Best Calorie-Wise, Budget Friendly, On-The-Go Salads

Just in time for bathing suit season, AC provides a rundown of the best salads based on taste, availability, calories and price. No need for cringing at the pool this year.

Target
Archer Farms California Salad $4.99 / 509 calories
Target's deli salads offer surprisingly high quality for a low price. The California salad contains a generous serving of tart cranberries, rich goat cheese, walnuts and seasoned grilled chicken with a side of poppy seed dressing. At just over 500 calories, it's satisfying and flavorful. The California salad is popular enough that it regularly sells out; a close runner up is the salmon & mango salad.

Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill
Grilled Shrimp and Spinach Salad $9.99 / 310 calories
The bacon vinaigrette served with this salad of spinach, warm grilled shrimp, almonds and sugar snap peas, makes an excellent choice for your waistline. A few other salads at this national chain restaurant have reasonable calorie count, but this combination of ingredients is a tasty standout. Half portions also available.

Blimpie Subs & Salads
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad $6.75 / 220 calories
There's no turning into a blimp with this perfect portion of grilled chicken, parmesan cheese and crisp lettuce.
Ask for the classic-style dressing on the side. The Ultimate Club salad earns second runner up with a slightly higher calorie count. Some locations now offer Light Ranch dressing.

Whole Foods
Salad Bar $7.99 / lb calories vary by selection
This hipster haven offers a wide selection of fresh, raw/cooked items at its self-serve salad bar. Grilled chicken, lean ham and tofu offer diet-smart salad underpinnings. Assembling the perfect salad is a fun form of experimentation and can help encourage a fearful palate. Say no to cold pasta choices. Put dressing in a small plastic container so as not to add it to the weight (and therefore cost).

Eater beware: forego the croutons, deep fried chicken pieces, tortilla strips, and taco salad bowls -- all items that run up calorie count and make a salad more unhealthy than a triple cheeseburger. And remember to pour dressing sparingly - it's the largest calorie contributor.