Examining the Nutrition of Salad and Go's Menu in 2022
Salad and Go is a quick service restaurant chain focused on fresh, customizable salads and wraps. With a motto of "Fresh Food Fast", Salad and Go aims to make nutritious menu items conveniently accessible. But in a fast food landscape dominated by burgers and fries, does Salad and Go truly live up to its healthy reputation?
Let's take an in-depth look at Salad and Go's current nutrition numbers in 2022 to see how their menu items truly stack up for your health.
Analyzing Salad and Go's Salad Nutrition
Given their name, Salad and Go's signature menu item is of course their wide variety of salads. All of their salads start with a base of mixed greens and can be customized by choosing:
- Grain base - none, rice, quinoa, pasta, lentils
- Protein - grilled chicken, turkey, steak, tuna, tofu
- Toppings - avocado, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, etc.
- Dressing - balsamic vinaigrette, light Italian, Greek, Caesar, etc.
With all the possible combinations, nutrition can vary greatly. But here is an overview of some popular Salad and Go salad options:
Southwest Chicken Salad
380 calories, 37g protein
Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad
340 calories, 30g protein
Classic Greek Salad
270 calories, 28g protein
Strawberry Avocado Salad
260 calories, 10g protein
In general, most of their salad combinations provide a decent base of protein and range between 250-400 calories depending on ingredients. Adding creamy dressings or going heavy on items like avocado or cheese can drive up calories.
Salad and Go's Wraps, Pitas, and Sandwiches
In addition to salads, Salad and Go offers a selection of wraps, pitas, and sandwiches. Options include:
- Traditional wrap with turkey, ham, chicken
- Hummus veggie wrap
- Chicken Caesar wrap
- Steak or chicken pita
- Caprese sandwich
Again, nutrition profile varies but a reasonable range is:
Chicken Caesar Wrap
440 calories, 30g protein
Greek Veggie Pita
280 calories, 10g protein
Mesquite Chicken Sandwich
350 calories, 28g protein
These items provide more carbohydrates from the bread or pita but remain lower calorie options compared to fried fast food sandwiches. Load up on veggies to boost nutritional value.
Salad and Go's Breakfast
For those seeking a quick breakfast on-the-go, Salad and Go offers several options including:
- Egg white sandwiches
- Burritos with egg, cheese, meat
- Oatmeal cups
- Yogurt parfaits
- Fresh fruit cups
A couple specific items include:
Egg White Sandwich
300 calories, 20g protein
Rocky Mountain Burrito
490 calories, 24g protein
These numbers show the breakfast menu remains relatively balanced. Focus on the lighter options like egg sandwiches and yogurt if watching calories.
Salad and Go Sides and Drinks
Rounding out Salad and Go's menu are a variety of sides and beverages.
Some of the lower calorie sides include:
- Fruit cup - 45 calories
- Veggie salad - 60 calories
- Low-fat milk - 100 calories
And more indulgent sides:
- Mac and cheese - 230 calories
- Chips and guacamole - 440 calories
- Cookie - 170 calories
Beverage-wise, they offer a variety of drinks including:
- Soft drinks - 120 calories
- Juices - 140 calories
- Smoothies - 260 calories
- Nutritional shakes - 200 calories
When choosing sides and drinks, be mindful of added calories and sugar content. A healthy salad can quickly become less balanced if you add multiple higher calorie items.
Customizing Your Salad and Go Order for Nutrition
The versatility of Salad and Go's menu lets you customize your meal for your own nutrition and taste preferences.
To make the most balanced choices, consider these tips when ordering:
- Opt for grilled, baked, or broiled proteins
- Load up on veggie toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions
- Choose lighter dressings like balsamic vinegar
- Add healthy grains like brown rice or quinoa
- Pair your meal with fresh fruit or low-fat milk
- Ask for dressings and sauces on the side
- Avoid chips, cookies, and fried items as sides
Taking advantage of Salad and Go's salad customizations and healthier menu options can help you put together a nutritious fast casual meal.
Comparing Salad and Go's Nutrition to Other Chains
Salad and Go fills an important niche as a convenient spot to get fresh salads and lighter menu items. But how does their nutrition profile truly compare to other major fast food chains?
Here is a brief overview of how Salad and Go meals stack up against the competition:
Salad and Go vs. McDonald's
McDonald's, the quintessential burger joint, unsurprisingly has higher calorie and fat content overall:
- Big Mac: 550 calories, 28g fat
- McCafe Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken: 520 calories, 28g fat
Versus lighter Salad and Go options like:
- Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad: 340 calories, 6g fat
- Hummus Wrap: 300 calories, 6g fat
The nutritional advantage clearly goes to Salad and Go'sFresh Food options.
Salad and Go vs. Subway
Subway positions itself as a healthier alternative with subs and salads. A comparison:
- Subway Meatball Marinara Sub: 480 calories, 18g fat
- Subway Rotisserie Chicken Salad: 410 calories, 10g fat
Versus Salad and Go:
- Chicken Caesar Wrap: 440 calories, 14g fat
- Taco Salad: 370 calories, 19g fat
The two chains offer some comparable options, though Salad and Go edges out Subway on freshness.
Salad and Go vs. Panera
Panera also promotes healthier fare like salads and sandwiches.How they compare:
FAQs
How many calories are in Salad and Go meals?
Salad and Go meals range from about 250-500 calories depending on the specific salad, wrap, or sandwich. Ingredients like dressing, cheese, and avocado can increase calories.
Is Salad and Go considered healthy fast food?
Yes, Salad and Go is one of the healthier fast food options thanks to their focus on salads, wraps, and fresh ingredients. It is lower in calories and fat compared to traditional burger chains.
How can I customize my Salad and Go order to be more nutritious?
Opt for grilled proteins, load up on vegetable toppings, choose lighter dressings, avoid fried items and sugary drinks, and pair your meal with fruit or milk.
How does Salad and Go compare to Subway or Panera nutrition-wise?
Salad and Go has comparable nutrition to Subway and Panera. All three offer healthier alternatives to traditional fast food with customizable salads, sandwiches, and fresh ingredients.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment