Navigating the Menu: Best Main Dish Options
Making the healthiest choice at Culver's begins with your main entree. The key is to prioritize lean protein and vegetables while minimizing high-fat, high-sodium components. Fortunately, Culver's offers several appealing options that fit the bill.
The Healthiest Menu Standouts
- Garden Fresco Salad with Grilled Chicken: This is arguably the top contender for the overall healthiest option. When ordered with grilled chicken and a light dressing like Raspberry Vinaigrette, it offers a great balance of protein, vitamins, and fiber. It provides a substantial, satisfying meal for around 400-500 calories, depending on dressing choice.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: This is a solid, high-protein alternative to a burger. With about 380 calories and high protein content (before customization), it's a flavorful and filling choice. To make it even healthier, ask for no mayo and consider removing the bun for a low-carb alternative.
- The Single ButterBurger (no cheese): Surprisingly, a plain single ButterBurger is one of the more calorie-conscious burger choices on the menu, especially when ordered without cheese to reduce saturated fat and sodium.
- North Atlantic Cod Dinner (or Sandwich): The cod is a source of lean protein. When ordering the dinner, opt for healthier sides like steamed broccoli to build a balanced meal. Skip the tartar sauce and bread roll to save on extra calories.
Smart Side Swaps
Your choice of side dish can dramatically impact your meal's overall nutritional value. Many traditional fast-food sides are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Culver's, however, offers a couple of excellent alternatives.
Healthier Side Choices
- Steamed Broccoli: This is the best choice for a vegetable-packed, low-calorie side. It adds fiber and nutrients without the high calorie count of fries or curds.
- Side Salad: A side salad provides extra vegetables and fiber. Just be mindful of your dressing choice, as full-fat options can add significant calories. Opt for a light vinaigrette.
- Applesauce: A small cup of applesauce is a simple, sweet, and low-fat alternative to fried sides.
Sides to Limit or Avoid
- Crinkle Cut Fries: Medium fries contain over 350 calories and are high in fat and sodium.
- Wisconsin Cheese Curds: As one of Culver's signature items, they are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
- Onion Rings: Like most fried items, these are high in calories and fat.
Customization is Key: Building a Better Meal
Beyond selecting healthier menu items, customizing your order is a powerful tool for controlling nutrition.
Tips for Customizing:
- Go Bunless: Ordering a sandwich or burger without the bun is an easy way to reduce carbs and calories, especially for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Dressing on the Side: Always ask for dressings on the side to control how much you use. Some dressings are high in calories and fat.
- Skip the Cheese and Mayo: These add-ons significantly increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content of sandwiches and burgers.
- Double the Veggies: Ask for extra lettuce, tomato, or onion on your sandwich to add volume and nutrients without extra calories.
Comparison Table: Healthiest Meal Options
Here is a side-by-side look at some of the best choices for a healthier meal at Culver's, including key nutritional information:
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Customization Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Fresco Salad w/ Grilled Chicken | ~350 | ~44 | ~14 | ~925 | Excludes dressing. Choose Raspberry Vinaigrette for lowest calories. |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | ~390 | ~41 | ~8 | ~1070 | Order without mayo to save calories. Consider going bunless. |
| Single ButterBurger (plain) | ~390 | ~20 | ~17 | ~480 | Order with no cheese to reduce fat and sodium significantly. |
| North Atlantic Cod Dinner w/ 2 sides Broccoli | ~415 | ~29 | ~18 | ~1480 | Excludes tartar sauce. Cod filet is baked, but still higher in sodium. |
Conclusion: Making the Best Choices
Eating healthily at Culver's is entirely possible by making informed choices and being strategic with your order. For a meal that is balanced and low in calories, the Garden Fresco Salad with Grilled Chicken is a clear winner, especially with a light dressing. However, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and even a plain Single ButterBurger are great high-protein alternatives. Combining these main dishes with smart side choices like steamed broccoli and customizing your order by cutting out high-calorie sauces and buns empowers you to enjoy Culver's while sticking to your dietary goals. For comprehensive nutritional information, refer to the official Culver's website: Culver's Nutrition & Allergen Guide.
What is the healthiest choice at Culvers? The best options and how to order smart.
What are the healthiest main dish options at Culver's?
The healthiest main dishes include the Garden Fresco Salad with Grilled Chicken and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. For a lighter burger option, the plain Single ButterBurger is a surprisingly decent choice.
What is the healthiest side dish at Culver's?
The steamed broccoli and a side salad with a light vinaigrette are the healthiest side dish options. Applesauce is also a good, low-calorie alternative.
Is the grilled chicken sandwich at Culver's healthy?
Yes, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a good healthy option, especially when you skip the mayo and order it on a regular bun or even bunless to save calories.
Are there low-carb options at Culver's?
Yes, you can make many items low-carb by ordering them bunless, such as the Grilled Chicken Sandwich or the Single ButterBurger. The salads are also a great low-carb choice, especially with grilled chicken.
How can I make a Culver's salad healthier?
To make a salad healthier, choose grilled chicken over crispy, and opt for a light dressing like Raspberry Vinaigrette. Always get the dressing on the side so you can control the portion.
What should I avoid if I want a healthy meal at Culver's?
For a healthier meal, you should limit or avoid fried items like cheese curds, crinkle-cut fries, and crispy chicken sandwiches, which are typically high in calories, fat, and sodium.
Can I eat at Culver's on a diet?
Yes, you can eat at Culver's on a diet by focusing on portion control and customization. Choose options like a salad or grilled chicken sandwich, opt for lighter sides like broccoli, and be mindful of dressings and sauces.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Salads: The Garden Fresco Salad with Grilled Chicken is a top choice for a healthy, high-protein meal, especially with a light dressing.
- Choose Grilled Protein: Opt for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich over the crispy version for significantly less fat and calories.
- Embrace Customization: Ask for no cheese, no mayo, or go bunless to dramatically cut calories and sodium from your order.
- Select Smart Sides: Pair your main with steamed broccoli or a side salad instead of fries or curds to save hundreds of calories.
- Be Mindful of Condiments: Dressings and sauces can add surprising amounts of calories and fat. Get them on the side and use sparingly.
Citations
[ { "title": "Nutrition & Allergen Guide - Culver's Menu", "url": "https://www.culvers.com/menu-and-nutrition/nutrition-and-allergen-guide" }, { "title": "Healthy options at Culver's - Reddit", "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/Culvers/comments/1g67tok/healthy_options_at_culvers/" }, { "title": "Study: Culver's Butterburger is the 'least unhealthy' burger among fast food chains - WFRV Local 5", "url": "https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/study-culvers-butterburger-is-the-least-unhealthy-burger-among-fast-food-chains/" } ] }
