This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
If you’re trying to eat healthy, but your friends or family demand a trip through the fast food drive-through or Uber Eats this weekend, consider ordering what health experts say is the best thing you can eat on the menu: the Parmesan Caesar Salad.
The hearty salad delivers a healthy amount of protein (41g) while also maintaining a lower calorie count, the nutritionists we spoke to say. Here’s everything you need to know:
Wendy’s Parmesan Caesar Salad
The healthiest menu item on Wendy’s menu is the Parmesan Caesar Salad, three health experts we spoke with agreed.
“It provides a surprisingly high amount of protein at 41 grams while being relatively low in calories at 440 per salad with dressing,” registered dietitian nutritionist Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, author of “My Crohn’s and Colitis Team,” says.
Another pro tip? "Using only half the dressing packet can bring down the calories to 370 for the salad," she advises.
"This full-size salad has a total of 300 calories with an additional 140 calories if you apply the packet of dressing," functional movement specialist and nutritionist Samantha Watson of Start Rowing tells us. "If you want to consume fewer calories, apply less or none of the dressing."
"It has a whopping 41g of protein which is essential for building and repairing the muscles, organs, and bones." Wow! "It's also low in carbohydrates which is great if you are looking for a low-calorie option," she says.
Want to make your salad even leaner? Samantha suggest skipping the extra toppings and having a side of sliced apples. Yum!
It even works for vegetarians, too. "Simply order it without the chicken," Samantha advises. "You could then also add extra pecans to increase protein content." Amazing--this really is Wendy's super food salad!
"The best thing is that you have a lot of control and options with this meal."