice. A creamy dressing like ranch could add up to 200 calories, while a balsamic vinaigrette was a much lighter option.
Healthiest Salad Choice at Burger King
If you were looking for the healthiest choice, the Garden Grilled Chicken Salad with balsamic vinaigrette was the way to go. This salad:
✅ Was lower in calories than most other menu items
✅ Had high protein from grilled chicken
✅ Offered fiber and vitamins from fresh vegetables
✅ Could be customized by removing cheese or using a lighter dressing
This salad was ideal for those watching their calorie intake but still wanting a filling meal.
Salads vs. Other Burger King Menu Items: A Health Perspective
How do Burger King salads compare to other popular menu items? Let’s look at the numbers:
| Menu Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Whopper (no cheese) | 657 |
| Small Fries | 320 |
| Original Chicken Sandwich | 660 |
| Garden Grilled Chicken Salad | 320 |
| Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad (crispy) | 690 |
Surprisingly, some salads were just as calorie-dense as burgers and sandwiches, especially when paired with rich dressings. While they provided more nutrients, it was still important to make smart choices, like opting for grilled chicken instead of crispy.
Why Did Burger King Discontinue Some Salads?
When and Why Did Burger King Stop Selling Salads?
If you’re wondering why Burger King salads seem to have disappeared, you’re not alone. While the chain once offered a variety of salads, they were quietly discontinued in most U.S. locations around early 2022. But why did this happen?
Several factors contributed to this decision:
- Low Demand – Despite the push for healthier fast-food options, most customers still preferred burgers and fries.
- High Costs – Fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and grilled chicken are more expensive to maintain than frozen burger patties.
- Complexity in Operations – Fast-food chains prioritize speed. Preparing salads took more time compared to assembling a burger.
- Supply Chain Issues – The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food supply chains, making fresh produce harder to source.
How Customers Reacted to the Change
When Burger King removed salads, reactions were mixed. Health-conscious customers and those looking for low-carb alternatives expressed disappointment, while others barely noticed the change.
On social media, some loyal fans voiced their frustration, particularly those who relied on grilled chicken salads as a healthier fast-food option. However, since salads weren’t a best-seller, their removal didn’t impact overall sales significantly.
Will Salads Make a Comeback on the Burger King Menu?
As of 2025, there is no official confirmation that Burger King salads will return to U.S. menus. However, some international locations still offer salads, meaning there’s always a possibility for a comeback—if demand increases.
If you’re craving a fast-food salad, your best bet might be Wendy’s or Chick-fil-A, which continue to offer fresh salad options.
Customizing Your Burger King Salad
Salad Dressings & Toppings Available
When Burger King salads were still on the menu, customers could choose from several dressings and toppings to enhance their meal. Some popular options included:
- Balsamic Vinaigrette – A light and tangy dressing with fewer calories.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy and rich, but high in fat and calories.
- Caesar Dressing – A classic choice for chicken-based salads.
- Ken’s Steakhouse Dressing – Often used in various Burger King locations.
Toppings varied based on location but often included shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, croutons, and grilled or crispy chicken.
Can You Swap Fries for a Salad?
Some Burger King locations allowed customers to swap their fries for a side salad instead. While this wasn’t widely advertised, customers could request it at participating locations.
If you’re looking to make a healthier choice, swapping fries for a salad—if available—was an easy way to cut calories. However, since full-sized salads are no longer on most menus, this option may not be possible today.
Making a Healthier Choice: Customization Tips
Even though Burger King salads are hard to find, you can still customize your order for a healthier meal. Here’s how:
✅ Opt for grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken to cut down on calories and fat.
✅ Skip cheese, croutons, or bacon bits to reduce extra calories.
✅ Ask for dressing on the side and use it sparingly.
✅ Consider ordering a Whopper Jr. without mayo instead of fries for a lighter option.
While Burger King may not have a salad menu anymore, smart ordering choices can still help you enjoy a balanced meal.
Comparing Burger King’s Salads with Other Fast-Food Chains
McDonald’s vs. Burger King: Who Had the Better Salads?
For years, McDonald’s and Burger King competed in nearly every category, including salads. Both chains offered various grilled and crispy chicken salads, but McDonald’s had an edge with wider selection and fresher ingredients.
McDonald’s salads included options like:
- Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad – Packed with black beans, roasted corn, and a zesty southwest dressing.
- Bacon Ranch Salad – Similar to Burger King’s Bacon Cheddar Ranch Salad, but often considered fresher.
Despite having a strong lineup, McDonald’s also discontinued its salads in 2020, citing low demand and high costs. This means that neither chain currently offers salads in most U.S. locations.
How Burger King’s Salads Compare to Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A
While Burger King salads have disappeared from most menus, Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A still serve fresh, made-to-order salads.
Wendy’s:
✅ Still offers a variety of salads, including Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and Southwest Avocado Salad.
✅ Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique toppings.
✅ Known for seasonal salad rotations, keeping options exciting.
Chick-fil-A:
✅ Features salads like the Cobb Salad, Market Salad, and Spicy Southwest Salad.
✅ Uses grilled or crispy chicken, offering healthy and indulgent options.
✅ Dressing choices include lower-calorie options like balsamic vinaigrette.
If you’re looking for a fast-food salad fix, Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A are better bets than Burger King today.
FAQs About Burger King Salads
Does Burger King Have Salads?
As of 2025, Burger King does not sell full-sized salads in most U.S. locations. While some international restaurants still offer them, the majority of stores have removed them from the menu.
If you want a salad from Burger King, you might be able to customize a sandwich order by requesting a lettuce-heavy option. However, for a proper salad, you’ll need to visit other fast-food chains like Wendy’s or Chick-fil-A.
When Did Burger King Stop Selling Salads?
Burger King gradually phased out salads in early 2022, primarily due to low demand and supply chain issues. While salads were once a staple of their menu, they never gained the same popularity as burgers and fries.
When Did Burger King Have a Salad Bar?
Believe it or not, Burger King once had a salad bar in some locations during the 1980s and early 1990s. Known as the Burger King Salad Bar, it allowed customers to create their own salads. However, this concept didn’t last long due to high costs, food waste, and operational challenges.
How Many Calories Are in a Burger King Cranberry Salad?
Burger King previously offered a Cranberry Apple Salad, which was a seasonal item. The calorie count depended on toppings and dressing but generally ranged between 400-600 calories.
Since this salad is no longer available, customers looking for similar options might enjoy fruit-based salads from other fast-food chains.
Final Thoughts
While Burger King salads are now a thing of the past, they once provided a healthier alternative for fast-food lovers. If you’re craving a fresh, protein-packed salad, Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A remain strong choices.