The Healthiest Fast-Food Items

Look, I get it. After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is go home and make dinner. So on the way, maybe that drive-through window looks a little too tempting to pass up. But picking a healthy option at a fast-food chain is notoriously difficult, often resulting in a nutrient-deficient and calorie-dense option that doesn’t leave you feeling your best.

But more and more, healthy options are becoming menu staples for fast food joints. You just have to know what to look for. Below you’ll find three restaurants and nine menu options for healthy, satisfying meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.

Chick-fil-A

Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 310 calories

So simple and yet so satisfying, the Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich features a boneless chicken breast seasoned and grilled for a tender and juicy backyard-smoky taste, nestled in a multigrain bun with lettuce and tomato. It’s a lean protein option that provides a good balance of taste and health.

Grilled Nuggets (8 Count): 130 calories

Ideal for a light meal or snack, the 8-piece Grilled Nuggets are marinated and seasoned with a unique blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. With high protein and low fat, these nuggets are a favorable option for those trying to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.

Market Salad: 330 calories

The Market Salad is a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, apples, and strawberries, topped with grilled chicken. It’s served with a blend of roasted nuts and comes with Apple Cider Vinaigrette dressing on the side. This salad is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making it a robust meal option.

Taco Bell

Power Menu Bowl – Chicken: 470 calories

Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl with chicken combines seasoned rice, black beans, real cheddar cheese, lettuce, and reduced-fat sour cream, all topped with freshly grilled chicken. This bowl is customizable regarding salsa and sauce options, allowing control over calorie intake while enjoying a filling, flavorful meal.

Fresco Style Soft Taco – Chicken: 150 calories

Opting for the “Fresco Style” delivers a lighter meal. This taco replaces heavier ingredients like cheese and sour cream with fresh pico de gallo, all wrapped around marinated and grilled chicken in a soft tortilla. It’s a nutritious, protein-packed option that keeps calories in check.

Black Beans and Rice: 170 calories

For a vegetarian option, the Black Beans and Rice dish is filling and low in calories, featuring seasoned black beans and a serving of rice. This side dish can also double as a light meal, providing naturally filling fiber and protein that contribute to satiety without the extra calories.

Subway

Veggie Delite Salad: 50 calories

The Veggie Delite Salad at Subway is a base of lettuce heaped with your choice of vegetables, including tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and cucumbers. It’s a customizable option with simple calorie control, and adding or omitting ingredients can make it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Turkey Breast Mini for Kids: 180 calories

Designed for kids but ideal for anyone seeking a lighter option, the Turkey Breast Mini sandwich features lean turkey breast piled on freshly baked bread, which you can top with an array of vegetables and condiments (noting that cream-based dressings tend to be higher in calories). This mini sandwich is low in calories and fat while providing a good source of protein.

Oven Roasted Chicken Sandwich: 320 calories

The Oven Roasted Chicken Sandwich is a hearty yet healthy option, consisting of tender, oven-roasted chicken breast piled on freshly baked bread (we recommend multigrain as the healthiest bread choice) and your choice of vegetables and sauces. This sandwich offers a balanced meal that includes protein, fiber, and essential nutrients without the burden of excessive calories.

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