I ordered salads from Wendy's, Culver's, Chick-fil-A, and Zaxby's. My old go-to chain didn't make it close to the top of the list.

Meredith SchneiderAug 25, 2024, 20:33 IST

I wouldn't typically go to Chick-fil-A or Zaxby's for salads, but I did for this taste test. Meredith Schneider<ul class="summary-list"><li>I ordered <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-ina-garten-salad-recipes-review-winner-easy-2024-7">basic salads</a> at Wendy's, Culver's, Chick-fil-A, and Zaxby's to see which chain was best.</li><li>Wendy's used to rule the salad game, but I was underwhelmed by my Cobb there.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-vs-culvers-classic-meal-which-is-better-review-2023">Fast-food restaurants</a> aren't necessarily known for their healthy options. Heck, McDonald's has vehemently <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-should-stick-to-unhealthy-food-burgers-chicken-2024-7">exited the salad game</a> at US locations, in part due to a lack of interest.Local restaurants and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saladworks-vs-sweetgreen-salad-which-is-better-review-2024-2">salad-specific chains</a> like Sweetgreen and Just Salad are on the rise, but if you know where to look, there are still some great options at the drive-thru.I tried basic salads at Wendy's, Culver's, Chick-fil-A, and Zaxby's to see which offered the tastiest dish for the best value.Here's how the fast-food chains stacked up.

First, I ordered a Cobb salad at Wendy’s.

My local Wendy's looked completely empty. Meredith Schneider

The Cobb salad comes with crispy onions.

I thought Wendy's salads used to be bigger. Meredith Schneider

Wendy’s is no longer the salad savant.

Wendy's Cobb salad was just OK. Meredith Schneider

Zaxby’s was my second Cobb salad of the evening.

There wasn't much of a crowd at my local Zaxby's.Meredith Schneider

This Cobb had near-perfect portions.

Zaxby's salad came in a hearty box. Meredith Schneider

Zaxby's had the biggest and most expensive salad.

The Zaxby's salad even came with a side of Texas toast. Meredith Schneider

Chick-fil-A packs a punch — but in a smaller container.

The drive-thru at my Chick-fil-A was packed. Meredith Schneider

I liked that the salad was a bit customizable.

I was intrigued by Chick-fil-A's interesting topping and dressing. Meredith Schneider

Chick-fil-A really impressed me.

I'd definitely order another Cobb from Chick-fil-A. Meredith Schneider

Culver’s seasonal summer salad was a close comparison.

I like Culver's, but it can be crowded. Meredith Schneider

The seasonal salad came with two vinaigrettes.

I was a little thrown off by Culver's mismatched dressings. Meredith Schneider

Culver’s satisfied my sweet tooth.

I didn't even feel like I was eating a salad at Culver's. Meredith Schneider

Price became my deciding factor for this salad review.

Clockwise from top left: Salads from Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, Culver's, and Wendy's. Meredith Schneider

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