| Calorie Bargain: McDonald’s Southwest Chicken Salad |
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| by Charles Stuart Platkin | |
| Friday, 27 April 2007 | |
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Calorie Bargain: McDonald’s Southwest Chicken Salad The Why: So the way things are looking right now, fast food is the cause of a lot of the world's problems-- from deforestation to obesity. And meals beginning with a certain “Mc” are among the some of the worst offenders. So when we heard that they were coming out with a new salad—The Southwest Salad with Chicken—we were eager to give it a try. And we loved it! The salad can be ordered with either grilled or crispy chicken (you know grilled is the calorie bargain choice), and has a nice mix of lettuce, a few black beans, pieces of corn, and a few pieces of crispy tortilla. The grilled chicken version has 320 calories, which is a nice satisfying lunch—even without ordering fries.
The Health Bonus: The salad has 7 grams if fiber. Wow!! What We Liked Best: A lean, healthy, and filling salad—from the drive through, for about 5 bucks. What We Liked Least: It’s one of the most expensive items on their menu. Skip the Newman's Own® Creamy Southwest Dressing and the Butter Garlic Croutons. The Price: $5.13 (with tax) Offerings: Available with grilled chicken or crispy—you gotta go for the grilled, or it’ll cost you an extra 7 grams of fat and 80 calories. Website: http://www.mcdonalds.com/ Where to Buy: Check here for a McDonalds near you. Ingredients: Salad Mix, Grilled Chicken Breast Filet, Southwest Vegetable Blend, Cilantro Lime Glaze, Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese, Limes, Chili Lime Tortilla Strips, Liquid Margarine Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: Note that this calorie count doesn't include dressing or croutons. So
skip the Butter Garlic Croutons, which are 60 calories. And ask for
Newman's Own® Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette or Newman's Own® Low Fat
Family Recipe Italian Dressing--which have about half the calories of
the creamy dressing that the salad usually comes with. Do you have a Calorie Bargain to share? Calorie Bargains are foods, drinks, products and services that help you live a healthier life. Send your favorites to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can try them! And if your idea is published, you'll receive a FREE copy of The Diet Detective's latest book. Bookmark:            Trackback(0)
Comments (48)
 BEST SALAD. BEATS RUBY'S TUESDAYS AND WENDY'S AND TACO BELL AND O'CHARLEY'S AND OTHER PLACES LOL
written by LAQUEESHA, April 21, 2008
I COME OUT OF THERE FEELING LIKE A NEW WOMAN AFTER EATING THE SOUTHWEST SALAD. I FEEL SO HEALTHY, RICH, AND SPICY! I JUST HOPE THEY DO NOT DISCONTINUE. I USUALLY FEEL BAD ABOUT GOING TO A MCDONALD'S BUT MMMMMMM YUM. ME LIKEY/
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written by Michelle, April 19, 2008
Love the salad.Can't find it anywhere either. Even tried to contact someone through Newman's Own website. I could eat this everyday. They should have it all year. It might not be the "lightest " dressing but it must be better than a Big Mac & half the other stuff people eat. DietDetective.com should consider that before making judgements or remarks. I don't recall McDonald's "ever" advertising weight loss with this salad or any other menu item for that matter.
*from a Southwest Salad lover* McDonald's SouthWest Salad is back.
written by Rose, April 07, 2008
For those of yoy who crave the southwest salad. McDonald's had it for a short while, it's back. I love this salad, so lets take advantage that it's back.
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written by Lisa, March 31, 2008
The Southwest Salad is back! They have brought it back at least until Summer of 2008! Hooray!
http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat/features/swsalad.html ...
written by smurf, March 30, 2008
WENDY's in Northeast Ohio brought back the southwest chicken salad. It is only 4.49
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written by Angela, March 29, 2008
This salad is back for sale at McDonald's!! Also, I saw the Newman's Own Southwest Dressing while buying groceries at Walmart and decided to stock up on several bottles of it so I could make my own version of the salad at home!
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written by jnl, November 26, 2007
I was heading to McDonald's several times per week for this salad. I like the Asian too, but I only get that twice per month. I thought this was SUCH a brilliant move. And the exact opposite taking it away. Not only are they not selling me a salad once per week, but they have also lost the side sales from my kids. Very foolish.
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written by grahme, November 01, 2007
The Southwest salad was the only reason I went to McDonalds. I was pretty bummed when I found out they were discontinued. The store manager couldn't figure out why they were pulled either because he said it was a popular item. My favorite was the Cobb salad before they pulled that, and then when the SW salad was introduced... I really enjoyed them and looked forward to eating them a couple times a week.
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written by cakey, October 26, 2007
i like everyone love the salad. it is the best salad ever from a fast food place and more. I wish the dressing was for sale but i couldnt find it either...not even on newmans website. if somone does let us all know!
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written by Nancy H, October 17, 2007
I loved this salad! Where can I find the dressing? Bring it back!
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written by Hai, October 15, 2007
I am so bummed about this being discontinued. This has become my favorite salad. I hope McDonald's brings it back for good. I'm in so desperate need of it......
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written by Ashley, October 10, 2007
I was eating this salad 5 days a week for lunch, only to find McD's yanked it until next Spring. I wish the powers that be could see this column, maybe they would bring it back full-time. Btw, ixne on the SW dressing, but it is to die for with the Ranch dressing!
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written by Laurette, October 09, 2007
I too just love the salad and just found out that my local McDonalds is not selling it anymore. I really thought I would cry! I will call McDonalds tomorrow and plead with them to reconsider. I know this sounds crazy, but I really don't know what I will do without this salad!! My kids will be disappointed too, because now that means they don't get to go to McDonalds anymore since mommy can't eat anything!
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written by joskellyrn, October 05, 2007
http://www.mcdonalds.com/contact/contact_us.html
Within the U.S., you can call on toll-free telephone number at 1-800-244-6227 Hi Everyone, I found out this week that McDonald's is no longer offering their yummy Southwest Chicken salad in my area (not sure if this is in all areas); apparantly it was a limited time menu item. I am soooo bummed! This salad was the BEST fast food salad around! Anyway, I decided to call McDonald's today and ask that they please bring it back as a regular menu item. I spoke with a representative. It took just a few minutes. I just told her that I wished that McDonald's would consider making this part of their regular menu. She took some contact info such as my name, address, phone # and locations I frequent. So, if you are as bummed as me about this salad no longer being part of the menu in your area, give McDonald's a call (or write or email them if you prefer) and beg them to bring it on back! Remember, customers are what drives these companies!! Voice your opinion...it certainly can't hurt! Oh and be sure to pa*s this on to all of your friends and family who are fans of the Southwest Salad, too and encourage them to do the same. ...
written by DietDetective.com, October 04, 2007
For all you Southwest Chicken Salad Fans out there, who have been writing in to us in fear of the rumor that this salad is being taken off McDonald's menu:
DietDetective.com picked up the phone and talked to them directly, to make sure we got the information right from the source. The Bad News: This fab dish is only available for a limited time at participating McDonald's restaurants. The Good News: Even though the salad is not part of their core menu, it will be available in the future, as a promotional item. So go get it, while you still can!! ...
written by Sandy, October 02, 2007
I live in Florida and just came back from McDonald's. They have discontinued the Southwest Salad. They said that it is suppose to come back out next Spring.
I am so disappointed in this as this salad has helped me with my dieting so much! The manager there told me they just couldn't understand why they were discontinuing it as it is one of their greatest sellers. Maybe everyone needs to write or call the McDonald's main office and let's see if we can get it back! I really hate they dropped the ball on all of us. ...
written by Charity, October 01, 2007
I, as well, have tried this salad and love it. It is an excellent alternative to the other menu items. I recommend it to friends all the time.
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written by Heather, September 29, 2007
I am a college student taking 20 hours this semester and always on the go. It's hard to eat healthy all the time. I ADORE the southwest salad though. It's quick, decently priced, and I can take it with me pretty much anywhere. They took it off the menu, but they are still serving it (for now). If they take it off for good, I might cry...
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written by steph, September 24, 2007
This salad is awesome!!!!But...I went in my local McD's on 9/20 (upstate NY) and it wasn't on the menu board. Is it gone???? Please say it ain't so!
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written by ranch lover, September 18, 2007
the salad is great. The dressing, however, is specially made for mcdonald's restaurant and is not sold in stores. If enough people contact them than they may make it into stores.
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written by Li, September 04, 2007
I have this all the time. Without chicken, it rings up under four dollars. I prefer it without the chicken and about a third of the southwest dressing... The cilantro lime glaze makes even lettuce, my least favorite vegetable ever, irresistible.
Has anyone found this dressing? I can't even find it at Newman's Own's website! ...
written by Nancy, July 16, 2007
Please try the southwest dressing with this salad. It makes it even more wonderful. I only use half the dressing which is more than enough but so great. I've tried to find the dressing in stores but can't. boohoo...
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written by tkg, July 15, 2007
I have been gaining weight with no good salad choice all these years since Wendy's discontinued it's awesome Southwest Caesar salad a while ago. Now that McDonald's has given us this low-cal tasty salad, I've been getting back on track. Maybe Wendy's will pay attention & bring back their alternative. I like eating the same thing every day, but it's nice to at least have a CHOICE.
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written by Heidi, June 22, 2007
I love the salad so much, I could eat it every day. I am just leary of the calorie count. It seems too good to be true. The corn chips and cheese on it seem like it would put it in the 400 hundred calorie mark . I pull off some of the chips and use half the dressing.I like everyone else am addicted.!!!
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written by Betty, June 19, 2007
My daughter eats this every day. She's starting to lose weight doing this. Wonderful salad. I just can't find the dressing on the store shelves. Where is it?
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written by Olive, June 18, 2007
My niece told me about the southwest salad w/grilled chicken - in fact she raved about how delicious it is. I trust her opinion and bought one the next day - I am a BELIEVER! It is a delicious salad; I buy one at least 3 times a week!!! Try it, you won't be disappointed.
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written by uglytoma*so, June 13, 2007
I agree with all the foregoing positive reviews of McDonald's Southwest Salad. I've come to like it so much I've been eating 1 or 2 a day. It's addictive! It does cost a little much, so I've tried to duplicate the recipe with store-bought ingredients, but it just ain't the same..
Anyone out there tried duplicating this fine salad? ...
written by A. Jordan, June 09, 2007
Today, bought Newman's Own "Lighten up" salad dressing Light Raspberry with Walnut. It has 70 calories per 2 tablespoon with 45 calories fat. Even though Newman's products are of good quality found this dressing to be too sweet as it had not only sugar but corn syrup. Bought it as had coupon. Prefer taste to Good Seasons Raspberry Viniagrette with Poppy Seed. Lower in calories with 35 fat and 65 calories per 2 tablespoon, As far as calories and low fat Annie's Natural is better and of course that means higher in price as $3.99 each and no coupons.
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written by dbs, June 05, 2007
Fabulous! Best salad ever eaten from a fast food restaurant. I could eat one every day.
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written by kelsey, June 03, 2007
this is such a great salad im on weight watchers and i was doing some research to see how many calories it has and i love the grilled chicken so it has only 320 calories! this is one of the best salads ive ever had!
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written by Cynthia May 17,2007, May 17, 2007
Ilove it. I have it for lunch and dinner. I also order it without the chicken and ask for extra lime.It is a wonderful feeling to walk out of McDonalds so content. Thank you for thinking of all of us that enjoy going to McDonalds and leaving lighter when we leave. The dressing really has a good kick to it.You really did an outstanding job with all the different blends of vegetables and the tasty chips
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written by Meryland, May 14, 2007
Very interesting article! After reading it i started digging and found this calorie dedicated website
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written by Stacia, May 14, 2007
The Southwest SAlad from McD's is GREAT!!!
I'm trying to loose a few pounds for my daughters wedding- lost 4 so far-and I'm doing it by eating McDonalds for lunch!!! This salad is great w/o the dressing! I eat the fruit and walnut snack at 3 to curb the snacking before dinner. ...
written by Kellie, May 07, 2007
Love IT!! Best salad I've ever eaten from a fast food resteraunt.
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written by emily, May 05, 2007
BY FAR... the best salad I've ever had. I tried it with crispy chicken and the original southwest salad dressing. This salad is delicious.
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written by Linda, May 04, 2007
I had the salad last night for the first timne. I loved the dressing, but only put half of it on, which was enough. Great salad.
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written by Daisy, May 03, 2007
I had to see what all the rave was about. This is the best salad I've ever had by far. And it comes from McDonalds!! Unbelievable!! The Newmans Own - Restaurant Recipe Lite Italian was fabulous on this Salad!! Love it!!
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written by cathyg, May 02, 2007
I usually won't go near a McDonalds but the commercials enticed me...and the salad is one of the best fast food salads I've ever had!
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written by Faith, April 29, 2007
I had the grilled chicken southwest salad today and it was wonderful.
... written by HOPEID, April 27, 2007
I TRIED THE SALAD YESTERDAY FOR LUNCH. IT ROCKED, I JUST SQEEZED THE LIME OVER THE SALAD AND IT WAS GREAT W/O DRESSING. FILLED ME RIGHT UP.
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