McDonald's is launching a new Caesar Sauce nationwide on July 21, a creamy, garlicky Parmesan blend with notes of lemon designed to complement chicken items. The sauce will be available for the new Caesar Snack Wrap and Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich, with a Caesar Dip Cup also offered.
Despite the introduction of the new sauce, customer reactions on social media have largely focused on the absence of salads from the McDonald's menu. Instagram commenters expressed a strong desire for the return of discontinued salad options, with many questioning the lack of salads in conjunction with the new sauce's release.
"To put on what?! Salads still aren't back," one user wrote, echoing sentiments from many others who pleaded for the return of items like the "shakable salad cups."
McDonald's has a history of offering salads, beginning with the introduction of healthier menu items in the 1980s. The chain tested McSalad Shakers nationwide by 2000, featuring a novel cup design that allowed customers to toss dressing with the salad. By 2003, these were replaced by larger Premium salads. However, all salads were eventually discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a menu streamlining effort.
Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, stated in a 2024 interview that salads are not what customers are currently seeking from the chain. "One thing that won’t be returning to U.S. restaurants nationally is salads," Erlinger said. "The demand just isn't there. They’re looking for great french fries. They’re looking for a $5 meal deal. They’re looking for a hot, fresh sandwich, and so that’s what we’re going to continue to provide them."