Yes, Longhorn Serves the Popular Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad
For anyone wondering, "Does Longhorn have a grilled chicken salad?" the answer is a resounding yes. The steakhouse's main offering in this category is the Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad. This flavorful entrée salad is a permanent fixture on both the lunch and dinner menus and is a favorite among those looking for a lighter, yet satisfying, meal. The recipe combines savory and sweet flavors, making it a distinctive choice compared to more traditional chicken salads.
What's in the Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad?
This salad is known for its fresh ingredients and balance of flavors. A typical serving includes:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Farm-fresh field greens
- Fresh strawberries
- Grapes
- Mandarin oranges
- Candied pecans
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Raspberry vinaigrette
Customers can often customize the ingredients by requesting to have certain items removed, such as the nuts or cheese, to accommodate allergies or personal preferences.
Other Chicken and Salad Options at Longhorn
While the Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad is a standout, it is not the only chicken-and-salad combination available. The Longhorn menu provides several ways to enjoy chicken on a bed of fresh greens.
- LongHorn® Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken: For those who prefer a classic, this salad is topped with a hand-chopped romaine lettuce blend, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, all finished with a creamy Caesar dressing. You can add grilled chicken to this option for a protein-packed meal.
- Farm Fresh Field Greens with Crispy Chicken Tenders: This alternative offers a different texture profile, using crispy buttermilk chicken tenders instead of grilled breast meat. It is a heartier, more indulgent option for those craving a crunch.
Is the Grilled Chicken Salad a Healthy Choice?
For many patrons, the Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad is viewed as a healthier option at a steakhouse, and for good reason. However, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional profile, especially the sugar content from the candied pecans, fruit, and dressing. According to nutritional guides, the full-size entrée salad with raspberry vinaigrette contains around 530 calories, with 19g of total fat and 41g of sugar.
To make it even healthier, consider these modifications:
- Request dressing on the side: This allows you to control the amount you use.
- Choose a lighter dressing: Opting for a white balsamic vinaigrette or asking for just a drizzle of oil and vinegar can significantly reduce calories and fat.
- Omit toppings: Removing the candied pecans can lower both the calorie and sugar count.
Grilled Chicken Salad Comparison: Longhorn vs. Other Restaurants
| Feature | Longhorn Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad | Traditional Grilled Chicken Caesar | Fast-Casual Grilled Chicken Salad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Sweet and savory with fruit-forward notes | Savory, cheesy, and tangy with a creamy dressing | Highly customizable, often standard ingredients |
| Primary Ingredients | Grilled chicken, strawberries, grapes, oranges, pecans, feta, field greens | Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing | Grilled chicken, lettuce mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, assorted veggies |
| Standard Dressing | Raspberry Vinaigrette | Creamy Caesar Dressing | Varies (e.g., ranch, vinaigrette, honey mustard) |
| Notable Features | Distinct combination of fresh fruit and candied pecans | Classic, recognizable flavor profile | Focus on speed and custom-building |
| Best For | Diners seeking a fresh, fruity, and unique salad experience | Those who enjoy a traditional, rich salad with a classic flavor | Quick, personalized meals on the go |
Making a Copycat Longhorn Grilled Chicken Salad at Home
If you love the flavor combination but want more control over the ingredients or are looking to save money, creating a copycat version at home is a great option. Several online recipes aim to replicate the taste of Longhorn's popular salad.
Tips for an Authentic Copycat Recipe:
- Marinate the chicken: Use a simple, slightly acidic marinade, perhaps incorporating some orange juice, to mimic the restaurant's flavor.
- Build the layers: Start with a quality mix of field greens and add the ingredients in layers to ensure every bite has a mix of components.
- Make your own dressing: A simple raspberry vinaigrette can be made with raspberry jam, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and a little sugar or honey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Longhorn Steakhouse absolutely offers a grilled chicken salad. The Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad is a popular and signature menu item, known for its mix of savory grilled chicken and sweet, fresh fruit. For diners seeking a lighter fare at the steakhouse, it is an excellent choice, though nutritional values, particularly sugar content, should be considered. The menu also allows for other modifications, such as adding grilled chicken to a classic Caesar salad. So whether you are dining in or looking to recreate it at home, the grilled chicken salad from Longhorn is a delicious and accessible option.
Optional Outbound Link: To view the latest menu and verify item availability, visit the official Longhorn Steakhouse website.
