This High-Protein Chick-fil-A Salad Is My Favorite Lunch

Lunch has always been my least favorite meal to prepare. While I value a nutritious and convenient meal, some days, it’s tough to align that with the realities of a hectic schedule. And yet, I know how important it is to fuel my brain and body midday. Thankfully, in the age of digital discovery, I’m constantly finding the latest tricks and life hacks on social media. So when I kept seeing a lunch-friendly Chick-fil-A salad hack pop up on my TikTok feed, I was naturally curious about it. The hack looked healthy, quick and was earning rave reviews—so it was a no-brainer for me to try it.

The hack combines three elements of the Chick-fil-A menu into one satisfying lunch option. To order the hack for yourself, you’ll need two Kale Crunch Side Salads, the eight-piece Grilled Nuggets and a packet of Zesty Buffalo Sauce. Let’s talk about what makes this salad so special.

First up, the foundation of the salad consists of two Kale Crunch Side Salads, a refreshing mix of kale and green cabbage, generously dressed with a vinaigrette made with apple cider and Dijon mustard. Each salad also comes with a pack of roasted almonds, which provide a nice crunchy element.

The base is pretty nutritious on its own, loaded with eight grams of protein, eight grams of fiber and only three grams of saturated fat in total when combining the two sides. I love this salad because it’s fresh and filling—plus, it’s easy to recreate if I want to make it at home. 

Kale is loaded with antioxidants and is both a cruciferous veggie and a leafy green. Eating kale—and cabbage—on a regular is linked with reduced inflammation and disease risk, including a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. And while there aren’t a lot of almonds in this salad, if you eat the nuts regularly, they might help reduce your cholesterol.

The true standout in this lunch is the eight-count Grilled Nuggets, offering 25 grams of lean protein along with incredible flavor. The protein content makes these nuggets a fantastic choice, but their smoky, slightly charred taste and savory seasoning elevate the meal even further. The simplicity of the seasoning highlights the quality of the chicken and the grilling process. Pairing these nuggets with a refreshing kale salad creates a wholesome and delicious combination.

Besides protein, chicken also provides micronutrients, like choline and vitamin B12, which are both necessary for a healthy nervous system. The nuggets are fairly high in sodium, so if your body is sensitive to it, when you have this salad, make sure you’re paying attention to the sodium content in the other foods you eat that day.

The last element of this salad involves topping it all off with the Zesty Buffalo sauce. The salad comes pre-dressed, so this step can be optional if heat isn’t your thing. But for me, I love an extra kick of heat in any of my meals. When ordering, ask for an extra salad container on the side to combine all the ingredients and give it a good shake to ensure a punch of Buffalo sauce in each bite. 

The beauty of this Chick-fil-A salad hack lies in its swift preparation. Whether you order it at the restaurant or opt for takeout, you can count on this meal being ready in a flash. It’s a lifeline for days when time is of the essence and you crave a balanced, tasty meal without the fuss. So, if you’re looking to simplify your midday routine, this high-protein option might just be your new lunchtime hero.

The Bottom Line

If you need a quick, nutritious lunch, this Chick-fil-A salad hack can help meet your needs. Combining crunchy kale salad with grilled chicken nuggets and Buffalo sauce is not only delicious but filling and can help prevent a midday slump.