Your Guide to Low-Carb Eating at Zaxby's
Eating low-carb or keto at Zaxby's is entirely possible with some smart ordering. The key is to focus on grilled proteins and leafy green bases while avoiding breaded items, buns, and high-sugar sauces. By making simple modifications, you can enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal that fits your dietary needs.
The Grilled Chicken Zalad Strategy
Zaxby's offers several "Zalads" that can be easily modified to fit a low-carb lifestyle. The foundation of these meals—the mixed greens, grilled chicken, and various toppings—are perfect for keto. The main culprits are the croutons, fried onions, and Texas toast that typically accompany them, all of which should be left off.
- The Cobb Zalad: This salad comes with grilled chicken, cheese, bacon, and a hard-boiled egg, making it a fantastic high-fat, high-protein choice. Request it with no fried onions and no Texas toast. For dressing, opt for ranch or blue cheese, both of which are low-carb.
- The Caesar Zalad: The base of grilled chicken, lettuce, bacon, and parmesan cheese is a solid keto choice. To keep it low-carb, be sure to skip the croutons. A keto-friendly Caesar dressing is a great choice here.
- The House Zalad: Like the other salads, the grilled version is a good base. Order it with grilled chicken and ask for no fried onions and no toast.
Beyond the Salads: Wings and Bunless Sandwiches
For those craving something other than a salad, Zaxby's also offers other low-carb alternatives.
- Traditional Wings (Naked): The bone-in traditional wings are zero-carb when ordered plain, or "naked," and unsauced. You can then choose a low-carb sauce to dip them in on the side. The ranch and blue cheese dressings are excellent, low-carb dipping options.
- Traditional Wings with Low-Carb Sauce: If you want a sauced wing, be mindful of the carb counts. The original flavor has one carb per serving, while others have higher counts. Always check the nutrition information for your desired flavor. The Buffalo Garlic Blaze sauce, while flavorful, has a higher carb count, so it is best to check the nutritional information to stay within your daily limits.
- Bunless Sandwiches: For a hearty, protein-packed meal, you can order a sandwich without the bun. The Grilled Chicken Sandwich or the Cajun Club Sandwich can be eaten with a knife and fork, making for a delicious and filling low-carb meal.
Customizing Your Meal for Success
When ordering, communicating your dietary needs clearly is crucial to ensure you receive a low-carb meal. Always specify "no bun" for sandwiches and "no toast, no fried onions, no croutons" for salads.
Here are some common low-carb modifications:
- Hold the Texas Toast: This is a standard side with salads and meals, so it's important to request it to be left off.
- Skip the Sauces and Dressings: Many sauces, especially sweet ones like teriyaki or Zax Sauce®, are high in sugar and carbs. Stick to ranch or blue cheese dressing, or bring your own low-carb alternative.
- Avoid Fried Items: All breaded and fried items, including Chicken Fingerz™, Fried Chicken, and Fried White Cheddar Bites, are high in carbs and should be avoided.
Comparison of Low-Carb Zaxby's Options
| Item (Low-Carb Modification) | Net Carbs (Approx.) | Protein (Approx.) | Fat (Approx.) | Key Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Caesar Zalad | 5g | 46g | 13g | No croutons, no toast |
| Grilled Chicken Cobb Zalad | ~5-6g (est.) | ~50g (est.) | ~30g (est.) | No fried onions, no toast |
| Traditional Wings (Naked) | 0g | 30g | 19g | No sauce, or low-carb sauce |
| Cajun Club Sandwich (Bunless) | 5g | 42g | 24g | No bun |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Bunless) | < 5g (est.) | ~40g (est.) | ~15g (est.) | No bun |
Note: Nutritional values can vary slightly. Always check the official Zaxby's nutrition guide for the most accurate information.
The Final Verdict: Does Zaxby's Have a Low-Carb Option?
Yes, Zaxby's absolutely offers several excellent low-carb options, especially if you are willing to customize your order. Their salads with grilled chicken provide a great foundation for a healthy, high-protein meal, provided you leave off the high-carb toppings and toast. The traditional wings, particularly when ordered unsauced, are also a fantastic zero-carb choice. The flexibility to order sandwiches without the bun further expands the possibilities. By understanding the menu and making smart modifications, you can easily stick to your low-carb or keto diet while enjoying a meal at Zaxby's. For specific nutritional details, consult the Zaxby's website or nutritional guide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a low-carb diet and a trip to Zaxby's are not mutually exclusive. With a few simple substitutions, you can turn many of their menu items into delicious, satisfying, and low-carb meals. The grilled chicken salads and traditional wings are your best bets, but always remember to specify your modifications clearly when ordering to avoid unwanted high-carb additions like toast, croutons, and sugary sauces. Enjoying fast food while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle is all about being informed and intentional with your choices.
