Salads are often perceived as the healthier, lower-calorie option on restaurant menus. While many salads fit this description, some popular chain restaurant creations can surprisingly contain more calories than traditional ‘unhealthy’ items like cheeseburgers. This isn’t necessarily due to inherently unhealthy ingredients, but rather the addition of rich dressings, sauces, fried components, and generous toppings that can significantly increase the calorie count. Below, we explore five restaurant salads that pack a caloric punch comparable to, or even exceeding, an average cheeseburger.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Santa Fe Salad at The Cheesecake Factory is a substantial meal, totaling 1670 calories. This salad features marinated chicken, fresh corn, black beans, cheese, tortilla strips, tomato, and romaine lettuce, all tossed in a spicy peanut-cilantro vinaigrette. It’s worth noting that this isn’t even the most calorific salad on their menu; the Sheila’s Chicken and Avocado Salad reaches an impressive 1820 calories.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a popular choice, yet it contains a hefty 1550 calories. This dish is prepared with crispy breaded chicken tenders served on a bed of fresh Asian greens, crunchy noodles, and almonds, all tossed in an Oriental vinaigrette. It is typically accompanied by a signature breadstick brushed with buttery garlic and parsley.
Chili’s
Chili’s Quesadilla Explosion Crispers® Salad comes in at 1420 calories. This salad combines hand-battered Chicken Crispers, cheese, tomatoes, corn salsa, tortilla strips, and cilantro, dressed with a citrus-balsamic vinaigrette. Topping off this filling meal are cheese quesadillas, adding to its rich profile.
Buffalo Wild Wings
The Honey BBQ Chicken Salad at Buffalo Wild Wings contains 1060 calories. This salad is made with grilled chicken, honey BBQ sauce, romaine lettuce, cabbage, shredded carrots, ranch dressing, cheddar-jack cheese, tomatoes, bacon crumbles, croutons, green onions, and a hint of lime.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen‘s Charcuterie Salad is a significant meal, with the full salad weighing in at a remarkable 2540 calories. This mixed greens and fresh basil salad is tossed in a mustard herb vinaigrette and generously topped with applewood smoked ham, salami, sliced creamy Brie, cubed Parmesan, sliced green apples, and candied walnuts. It is also served with housemade toasted sesame crackers on the side.
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