Chick-Fil-A Confirms Its Side Salad Will Soon Be Removed From All Menus
Making a healthy choice at Chick-fil-A is about to get a little more difficult. As of March 20, Today reports that the popular Georgia-based chicken chain has started informing customers that its side salad is on its way off the menu. The news first broke on social media after customers began tweeting pictures of a flier titled "a fond farewell" that were being passed out at stores.
The note, which was shared widely on Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit, states, "Spring is here, and we are taking the opportunity to refresh our menu. One of the changes is a farewell to our Side Salad beginning April 3."
According to Chick-fil-A, the side salad is a mixed-green salad topped with shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheese and served with grape tomatoes, bell peppers, and the customer's choice of dressing. While the salad still contained about the same amount of calories as the chain's most popular side, its waffle fries, it is lower in carbs and fat and is not deep fried, which made it one of the fresher options on the menu.
Disappointed diners
According to Today, news of the discontinuation has caused an outpouring of frustration and grief from die hard Chick-fil-A fans, many of whom expressed their disappointment on social media. Feedback suggests that many fans liked to pair the side salad with chicken nuggets as a way to keep their meal a bit healthier or veggie-inclusive, something Chick-fil-A noted itself was in demand earlier this year when it introduced its cauliflower sandwich to the dismay of some customers.
The chain has noted it will be making its Kale Crunch side available in a larger size to replace the side salad. However, that salad does include roasted almonds and comes paired with a apple cider and Dijon mustard vinaigrette, so it may not fill the void for its side salad fans. In its farewell flier, Chick-fil-A hinted that something new might be coming to replace the side salad after it makes its final bow in April, writing, "We're always innovating to find your next favorite menu item and excited to let you know that we're working on some new menu items for you to enjoy."
Until those new items are released, fans will have to make due with either the kale side or one of the chain's remaining meal salads and await what comes next.