Costco’s food court has recently introduced a new item that’s certainly grabbed attention—a Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad, boasting an impressive 59 grams of protein. But, a dietitian suggests that it’s important for shoppers to dig a little deeper than just impressive protein numbers.
This salad, priced at $7.99, features rotisserie chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and comes atop a bed of romaine lettuce, complemented by tomatoes and a creamy peppercorn ranch dressing. However, it also packs in 840 calories.
Jamie Lee McIntyre, a registered dietitian nutritionist from Florida, pointed out that while protein is a beneficial nutrient, it’s not the only one to think about when it comes to making food choices. She remarked that a food can be high in protein but might also be loaded with sodium, saturated fat, or calories.
She mentioned specifically about the Costco salad that while the protein source comes from wholesome ingredients like chicken and eggs—and includes some vegetables—it could be a bit heavy for those looking for a light lunch, suggesting that 840 calories might feel excessive for some.
Interestingly, other salads at Costco aren’t far behind in the protein count. For instance, the Chicken Caesar Salad comes in with 58 grams of protein, just a notch below the chef salad. There’s also the Chicken Bake, which has 53 grams.
Feedback from consumers regarding the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad has been mixed. Some Costco patrons have criticized its ratios of toppings to lettuce, while others have expressed a liking for its flavor. One user on Reddit was less than impressed, describing it as “salty for a salad” and feeling the proportions were off, making it quite a hassle to assemble.
On the flip side, another user shared a positive experience, even claiming to have gone back for another salad just two days later, particularly raving about the dressing and expressing a desire to find out which company makes the Peppercorn Ranch dressing.
In summary, while the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad offers substantial protein, potential consumers might want to weigh its calorie content and other nutritional factors before deciding whether it fits into their meal plan.
