The Complete Breakdown: Calories in Bob Evans Restaurants Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad with Wildfire Ranch Dressing (Regular)

Ever been sitting at Bob Evans, eyeing that Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad on the menu and wondering if it’s really a healthy choice? I know I have! As someone who tries to watch what I eat (while still enjoying restaurant meals), I’ve done the research on this popular menu item so you don’t have to.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the calories and nutrition facts of Bob Evans’ Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad with Wildfire Ranch Dressing in the regular size.

Calorie Count and Basic Nutrition Facts

First things first – let’s talk numbers:

The Bob Evans Restaurants Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad with Wildfire Ranch Dressing (regular size) contains 660 calories.

But calories are just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s the complete nutritional breakdown:

*Based on a 2000 calorie daily diet

Looking at this breakdown, you can see this salad provides a significant amount of your daily needs for several nutrients.

Calorie Distribution

Where do these calories come from? Let’s break it down

• Protein: 47g (about 188 calories or 28% of total)
• Carbs: 50g (about 200 calories or 30% of total)
• Fat: 30g (about 270 calories or 41% of total)

This distribution shows that fat contributes the most calories to this salad, followed by carbs and protein.

How Long Would It Take to Burn Those Calories?

If you’re curious about how much exercise you’d need to do to burn off this salad, here’s a quick reference based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs:

• Swimming: 55 minutes
• Jogging: 76 minutes
• Cycling: 101 minutes
• Walking: 184 minutes

This can help put the calorie content into perspective in terms of physical activity.

The Pros of This Salad

Despite the relatively high calorie count, this salad does have some nutritional benefits:

1. High in Protein: With 47g of protein, this salad can help you feel full longer and supports muscle maintenance.

2. Good Source of Fiber: The 7g of fiber (28% of your daily value) aids digestion and helps you feel satisfied.

3. Nutrient-Rich: The salad contains vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

4. Zero Trans Fat: The salad contains no trans fat, which is good news for heart health.

The Cons to Consider

On the flip side, there are some nutritional concerns:

1. High Sodium Content: At 1599mg (67% of daily value), the sodium content is quite high, which could be concerning for those monitoring blood pressure.

2. Sugar Content: With 30g of sugar, this is higher than what you might expect for a savory dish.

3. Saturated Fat: 8g (40% of daily value) is a significant portion of your daily limit.

What Makes Up This Salad?

The Bob Evans Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad typically includes:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Fresh greens
• Tomatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon
• Wildfire Ranch Dressing
• Possibly croutons (though these can often be left off by request)

The Wildfire Ranch Dressing is what gives this salad its distinctive flavor but also contributes significantly to the calorie, fat, and sodium content.

How Does It Compare to Other Salads?

When comparing to other restaurant salads, 660 calories is actually fairly typical for a main dish salad with protein and dressing. Many restaurant salads with chicken and creamy dressings range from 500-900 calories.

The high protein content (47g) is actually a positive standout feature compared to many other restaurant salads.

Tips for Making It Healthier

If you love this salad but want to reduce the calorie count, here are some modifications you could request:

1. Ask for the dressing on the side – This allows you to control how much you use.

2. Skip the bacon – This will reduce both fat and sodium.

3. Go light on the cheese – Another way to cut fat and calories.

4. Remove the croutons if they’re included – Reduces carbs and calories.

FAQs About Bob Evans Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad

Is this salad keto-friendly?

With 50g of carbs, this salad as-is wouldn’t fit well into a strict keto diet. However, you could modify it by requesting no croutons and limiting the amount of dressing to make it more keto-friendly.

Is it gluten-free?

The standard version likely contains gluten in the croutons and possibly the dressing. You’d need to request specific modifications and check with the restaurant about cross-contamination concerns.

Can I get a half portion?

Bob Evans does offer different portion sizes for some menu items. You might be able to request a half portion, which would naturally cut the calories and other nutrients roughly in half.

Is this salad a good choice for weight loss?

At 660 calories, this salad could fit into many weight loss plans, especially if it’s your main meal of the day. The high protein content is beneficial for satiety, but be mindful of the fat and sodium content.

My Personal Experience

I’ve ordered this salad several times at Bob Evans, and I gotta say, it’s pretty tasty! The combination of the smoky grilled chicken with the tangy Wildfire Ranch Dressing is really satisfying. When I’m trying to be more calorie-conscious, I ask for the dressing on the side and use about half of what they provide.

One time I went with my friend who’s watching her sodium intake, and she asked them to leave off the bacon and go easy on the cheese. She said it was still delicious, so those are definitely viable options if you’re concerned about certain nutritional aspects.

Bottom Line

The Bob Evans Restaurants Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad with Wildfire Ranch Dressing (regular) is a protein-packed meal that will certainly fill you up. At 660 calories, it’s in line with what you’d expect for a restaurant main dish, though it’s definitely not a low-calorie option compared to a simple green salad.

The high protein content (47g) is a major plus, while the sodium (1599mg) and sugar (30g) content are things to be mindful of, especially if you’re watching these nutrients for health reasons.

Like many restaurant meals, this salad can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, particularly if you make smart choices with your other meals that day. And remember, you can always customize it to better fit your nutritional needs!

A Quick Comparison to Other Popular Menu Items

Many people choose salads thinking they’re automatically the healthiest option on the menu. While this salad does offer nutritional benefits like protein and fiber, it’s worth comparing it to other menu items to see how it stacks up:

• A typical burger and fries combo at many restaurants can range from 800-1200+ calories
• A standard breakfast platter with eggs, bacon, pancakes and syrup might be 900-1100 calories
• Many pasta dishes at restaurants range from 800-1500 calories

In this context, the 660 calories in the Wildfire Grilled Chicken Salad is actually a more moderate choice than many other restaurant options.

So next time you’re at Bob Evans and considering this salad, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to decide if it fits your dietary goals. Whether you order it as-is or make some modifications, at least now you know exactly what you’re getting!

Remember, no single meal defines your diet – it’s all about balance over time. Enjoy your meal!