McDonald's has trimmed its salad menu significantly in recent years, removing several options in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2026, the salad lineup is more limited than it once was, which actually makes the choices simpler. Here's what you need to know.
McDonald's Salad Options and Calories
McDonald's current salad offerings vary by location, but the core options available include:
Side Salad — ~20 calories
The side salad is genuinely one of the lowest-calorie items on the McDonald's menu. A simple mix of lettuce, baby spinach, and tomato, it's essentially calorie-free before dressing. The problem is that it's too small to function as a meal on its own, and becomes the vessel for whatever dressing you add.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad — ~350 calories
One of the more nutritionally balanced options McDonald's has offered, combining grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, and tomatoes over greens. With grilled chicken rather than crispy, you're looking at roughly 350 calories before dressing — a reasonable lunch. Adding a low-fat vinaigrette keeps the total around 400 calories. A creamy Caesar dressing can push it to 500 or more.
Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad — ~320 calories
The grilled version comes in around 320 calories with solid protein from both chicken and bacon. The dressing is the critical variable — Newman's Own Ranch adds around 170 calories alone.
Crispy Chicken versions — add ~100-150 calories
Any salad ordered with crispy (breaded) chicken rather than grilled adds roughly 100-150 calories and significantly more fat and sodium.
The Dressing Problem
Dressings are often the highest-calorie component of the entire meal:
Newman's Own Caesar Dressing — 190 calories per packet
Newman's Own Ranch Dressing — 170 calories per packet
Creamy Southwest Dressing — 100 calories per packet
Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette — 35 calories per packet
The difference between the lowest and highest calorie dressing is 155 calories. Always ask for dressing on the side and use half the packet.
How McDonald's Salads Compare to the Rest of the Menu
A grilled chicken salad with low-fat vinaigrette at around 385 calories compares favourably to most McDonald's burgers. The Big Mac at 563 calories, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese at 520 calories, and the basic Hamburger at 250 calories all give useful comparison points. A crispy chicken salad with a full packet of Caesar dressing can easily top 600 calories — more than a Big Mac.
Tips for Ordering a Lower-Calorie McDonald's Salad
Always choose grilled over crispy chicken. Ask for dressing on the side and use half. Avoid croutons. A grilled chicken salad with light dressing and water is one of the most balanced meals you can order at McDonald's from a calorie perspective.
For the full McDonald's menu with all calories, see our McDonald's nutrition page. Use our Daily Calorie Needs Calculator to find your daily calorie target. For a full comparison of fast food salads across all chains, see our Complete Guide to Fast Food Salads.