We’re in the middle of swimsuit season, which means we need to drop the ribs, the burgers and cheesecake on a stick. So, how about some salads to tide us over until the more forgiving coats and sweaters reappear?
Panera Bread
On the plate: Chopped Chicken Cobb
In your body: 15.5-ounce serving, 490 calories, 35 g fat, 1,300 mg sodium
The ad: “All-natural pepper-mustard chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Applewood-smoked bacon, Gorgonzola, hard-boiled eggs, all chopped & tossed with herb vinaigrette.”
First thought: Lots of stuff happening here — a bunch of textures (crunchy lettuce, silky smooth chicken, rich egg yolks), a bunch of flavors (deep smokiness of bacon, light dressing, Gorgonzola blueness poking through). Humongous portion.
On second thought: They don’t skimp on the proteins, which make me question the listed 490 calories. No way.
McGrade: A-
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Einstein Bros. Bagel
On the plate: Bros. Bistro House Salad with Chicken
In your body: 14-ounce serving, 940 calories,
71 g fat, 810 mg sodium
The ad: “Raspberry vinaigrette, sweet roasted walnuts and gorgonzola cheese. Includes choice of bagel (with chicken for additional cost).”
First thought: Raspberry vinaigrette on the side means I get to control the amount, so thank you. Subtly sweet. Simple, clear combination of savory and sweet elements. Fresh-looking field greens.
On second thought: Roasted walnuts are candy sweet. Perfectly uniform slices of chicken have fake grilled marks, processed taste.
McGrade: B-
Cosi
On the plate: Signature Salad
In your body: 11.3-ounce serving, 611 calories,
45 g fat, 664 mg sodium
The ad: “Mixed greens tossed with red grapes, pears, pistachios, dried cranberries and gorgonzola. Tossed with sherry shallot vinaigrette.”
First thought: Interesting textures, flavor profiles galore. Love the way the gorgonzola bits play off the grapes, pears and dried cranberries. Crunchy pistachio provides an interesting alternative to croutons. Refreshing.
On second thought: Mine was a bit overdressed, therefore, a bit oily. An anomaly, perhaps.
McGrade: B+