How many carbs are in a grilled chicken cobb salad from Chick-fil-A?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Chick-fil-A's official nutrition information, a standard Cobb Salad with grilled chicken, all toppings, and the Avocado Lime Ranch dressing contains 31g of carbohydrates. The final carb total for a grilled chicken cobb salad from Chick-fil-A can vary significantly depending on which toppings and dressing you choose.

Quick Summary

The carb content of a Chick-fil-A grilled chicken cobb salad fluctuates based on its toppings and dressing. Customizing the salad by removing high-carb ingredients and opting for a low-carb dressing can drastically lower the overall carbohydrate count.

Key Points

Base Carb Count: The standard grilled chicken cobb salad contains approximately 31g of carbohydrates, largely due to toppings and dressing.
High-Carb Ingredients: The roasted corn kernels, crispy bell peppers, and Avocado Lime Ranch dressing are the primary contributors to the higher carb count.
Significant Reduction: By removing the corn and crispy bell peppers and using a low-carb dressing, the net carbs can be reduced to around 10-12g.
Keto Modification: The lowest carb option involves getting grilled nuggets instead of the filet, and holding the corn and crispy peppers.
Dressing is Key: The dressing choice is critical; many default dressings are high in sugar and carbs. Low-carb alternatives like Light Italian Dressing or a simple vinaigrette are best.
Customization Control: Ordering dressings on the side gives you full control over your carbohydrate intake and allows for personal modifications.

The Default Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad Carb Breakdown

The standard Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad comes with a variety of ingredients that contribute to its carbohydrate count. The base consists of mixed greens, and it's topped with sliced grilled chicken, shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, roasted corn kernels, grape tomatoes, and Charred Tomato and Crispy Red Bell Peppers. The default Avocado Lime Ranch dressing also adds a substantial number of carbs.

The original version of the Cobb Salad, featuring grilled chicken and all standard ingredients, contains around 31 grams of carbohydrates, including the dressing. A significant portion of these carbs comes from several key ingredients:

Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing contributes a notable amount of the salad's total carbs. Opting for a vinaigrette or a different dressing is one of the easiest ways to cut carbs.
Roasted Corn Kernels: Corn is a starchy vegetable and, while a great addition, adds to the carb load. Removing it is a simple adjustment for low-carb diets.
Charred Tomato and Crispy Red Bell Peppers: These flavorful topping packs include ingredients that add to the carb count. Skipping them is recommended for stricter low-carb plans.

Customizing Your Salad for Lower Carbs

To significantly reduce the carbohydrate count of your Chick-fil-A grilled chicken cobb salad, you'll need to customize your order. Simply asking for a few modifications can turn a higher-carb meal into a keto-friendly option.

To reduce carbs, you should specifically request the following:

Hold the Corn: Ask to have the roasted corn kernels left off your salad. This is one of the quickest ways to reduce the overall carb total.
Skip the Topping Packs: Explicitly ask to not include the Charred Tomato and Crispy Red Bell Peppers. These are the small packs served alongside the salad that contain the carb-heavy roasted corn and bell peppers.
Choose a Low-Carb Dressing: The default Avocado Lime Ranch dressing is high in carbs. Selecting a low-carb alternative, such as a light vinaigrette or a different ranch option, is crucial for those watching their carb intake. A packet of Light Italian Dressing is a popular choice for reducing carbs.

The Impact of Dressings

The dressing can make or break a salad's carb-friendliness. While some creamy dressings might seem low-carb, many contain hidden sugars and starches. Always check the nutrition information for your dressing choice or bring your own to be certain. Some better choices at Chick-fil-A, depending on your carb allowance, include the Light Balsamic Vinaigrette or simply a packet of oil and vinegar.

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Carb Comparison


Version	Total Carbs (approx.)	Net Carbs (approx.)	Key Modifications	Notes
Standard	31g	N/A	Includes all standard ingredients and Avocado Lime Ranch dressing.	The highest carb option.
Low-Carb Modified	20g	12g	With grilled filet, no corn, no crispy bell peppers, and low-carb dressing.	A much more keto-friendly option.
With Grilled Nuggets	22g	10g	Using grilled nuggets instead of the filet, and no crispy bell peppers.	The lowest carb option with meat, when ordered without corn and dressing.

The Final Verdict for Different Diets

For those on a ketogenic diet or a very low-carb diet, ordering the Cobb Salad with grilled nuggets and skipping the corn and crispy bell peppers is the best option, offering around 10g of net carbs (before adding a dressing). For general low-carb eating, the modified version with a grilled filet and a low-carb dressing is a safe and satisfying choice. The standard Cobb Salad, however, is not ideal for strict low-carb or keto regimens due to the high carb count from the corn, crispy peppers, and dressing.

Always ask for your dressing on the side. This gives you complete control over how much you use, and you can also substitute it with a zero-carb dressing from home if you prefer. Chick-fil-A offers nutritional transparency, which makes it easier to customize your order to fit your dietary needs. For detailed ingredient and allergen information, you can always check the official Chick-fil-A website.

Conclusion

While the standard grilled chicken cobb salad from Chick-fil-A might appear to be a healthy, low-carb option, it is not. The total carb count is 31g, heavily influenced by the dressing, corn, and crispy bell peppers. The good news is that with a few simple modifications, you can significantly lower the carbohydrate content. By requesting no corn, holding the crispy bell peppers, and choosing a low-carb dressing, you can create a customized version that is much more suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Being mindful of these ingredients empowers you to make healthier choices while enjoying a meal at Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A nutrition information can be found on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Without dressing or the crispy bell pepper toppings, the Cobb Salad with a grilled filet has approximately 12g net carbs. With grilled nuggets, it's about 10g net carbs, but the final number depends on the dressing chosen.

Chick-fil-A's Avocado Lime Ranch dressing contains a significant amount of carbs. To keep your meal low-carb, it's best to either use a very small amount or opt for a different, lower-carb dressing.

Yes, you can make it keto-friendly by ordering the salad with grilled chicken (or nuggets), holding the corn and crispy peppers, and choosing a low-carb dressing like the Light Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Hidden carbs are primarily found in the dressing (Avocado Lime Ranch) and the optional Charred Tomato and Crispy Red Bell Peppers topping pack. Always ask to hold these if you are on a strict low-carb diet.

The crispy, breaded chicken is significantly higher in carbohydrates than the grilled chicken. Opting for grilled chicken or grilled nuggets is essential for reducing the carb count.

The Light Italian Dressing is one of the best low-carb options. For keto diets, a simpler choice is often a few packets of oil and vinegar, or bringing your own preferred low-carb dressing.

The total carb count for the Cobb Salad with grilled chicken, including all standard ingredients and the Avocado Lime Ranch dressing, is 31g.