5 Chain Restaurant Salads with More Calories Than a Burger

Salads are often perceived as the healthiest option on a restaurant menu. However, many popular chain restaurant salads actually contain more calories than a standard cheeseburger. While the base ingredients like greens and vegetables are nutritious, heavy dressings, fried toppings, and rich cheeses can quickly turn a light meal into a high-calorie option.

The Cheesecake Factory: Santa Fe Salad

The Santa Fe Salad at this popular chain contains 1,670 calories, which is significantly more than multiple fast-food burgers. This dish features marinated chicken, corn, black beans, cheese, tortilla strips, and a spicy peanut-cilantro vinaigrette. For an even heavier option, the Sheila’s Chicken and Avocado Salad reaches a staggering 1,820 calories.

Applebee’s: Oriental Chicken Salad

A long-time favorite for many diners, the Oriental Chicken Salad packs 1,550 calories. It combines crispy breaded chicken tenders, Asian greens, crunchy noodles, almonds, and a sweet Oriental vinaigrette, served alongside a buttery garlic breadstick.

Chili’s: Quesadilla Explosion Crispers Salad

This salad delivers 1,420 calories. It features hand-battered chicken crispers, cheese, corn salsa, tortilla strips, and a citrus-balsamic dressing. The meal is further enhanced with cheese quesadillas served right on top, contributing to its high calorie count.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Honey BBQ Chicken Salad

Coming in at 1,060 calories, this salad features grilled chicken tossed in honey BBQ sauce. It is served over a bed of romaine, cabbage, carrots, and green onions, but the addition of ranch dressing, cheddar-jack cheese, bacon crumbles, and croutons significantly increases the caloric density.

California Pizza Kitchen: Charcuterie Salad

Topping the list is the Charcuterie Salad, which contains an impressive 2,540 calories for a full portion. This dish features mixed greens and basil tossed in a mustard herb vinaigrette, loaded with premium toppings like smoked ham, salami, Brie, Parmesan, candied walnuts, and apples, accompanied by toasted sesame crackers.