Whataburger, known for its iconic burgers, also offers a selection of fresh salads for health-conscious diners. The Whataburger Salad Menu features options like the Cobb Salad, Garden Salad, and Apple & Cranberry Chicken Salad. Prices for these salads range from $6.28 for a Garden Salad to $8.82 for a Cobb Salad, providing affordable choices for those seeking lighter fare.
The salads at Whataburger cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. The Garden Salad serves as a simple base, while the Cobb Salad includes protein-rich toppings like chicken, bacon, and blue cheese. For those craving a unique flavor combination, the Apple & Cranberry Chicken Salad offers a blend of sweet and savory elements.
Whataburger’s commitment to quality extends to its salad offerings. The chain uses fresh ingredients, including Red Roma Blend lettuce, grape tomatoes, and grated carrots. Customers can also customize their salads by choosing different chicken options, such as grilled or spicy chicken filets, to suit their preferences.
Overview of Whataburger Salad Offerings
Whataburger’s salad menu features fresh, flavorful options for those seeking lighter fare. The restaurant chain offers three distinct salads, each crafted with high-quality ingredients and appealing flavor combinations.
Garden Salad
The Garden Salad is Whataburger’s simplest offering. It features a bed of crisp lettuce topped with grape tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, and matchstick carrots. This salad provides a light, refreshing option for health-conscious diners.
Priced at $7.99, the Garden Salad is an affordable choice. It contains only 160 calories, making it suitable for those watching their calorie intake. The salad offers 9 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of fat.
Customers can customize their Garden Salad with additional toppings or dressings to suit their tastes. The combination of vegetables provides essential nutrients, including Vitamin A from the carrots, which supports eye health and immune function.
Cobb Salad
The Cobb Salad is a heartier option on Whataburger’s menu. It includes a Whatachick’n filet, hard-boiled egg, bacon slices, shredded cheese, grape tomatoes, and grated carrots on a bed of lettuce.
Priced at $10.39, this salad offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and toppings. The Cobb Salad provides a satisfying meal with its combination of flavors and textures. The chicken filet adds substantial protein, while the bacon and cheese contribute savory notes.
Nutritionally, the Cobb Salad is more calorie-dense than the Garden Salad due to its additional ingredients. It serves as a filling lunch or dinner option for those seeking a more substantial salad meal.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the cool, creamy texture of ranch dressing. This salad features crispy chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, served on a bed of fresh lettuce with additional toppings.
Key components include grape tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips for added crunch. The buffalo sauce provides a tangy, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
This salad offers a good balance of protein from the chicken and vegetables for fiber and nutrients. It appeals to those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat in their meals. The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad serves as a flavorful alternative to traditional salad options.
Signature Salad Ingredients
Whataburger’s salads feature a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients that create flavorful and satisfying meals. From crisp vegetables to protein-packed toppings, these salads offer a balanced mix of textures and tastes.
Fresh Produce
The foundation of Whataburger’s salads is a bed of crisp lettuce. Garden Salads include grape tomatoes, adding a burst of juicy sweetness. Matchstick carrots provide a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
For added freshness, some salads incorporate apple slices. These bring a touch of natural sweetness and a crisp texture contrast. Red Roma tomato blend may also be included in certain salad options.
Whataburger ensures the produce used in their salads is fresh and appealing. The combination of these ingredients creates a visually attractive and nutritionally diverse base for the salads.
Protein Choices
Whataburger offers several protein options to complement their salads:
- Grilled Chicken: A lean, flavorful choice
- Crispy Chicken: For those who prefer a crunchy texture
- Whatachick’n Filet: A signature chicken option
- Bacon Slices: Adds a savory, smoky element
Hard-boiled eggs are also available, providing additional protein and richness. These protein choices allow customers to customize their salads based on dietary preferences or taste preferences.
Dressings and Toppings
To enhance flavor and texture, Whataburger offers various dressings and toppings:
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Grated carrots
- Cranberries (in select salads)
Salad dressings are served on the side, allowing customers to control the amount used. Options may include:
- Ranch
- Honey Mustard
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
These toppings and dressings enable diners to personalize their salads. The combination of fresh produce, protein choices, and additional toppings creates a well-rounded meal that can satisfy various taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whataburger’s Health-Conscious Menu Options
Whataburger offers several nutritious options for health-conscious diners. The salad menu provides low-calorie choices and balanced meal combinations to suit different dietary needs.
Low-Calorie Salads
The Garden Salad stands out as a lightweight option on Whataburger’s menu. At just 160 calories, it features a mix of romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, grape tomatoes, and carrots. This salad provides a balanced 10-10-10 split of fat, carbs, and protein.
For those seeking more variety, the Apple & Cranberry Chicken Salad offers a flavorful alternative. Priced at $9.29, it combines fresh ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
Customers can customize their salads by adding protein options like grilled chicken, Whatachick’n, or spicy chicken. This flexibility allows diners to increase the nutritional value while keeping calories in check.
Salad Meal Combinations
The Cobb Salad, priced at $10.39, is a substantial meal option. It boasts an impressive 44 grams of protein and only 10 grams of carbohydrates. This combination makes it a filling choice for those watching their carb intake.
Whataburger allows patrons to pair salads with other menu items for a more balanced meal. Adding a small side or a low-calorie beverage can create a satisfying combination without excessive calories.
Nutritional information is readily available, helping customers make informed choices. While sodium content tends to be high, as with most fast-food options, Whataburger’s salads remain a healthier alternative to many of their traditional burger offerings.
Customizing Your Salad at Whataburger
Whataburger offers various options to personalize your salad experience. Customers can tailor their salads with additional toppings and protein choices to create a meal that suits their preferences and dietary needs.
Add-ons
Whataburger provides several add-ons to enhance your salad. Chicken options include grilled chicken filet, spicy chicken filet, and crispy chicken strips. These protein choices can be added to any salad for an extra charge.
Salad dressings are another way to customize your meal. Options may include:
- Ranch
- Honey Mustard
- Italian
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
Additional toppings like extra cheese, bacon, or avocado can be added to boost flavor and nutrition.
Substitutions
Whataburger allows customers to make substitutions to their salads. If you prefer a different type of lettuce or want to omit certain ingredients, you can usually request these changes.
Some common substitutions include:
- Swapping iceberg lettuce for romaine
- Removing tomatoes or onions
- Changing the type of cheese
For those with dietary restrictions, Whataburger can often accommodate requests like removing croutons for a gluten-free option or omitting cheese for dairy-free diets.
Pairing Your Salad With Other Menu Items
Whataburger offers several options to complement your salad and create a satisfying meal. Customers can choose from a variety of sides, beverages, and desserts to round out their order.
Sides Options
French fries are a classic choice to pair with any Whataburger salad. Crispy and golden, they provide a salty contrast to the fresh vegetables. For a lighter option, consider the apple slices, which add a sweet crunch to your meal.
Onion rings offer a flavorful alternative to fries. Their crispy exterior and tender interior make them a popular side dish. Hash browns are available during breakfast hours, providing a hearty potato option to accompany morning salads.
Beverages
Whataburger’s drink menu features a range of soft drinks to quench your thirst. Coca-Cola products, including Diet Coke and Sprite, are available. For those seeking a caffeine boost, fresh-brewed iced tea and coffee are on offer.
Shakes come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. These creamy treats can serve as both a beverage and a dessert. For a lighter option, try unsweetened iced tea or water to keep your meal refreshing.
Desserts
The hot apple pie is a warm, flaky pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s a comforting end to any meal. For chocolate lovers, the chocolate chunk cookie provides a rich, indulgent treat.
Fruit cups offer a healthier dessert choice, aligning well with the salad’s nutritional profile. These cups typically include a mix of fresh, seasonal fruits. Whataburger’s dessert options cater to various preferences, ensuring a sweet finish to your salad meal.
Non-Salad Menu Highlights
Whataburger’s menu extends far beyond salads, offering a diverse array of mouthwatering options. From classic burgers to crispy chicken and hearty breakfast items, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Burger Selections
Whataburger’s burger lineup is the cornerstone of their menu. The signature Whataburger features a 100% pure beef patty on a toasted 5-inch bun. For bigger appetites, the Double Meat Whataburger doubles up on beef. The Justaburger offers a simpler option with fewer toppings.
The Whataburger Jr. is perfect for lighter meals. Cheese lovers flock to the Whataburger Patty Melt, featuring two beef patties, grilled onions, and melted cheese on Texas Toast.
For a unique twist, try the Green Chile Double. It combines two beef patties with roasted green chiles and creamy pepper sauce.
Chicken Delights
Whataburger’s chicken options rival their burgers in popularity. The Whatachick’n Sandwich features a crispy breaded chicken filet with lettuce and tomato. For a healthier choice, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers a flame-grilled chicken breast.
Chicken Strips are a fan favorite, available in 3 or 5-piece orders. They come with a choice of dipping sauces, including honey butter, creamy pepper, or spicy ketchup.
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich kicks things up a notch with jalapeño peppers and a zesty WhataSauce.
Breakfast Favorites
Whataburger’s breakfast menu is available from 11 PM to 11 AM. The iconic Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit pairs a crispy chicken strip with sweet honey butter on a fluffy biscuit.
The Breakfast on a Bun sandwich includes a choice of sausage or bacon with egg and cheese. For a hearty meal, try the Breakfast Platter with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and your choice of meat.
Taquitos are a Tex-Mex breakfast option, featuring eggs with cheese, potatoes, or bacon wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Kids’ Meals
Whataburger caters to younger diners with kid-friendly portions. The Justaburger Jr. is a popular choice, featuring a small beef patty with classic toppings. Chicken options include a single Whatachick’n Strip or Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
All kids’ meals come with a side of French fries or apple slices, and a drink. For a treat, kids can choose a cookie or small shake instead of fries.
Whataburger’s kids’ meals strike a balance between taste and nutrition, offering smaller portions of their classic menu items.
Ordering and Convenience
Whataburger’s salad menu offers easy ordering options and nutritional transparency. The company prioritizes customer convenience through digital platforms and readily available health information.
Mobile App Features
The Whataburger App streamlines the salad ordering process. Users can customize their Garden Fresh Salads with various toppings and dressings. The app allows for easy modifications, such as adding grilled chicken or removing specific ingredients.
Customers can save their favorite salad combinations for quick reordering. The app also offers exclusive deals and promotions on salad menu items. Users can choose between pickup and delivery options, with real-time order tracking available.
Group ordering functionality lets multiple people add salads to a single order, each customizing their own. This feature is particularly useful for office lunches or family meals.
Nutritional Information Access
Whataburger provides comprehensive nutritional details for all salad menu items. The company’s website and mobile app display calorie counts, macronutrients, and allergen information for each salad option.
Customers can view the nutritional impact of adding or removing ingredients from their salads. This transparency helps those with dietary restrictions or health goals make informed choices.
The Cobb Salad, for example, contains 540 calories, with full breakdowns of fat, protein, and carbohydrate content available. Whataburger regularly updates this information to reflect any menu changes or ingredient adjustments.
About Whataburger
Whataburger is an iconic American fast-food chain known for its made-to-order burgers and distinctive orange-and-white striped architecture. Founded in Texas, the company has grown to become a beloved regional brand with a loyal customer base.
Company History
Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton founded Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 8, 1950. Their vision was to create a burger so big that customers would exclaim “What a burger!” upon seeing it. The first Whataburger sold for 25 cents.
Dobson bought out Burton’s share in 1951 and focused on expanding the business. By 1960, Whataburger had grown to 17 locations across Texas. The company introduced its iconic A-frame buildings in 1961, which became a hallmark of the brand.
In 1967, Whataburger expanded beyond Texas, opening its first out-of-state restaurant in Pensacola, Florida. The company continued to innovate, introducing new menu items and expanding its operating hours to 24/7 in 1982.
Expansion and Locations
From its humble beginnings in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has grown into a regional powerhouse. As of 2024, the chain operates over 900 locations across 14 states, primarily in the Southern United States.
Texas remains the heart of Whataburger‘s operations, with hundreds of restaurants spread across the Lone Star State. The company has also established a strong presence in other Southern states like Oklahoma, Alabama, and Florida.
In 2019, BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Whataburger, supporting its expansion efforts. This move has led to new locations opening in states like Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee, bringing Whataburger’s unique flavors to more customers across the country.