The Top Tier: The Absolute Lowest-Calorie Choices
When dining out, especially at a sports bar known for wings, finding healthy sides requires a little knowledge of the menu. The good news is that Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) offers a few surprisingly low-calorie options that can help balance out your meal. The key is to know what you're ordering and how to customize it.
The Ultimate Winner: Carrots & Celery Sticks
An order of plain carrot and celery sticks is hands down the most diet-friendly option on the BWW side menu. While the menu board might list them with a high calorie count due to an included dressing, the vegetables themselves are minimally caloric. An order of five celery sticks contains only about 15 calories, and five carrot sticks contain about 20 calories. When ordering, be sure to specify a low-fat or fat-free dressing, or even just ask for plain celery and carrots. Opting for a low-calorie dressing like the White Wine Vinaigrette over the standard ranch can save hundreds of calories.
The Customizable Classic: Garden Side Salad
The Garden Side Salad is another excellent choice, clocking in at approximately 90-100 calories before dressing. This fresh mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides fiber and nutrients to round out your meal. However, the calorie count can skyrocket if you add high-fat dressings and croutons. To keep it low-calorie, request a low-fat dressing on the side and use it sparingly. Another tip is to ask for no croutons to save on calories and carbs. This side is perfect for adding a refreshing, crisp contrast to richer main courses.
A Savory Surprise: Chile-Lime Slaw
If you're craving something with more flavor than simple vegetables, the Chile-Lime Slaw is a good option. At around 210 calories, it's a flavorful and tangy alternative to high-calorie sides like fries and onion rings. It features shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a white wine vinaigrette, offering a fresh, zesty kick. It's a nice way to add texture and a different flavor profile to your meal without adding excessive fat and calories.
Customization is King
Beyond the lowest-calorie options, customization is your most powerful tool for creating a healthy meal at BWW. By understanding the nutrition information and making smart swaps, you can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of your order.
- Swap Sauces and Dressings: Always ask for sauces and dressings on the side. BWW's signature sauces, especially the creamy ones like Parmesan Garlic, are high in calories and fat. Opting for a dry rub (like Lemon Pepper or Desert Heat) on your wings adds minimal calories, while a light dressing on your salad keeps it in the low-calorie range.
- Portion Control: Remember that side portions at BWW are often generous. Consider sharing a side with a dining partner or boxing up half to save for later. This simple act of portion control can cut your meal's calories in half.
- Look Beyond the Sides Menu: For a higher protein, lower-fat side, consider ordering Naked Tenders (without sauce). A 5-count order is only 260 calories and very high in protein, making it an excellent way to supplement your meal without adding heavy carbs or fat.
A Quick Comparison: Low-Calorie vs. High-Calorie Sides
To illustrate just how much of a difference your side choice can make, here's a side-by-side comparison of some common BWW options.
| Side Dish | Approximate Calories | Key Nutritional Note |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Side Salad (w/o dressing) | 90-100 | Excellent base for a low-cal meal |
| Chile-Lime Slaw | 210 | Flavorful and tangy, low-fat |
| Naked Tenders (5-count, w/o sauce) | 260 | High protein, low carb alternative |
| French Fries (Regular) | 420 | High in carbs and fat |
| Mac & Cheese | 540 | Very high in carbs and fat |
| Beer-Battered Onion Rings | 810 | One of the highest calorie sides |
This table clearly shows that opting for a vegetable-based side or a lean protein like Naked Tenders over a fried side can save you hundreds of calories in a single sitting.
The Verdict: Smart Choices for a Guilt-Free BWW Experience
In summary, enjoying a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings while sticking to a low-calorie diet is entirely achievable with some strategic ordering. The best low-calorie sides at BWW are the Garden Side Salad (customized), Chile-Lime Slaw, and fresh Carrots & Celery sticks with a light dressing. The golden rule is to minimize high-fat dressings and fried foods. Consider opting for Naked Tenders as a protein-rich side dish as well. By combining these healthier sides with a mindful main course (like plain boneless wings or a salad with grilled chicken), you can satisfy your craving for wings without derailing your dietary goals. For more healthy eating tips and restaurant nutrition information, check out resources like Verywell Fit.
