If you're looking for a healthy salad option, 1 Serving Santa Fe Chopped with special request less bacon and blue cheese might just be what you need. With only 420 calories, it's a nutritious meal that satisfies your cravings without ruining your diet.
This salad is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The special request reduces the amount of unhealthy fats, making it a better choice for weight watchers or anyone concerned about their cholesterol level.
In this article, we'll explore the flavors, ingredients, and health benefits of Santa Fe Chopped Salad to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
What is the Santa Fe Chopped Salad?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad is a mouth-watering combination of chopped lettuce, grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips. It's topped with a creamy cilantro dressing and crumbled blue cheese. The salad has a Southwest flavor with a slight kick, thanks to the jalapeno peppers in the dressing. It's a filling meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a soup or sandwich to make it more satisfying.
How many calories are in the Santa Fe Chopped with less bacon and blue cheese?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad with special request less bacon and blue cheese has only 420 calories. This is a lower calorie option than the regular salad, which has 640 calories. Without the blue cheese and bacon, the salad has less fat and sodium, but still provides essential nutrients from the vegetables and dressing.
Why is this a lower calorie option?
The special request for less bacon and blue cheese reduces the amount of calories and fat in the salad. Bacon and blue cheese are high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. By omitting or reducing these ingredients, you can create a healthier version of the salad without sacrificing taste and texture.
What makes this salad special?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad with less bacon and blue cheese is special because it's a balanced meal that caters to different dietary needs. It's gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein, making it suitable for people with celiac disease, diabetes, or those who want to build muscle. The salad is also versatile and customizable. You can add or remove ingredients based on your taste preferences or allergies. For example, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or omit the beans if you're on a low FODMAP diet.
What ingredients are in the Santa Fe Chopped?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad contains the following ingredients:
- Chopped lettuce
- Grilled chicken
- Black beans
- Roasted corn
- Avocado
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Cilantro dressing
- Blue cheese (optional)
- Bacon (optional)
All the ingredients are fresh and packed with nutrients. Lettuce is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate, while chicken provides lean protein. Avocado is a healthy fat that keeps you full, and black beans and corn add fiber and vitamins to your meal.
What are the health benefits of this salad?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad with less bacon and blue cheese has several health benefits:
- Low in calories, fat, and sodium
- Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins
- Gluten-free and low-carb
- May help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
- May reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes
Eating a salad like this regularly can improve your overall health and wellbeing, especially if you pair it with other healthy habits like exercise and stress management.
What are the flavor profiles of the Santa Fe Chopped Salad?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad has a unique flavor profile that combines several elements of the Southwest cuisine. Here are some of the flavors you can expect:
- Spicy (jalapeno peppers, chili powder)
- Savory (grilled chicken, black beans, bacon)
- Sweet (roasted corn, cilantro dressing)
- Crispy (tortilla strips)
- Refreshing (lettuce, avocado)
The combination of these flavors gives the salad a balanced and satisfying taste that appeals to many people.
Compared to other salads on the menu, the Santa Fe Chopped Salad with less bacon and blue cheese is a healthier option. Here are some examples:
- Classic Caesar Salad: 610 calories, 46g fat, 880mg sodium
- Grilled Chicken Salad: 480 calories, 24g fat, 1260mg sodium
- Thai Chicken Salad: 670 calories, 38g fat, 1870mg sodium
As you can see, the Santa Fe Chopped Salad is lower in calories and fat than some of the other salads on the menu. It's also less sodium than most of them, making it a great choice for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Can you customize this salad further?
Yes, you can customize the Santa Fe Chopped Salad to your liking. Here are some suggestions:
- Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions
- Use a different protein like shrimp, beef, or tofu
- Make a vegan version by omitting the chicken and cheese
- Swap the dressing for ranch, salsa, or lime juice
Feel free to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect match for your taste and dietary needs.
What are some serving suggestions for the Santa Fe Chopped?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:
- As a main course with a side of bread or soup
- As a side dish with grilled meat or fish
- As a topping for a baked potato or rice bowl
- As a filling for a wrap or quesadilla
You can also double the recipe and make it a party food or a lunch option for the week. The salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Healthy eating is not about strict dietary limitations or depriving yourself of the foods you love. It's about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and stabilizing your mood.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Santa Fe Chopped Salad - Special Request Less Bacon and Blue Cheese
1. What are the main ingredients in the Santa Fe Chopped Salad?
The main ingredients in the Santa Fe Chopped Salad include lettuce greens, avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, and a honey-lime dressing.
2. How many calories are in the Santa Fe Chopped Salad with special request less bacon and blue cheese?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad with special request less bacon and blue cheese has 420 calories.
3. Can I substitute the honey-lime dressing for a different dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the honey-lime dressing for a different dressing. However, it may affect the overall taste of the salad.
4. Is the Santa Fe Chopped Salad suitable for vegetarians?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad contains bacon and blue cheese, so it may not be suitable for vegetarians. However, you can always request to remove those ingredients to make it vegetarian-friendly.
5. Is the Santa Fe Chopped Salad a healthy option?
The Santa Fe Chopped Salad can be a healthy option as it contains a variety of vegetables and healthy fats from the avocado. However, the bacon and blue cheese add extra calories and fat, so it's important to keep those in mind when considering the overall nutritional value of the salad.