McDonald's isn't the first place people typically think of when they're trying to eat healthy, and now a closer look at the fast food chain's new menu options is reminding us why.
As it turns out, you're actually better off biting into a Big Mac than trying one of Mickey D's latest kale salads.
The Premium Southwest Salad with Buttermilk Chicken starts off with a bed of baby spinach, baby kale, and some romaine and green leaf lettuce. These are the makings of a totally guilt-free menu option. Unfortunately, the buttermilk chicken filet, shredded cheddar jack cheese, and chili lime tortilla strips that top it are a different story. In the end, the salad rounds out at a whopping 510 calories, only 30 calories shy of McDonald's infamous Big Mac.
That, however, doesn't take into account salad dressing. And let's be real, who isn't putting salad dressing on a McDonald's salad? (It's a diet, not torture.)
One serving of the recommended dressing, Newman's Own Creamy Southwest blend, adds another 120 calories, bringing the salad's grand total up to 630 calories. That's about 100 calories more than the Big Mac, which is also significantly lower in sodium, carbs, and fat at this point. (However, it's worth noting that ordering grilled chicken over crispy—blasphemy, we know, but bare with us—saves you 80 calories, clocking in at 450 with the Creamy Southwest dressing on top. So that's an option too.)
A look at the nutritional details for the rest of McDonald's salads and healthy options sadly only confirm if you're looking for a low-calorie dinner, you're probably better off skipping the drive-thru.
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