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Food

This Is Actually The Healthiest Thing To Order At Wendy's, According To Health Experts

May 8, 2021 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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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.

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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."

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"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."

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

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Drinking spearmint tea for potential skin benefits.
Variety of bread types displayed on a rustic surface.
Costco bakery showcasing an assortment of fresh pastries.
Woman holding her head in frustration or stress.
Woman experiencing discomfort from joint pain.
Shutterstock image related to beauty and skincare.
Popular coffee and fast food brands displayed together.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of aromatic coffee.
Wooden board with bagels, blueberries, and butter arrangement.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken top view.
Checking time on a watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store display of deli meats and sandwich products.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store displaying various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked goods from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and dipping sauces.
Frozen pizza selection available in grocery store aisle.
Plate of fried fish served with crispy fries.