What's the Healthiest Thing on DoorDash?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a DoorDash blog post, the app features a 'Healthy enough' carousel curated by registered dietitians to highlight nutritious options. Navigating the sheer volume of choices on a delivery app can be overwhelming, making it difficult to pinpoint what's the healthiest thing on DoorDash without careful consideration. However, with a few smart strategies and a little planning, you can easily find meals that support your wellness goals without sacrificing convenience.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down how to identify and customize nutrient-dense meals from various cuisines available on DoorDash, focusing on lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. It offers practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls like excess sodium and saturated fat while showcasing specific dish examples from popular categories like poke, Mediterranean, and salads.

Key Points

Filter and Customize: Use DoorDash's 'Healthy,' 'Vegan,' and 'Salad' filters and customize orders to control ingredients and avoid high-calorie additions.
Choose Lean Proteins: Prioritize dishes with grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or beans over fried or high-fat red meats.
Add More Vegetables: Maximize nutritional value by adding extra vegetables to your meal whenever possible, such as in bowls, stir-fries, and salads.
Mind the Sauce: Ask for dressings and sauces on the side to manage hidden sugars, sodium, and excess calories effectively.
Opt for Whole Grains: Choose healthier bases like brown rice or quinoa instead of refined grains such as white rice and white flour tortillas.
Explore Specific Cuisines: Look for health-friendly options within Mediterranean, Japanese, Thai, and Mexican cuisines.
Control Your Portions: Be mindful of restaurant portion sizes and consider saving half for a future meal to manage calorie intake.
Select Nutrient-Dense Dishes: Prioritize items like poke bowls, burrito bowls (as salads), grilled skewers, and fresh sushi/sashimi.

Your Guide to Making Smart Choices on DoorDash

When hunger strikes and you reach for your phone, the allure of quick and easy takeout can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits. However, ordering delivery doesn't have to mean derailing your health goals. With a strategic approach, you can find delicious, nutritious meals from a variety of cuisines right on the DoorDash app. The key is knowing what to look for and how to customize your order to maximize nutritional value.

The Power of Customization and Cuisine Filters

DoorDash and many of its partnered restaurants offer robust customization options that empower you to build a healthier meal. The first step is to use the app's built-in tools. Many users overlook the 'Healthy,' 'Vegan,' and 'Salad' filters at the top of the screen. These can quickly narrow down your options to restaurants that prioritize plant-forward, lean-protein-based meals like bowls and wraps. Beyond the filters, consider these techniques:

Build-Your-Own Bowls and Salads: Restaurants like Sweetgreen, Chipotle, and CAVA offer customizable bowls that are perfect for building a balanced meal. You can control every ingredient, from the base to the toppings and dressing.
Request Sauces on the Side: Dressings and sauces can contain hidden sugars, sodium, and calories. By asking for them on the side, you control how much you add.
Specify Your Ingredients: Don't be afraid to use the "Special Instructions" box. You can request whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, double the vegetables, or swap out high-fat toppings for healthier alternatives like avocado.
Embrace the 'Healthy enough' Carousel: On occasion, DoorDash highlights nutritious options curated by dietitians in a special carousel on the app. Keep an eye out for this feature when you log in.

Best Healthy Cuisine Categories on DoorDash

Certain types of cuisine are naturally more health-friendly due to their reliance on fresh, whole ingredients. When you're browsing, consider starting with these categories:

Mediterranean: This cuisine is renowned for its heart-healthy profile, incorporating lean proteins like grilled chicken and fish, as well as olive oil, vegetables, and whole grains. Dishes like chicken kebabs, hummus, and tabbouleh are excellent choices.
Japanese: Focusing on fish, seafood, and vegetables, Japanese food offers many healthy options. Opt for sushi, sashimi, miso soup, or edamame. To reduce calories, choose maki rolls with fresh fish and veggies over fried options or those with heavy sauces.
Thai: Many Thai dishes feature lean proteins and lots of vegetables. Stick to stir-fries or vegetable-heavy curries with less coconut milk. Go for satay with lean grilled meat or refreshing green papaya salad.
Mexican: Choose burrito bowls over burritos to skip the calorie-dense tortilla. Load up on brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, and grilled chicken or shrimp. Use guacamole for healthy fats and salsa for flavor instead of cheese and sour cream.
Salad Chains: Specialty salad restaurants offer endless opportunities to craft a perfect, nutrient-dense meal. Begin with dark leafy greens like spinach or kale and add lean protein, vegetables, and nuts or seeds for crunch.

Comparison of Healthy DoorDash Options


Food Type	Best Choice	Customization for Health	Things to Watch Out For
Poke Bowls	Fresh fish, brown rice, and a mix of colorful veggies.	Ask for extra vegetables and light sauce; skip fried toppings like tempura flakes.	Heavy, creamy sauces (spicy mayo) and excessive toppings can add high calories and fats.
Burrito Bowls	Brown rice, beans, fajita veggies, grilled chicken or fish, and salsa.	Omit cheese and sour cream; ask for light rice or extra greens instead.	The large tortilla of a burrito and high-fat toppings like cheese can significantly increase the calorie count.
Mediterranean	Grilled chicken kebabs with a side salad and hummus.	Order extra veggies on the side and use veggies for dipping in hummus instead of pita bread.	Fried falafel and high-fat gyro meat are less healthy options.
Sushi	Sashimi, or maki rolls with fresh fish and vegetables.	Request brown rice instead of white for more fiber.	Tempura, rolls with spicy mayo, and excessive sauce can make sushi less healthy.

Conclusion: The Healthiest DoorDash is the One You Build Smartly

Pinpointing one single "healthiest thing on DoorDash" is challenging because the best option is often a customized meal from a health-conscious restaurant. The healthiest choice isn't just about the food type but the smart decisions you make when ordering. By focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients, opting for grilled over fried, and controlling portion sizes and high-calorie toppings, you can turn any takeout night into a victory for your diet. Look for cuisines rich in lean protein and vegetables, and use the app's features to your advantage. A little bit of knowledge and a few mindful adjustments go a long way in ensuring your food delivery experience supports your wellness goals.

How to Order Like a Pro

Explore Local Farm-to-Table Cafés: Many smaller local eateries prioritize fresh, quality ingredients and healthy preparations.
Use the Schedule for later Option: Plan your meal ahead of time to avoid ordering something unhealthy when you're overly hungry.
Think Beyond the Entrée: Don't forget about healthy sides. Swapping fries for a side salad or adding a vegetable-based side dish can make a big difference.
Divide and Conquer: Restaurant portion sizes are often oversized. Consider splitting a single entrée into two or three meals to control your calorie intake.

Ultimately, a successful healthy DoorDash order comes down to conscious choices. With so many options available, you have the power to create a nourishing and delicious meal tailored to your needs. A balanced and nutritious diet is achievable even on your busiest days, thanks to modern delivery services. For more tips on how to order healthy takeout, check out this guide from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest option at Chipotle is a burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, and a lean protein like grilled chicken or sofritas. Add salsa and guacamole for flavor and healthy fats, while skipping cheese and sour cream to keep calories and saturated fat in check.

Yes, poke bowls are generally a very healthy option on DoorDash, as they are rich in lean protein from fresh fish and packed with vegetables. To ensure it stays healthy, choose brown rice as your base and opt for light sauces, avoiding creamy, high-calorie dressings and fried toppings.

To reduce calories in a salad, choose dark leafy greens over lighter options like iceberg lettuce. Load up on extra vegetables and get your dressing on the side to control the amount you use. Avoid heavy toppings like fried croutons, bacon, and excessive cheese, opting for nuts, seeds, or avocado for healthy crunch and fat instead.

Yes, you can make healthier pizza choices. Look for places offering thin or flatbread crusts, or ask for a whole-grain crust if available. Load up on vegetable toppings and choose grilled chicken over processed meats like pepperoni and sausage. Request less cheese or skip it entirely.

When ordering healthy takeout, avoid heavily fried items, creamy or sugary sauces and dressings, high-sodium sides, and excessive portions. These can quickly negate the nutritional benefits of an otherwise healthy meal.

Yes, DoorDash has a 'Vegan' filter to help you find plant-based options easily. You can find dishes like customizable veggie bowls, lentil curries, tofu stir-fries, and certain types of sushi that are vegan-friendly.

Yes, ordering ahead using the 'Schedule for later' option can help you make a healthier choice. It allows you to select a nutritious meal when you're not in a rush or overly hungry, reducing the temptation to choose a less healthy option out of desperation.