If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious salad option, Panera’s Thai Chicken Salad is a great choice. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful chicken, and a tangy dressing that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutrition of Panera’s Thai Chicken Salad, give you some tips on how to make it even healthier, and answer some common questions about this popular dish.
Table of Contents
What is Panera Thai Chicken Salad?
Panera’s Thai Chicken Salad is a salad made with mixed greens, chicken, edamame, red pepper, carrot, cilantro, and wonton strips, all topped with a Thai chili vinaigrette. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful option at Panera.
What are the nutrition facts of Panera Thai Chicken Salad?
According to Panera’s website, the Thai Chicken Salad has the following nutrition facts:
- Calories: 540
- Total Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 810mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 33g
As you can see, the Thai Chicken Salad is a fairly balanced meal, with a good mix of protein, carbs, and fat. However, it is a bit high in calories, so it may not be the best choice if you’re trying to lose weight.
How can I make Panera Thai Chicken Salad healthier?
If you’re looking to make your Panera Thai Chicken Salad even healthier, there are a few things you can do:
- Ask for the dressing on the side. The Thai chili vinaigrette is delicious, but it’s also quite high in calories and sodium. By asking for it on the side, you can control how much you use.
- Substitute the chicken for tofu. If you’re a vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, you can ask for tofu instead of chicken. This will lower the calorie and fat content of the salad.
- Ask for extra veggies. The Thai Chicken Salad already has a good mix of vegetables, but you can always ask for extra to make it even more nutritious.
- Skip the wonton strips. While they add a nice crunch to the salad, the wonton strips are also fairly high in calories and carbs. If you’re looking to cut back, you can ask for them to be left off.
What do people think of Panera Thai Chicken Salad?
Overall, people seem to love Panera’s Thai Chicken Salad. Many customers praise the salad for its fresh ingredients, bold flavor, and generous portion size. Some have also noted that it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions, as it’s gluten-free and can be made vegetarian.
Positive Reviews
“I absolutely love the Thai Chicken Salad from Panera! The flavors are amazing and it’s so filling. I also love that it’s gluten-free, which makes it easy for me to enjoy without worrying about my allergies.” – Sarah, 32 “The Thai Chicken Salad is hands down my favorite salad at Panera. The mix of veggies, chicken, and wonton strips is perfect, and the dressing has just the right amount of kick. I also love that it’s a pretty healthy option compared to some of the other menu items.” – Michael, 28
Negative Reviews
“While I love the flavors in the Thai Chicken Salad, I do think it’s a bit high in calories for a salad. I also wish they had more vegetarian options, as I’m not a big fan of tofu.” – Emily, 34 “I tried the Thai Chicken Salad for the first time and was a bit disappointed. While the flavors were good, I thought there was too much dressing and not enough veggies. I also found it to be a bit pricey for a salad.” – David, 42
Panera Thai Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts Table
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Total Fat | 33g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 810mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Total Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 33g |
Conclusion
All in all, Panera’s Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a healthy meal on the go. While it is a bit high in calories, there are plenty of ways to make it even healthier by adjusting the dressing, adding extra veggies, or swapping out the chicken for tofu. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is definitely worth a try.
