Navigating the Menu for Healthy Choices
Fast-casual dining has become a popular choice for many, offering a quicker and often more affordable alternative to traditional restaurants. While some may view it as an unhealthy habit, places like El Pollo Loco provide a surprisingly wide array of options that can fit into a balanced diet. The key is to know what to look for and how to customize your order to avoid unnecessary calories, fats, and sodium. The healthiest thing at Pollo Loco generally comes down to options featuring fire-grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, with minimal high-fat or high-sodium additions.
The Top Contenders for the Healthiest Thing at Pollo Loco
The Double Chicken Avocado Salad
Often cited as one of the best options, the Double Chicken Avocado Salad is a strong candidate for the healthiest thing at Pollo Loco. This salad comes with a generous portion of fire-grilled chicken breast, avocado, mixed greens, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese. With 51 grams of protein and 350 calories (without dressing), it’s a filling and nutrient-dense meal. To keep it light, consider skipping the creamy cilantro dressing, which adds significant calories and sodium, and opt for a squeeze of fresh lime instead. The healthy fats from the avocado help increase satiety, while the double portion of chicken ensures you stay full longer.
Original Pollo Bowl
For those who prefer a heartier meal, the Original Pollo Bowl is an excellent choice. It features a base of rice and pinto beans, topped with chopped fire-grilled chicken, pico de gallo, cilantro, and onions. With 550 calories and 38 grams of protein, it's a balanced meal that provides a good mix of lean protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. A simple customization to reduce the sodium slightly is to ask for it without the chicken, but the balance of nutrients makes the standard version a great, healthy meal.
A La Carte Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast
For ultimate control over your macronutrients, ordering a single fire-grilled chicken breast is arguably the cleanest and healthiest option available. A single breast contains 200 calories and 34 grams of protein, with no carbs. You can pair this lean protein with healthy sides like a loco side salad, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli to create a customized, low-calorie, and high-protein meal. This is particularly beneficial for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
How to Customize Your Order for Maximum Health
- Load up on veggies: Request extra pico de gallo, cilantro, and onions in your bowls and salads. The Loco Side Salad is a great low-calorie, veggie-rich side.
- Go light on dressing: Many of the dressings are calorie-dense. The creamy cilantro dressing is a major contributor to a meal's overall calories. Opt for fresh salsa, fiery salsa, or a squeeze of fresh lime to add flavor without the extra calories.
- Watch the sides: Choose healthier side dishes like steamed broccoli, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, or black beans. Avoid higher-calorie sides such as macaroni and cheese or tortilla chips.
- Think about the tortillas: While delicious, flour tortilla shells add a significant amount of carbs and calories. For a healthier profile, skip the tortilla on tostada salads or burritos, or use corn tortillas which are generally smaller and gluten-free.
- Rethink the toppings: Sour cream and cheese can quickly increase the fat and calorie count. Ask for these to be served on the side or omit them entirely to save calories.
Comparison of Healthy Pollo Loco Options
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad (no dressing) | 350 | 51 | 12 | 820 |
| Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast (a la carte) | 200 | 34 | 8 | 820 |
| Original Pollo Bowl | 550 | 38 | 9 | 1830 |
| Chicken Taco al Carbon (per taco) | 170 | 15 | 5 | 250 |
| Loco Side Salad | 110 | 11 | 3.5 | 600 |
Conclusion
While Pollo Loco offers a variety of healthy choices, identifying the best option depends on your dietary needs and goals. The Double Chicken Avocado Salad is the best pre-made healthy meal, offering high protein and healthy fats for a reasonable calorie count, especially when you skip the creamy dressing. For those who prefer to build their own plate, the a la carte Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast paired with simple sides like broccoli or a side salad is an unbeatable choice for lean protein and controlled calories. By understanding the nutritional information and making smart customizations, you can easily enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal at Pollo Loco.
An excellent resource for digging deeper into nutrition facts for various menu items can be found directly on the official El Pollo Loco website. https://www.elpolloloco.com/our-food/nutrition
