Calories In Mcdonalds Southwest Salad With Crispy Chicken And Dressing
McDonald's is a popular fast-food chain that offers a variety of menu items, including salads. The Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing is a flavorful option that is also low in calories. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the calories in McDonald's Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing.
What Is McDonald's Southwest Salad With Crispy Chicken And Dressing?
McDonald's Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing is a salad that features a blend of mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans, tomatoes, and poblano peppers. It also includes a crispy chicken breast and a packet of Southwest dressing.
Calories In McDonald's Southwest Salad With Crispy Chicken And Dressing
The number of calories in McDonald's Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing varies depending on the size and ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the calories in each component of the salad:
- Mixed greens - 10 calories
- Roasted corn - 35 calories
- Black beans - 20 calories
- Tomatoes - 5 calories
- Poblano peppers - 5 calories
- Crispy chicken breast - 320 calories
- Southwest dressing - 120 calories
When all of these components are combined, the total number of calories in a McDonald's Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing is approximately 515 calories.
Benefits Of Eating McDonald's Southwest Salad With Crispy Chicken And Dressing
While McDonald's isn't typically associated with healthy eating, the Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing does offer some nutritional benefits. Here are a few reasons to consider choosing this salad:
- Low in calories - Even with the crispy chicken and dressing, the Southwest Salad is relatively low in calories compared to other menu items at McDonald's.
- Good source of protein - The crispy chicken breast provides a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and promoting satiety.
- Loaded with veggies - The salad is packed with a variety of vegetables, including mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans, tomatoes, and poblano peppers, which provide important vitamins and minerals.
- Customizable - If you want to reduce the number of calories or make the salad even healthier, you can customize it by omitting the crispy chicken or using a lighter dressing.
Other Nutritional Information
In addition to calories, here are a few other nutritional facts about McDonald's Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing:
- Carbohydrates - 44g
- Fat - 19g
- Saturated fat - 3.5g
- Trans fat - 0g
- Cholesterol - 75mg
- Sodium - 1320mg
- Sugar - 7g
It's worth noting that the salad is relatively high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. If you're watching your sodium intake, you may want to choose a different menu item or ask for the dressing on the side.
Conclusion
Overall, McDonald's Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing is a tasty and relatively healthy option for those looking for a fast-food meal. While it's important to be mindful of the high sodium content and overall calorie count, the salad does offer a good source of protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals. By customizing the salad to your liking and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that won't derail your healthy eating goals.