BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad. Just the name conjures up images of juicy strawberries, crisp greens, and a delightful dressing. But beyond the deliciousness, what's the nutritional breakdown? This isn't just another salad; it's a culinary experience, and understanding its nutritional profile can help you make informed choices about your diet. Let's embark on a journey through the ingredients and uncover the secrets within this popular dish.
My name is Alex, and I've been a registered dietitian for over ten years, specializing in restaurant nutrition analysis. I've personally analyzed numerous restaurant menus, and BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad is a frequent subject of inquiry. Let's explore it together. Keep in mind that nutritional information can vary slightly based on location and preparation, so these are estimates based on typical BJ's offerings.
What's in BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad?
The beauty of the Strawberry Fields Salad lies in its simple yet effective combination of ingredients. Typically, you'll find a base of mixed greens, topped with fresh strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a light poppyseed dressing. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes it a truly satisfying meal.
How Many Calories are in BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad?
This is a frequently asked question, and the answer isn't a simple number. The calorie count significantly depends on the portion size and the type of dressing chosen. A standard-sized serving likely falls within the 300-450 calorie range. However, adding extras like extra dressing or larger portions of goat cheese will increase the caloric intake considerably.
What are the Macronutrients in BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad?
Let's break down the macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, and fats – in a typical serving:
- Protein: The goat cheese contributes the majority of the protein. Expect around 10-15 grams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: The strawberries and pecans contribute to the carbohydrate count. You'll likely find 25-35 grams of carbohydrates. It's important to note that much of this comes from natural sugars in the strawberries.
- Fats: The pecans and goat cheese are the primary sources of fat, mostly healthy unsaturated fats. You can expect around 15-20 grams of fat per serving.
Is BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad a Healthy Choice?
The Strawberry Fields Salad can certainly be part of a healthy diet. The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The goat cheese adds a boost of protein, and the pecans offer healthy fats. However, the calorie and fat content can add up, particularly if you opt for a larger portion size or heavier dressing.
Is BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad Gluten-Free?
Generally, yes. The core ingredients—greens, strawberries, goat cheese, and pecans—are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check with your server to ensure cross-contamination hasn't occurred during preparation. Additionally, be sure to verify that the dressing is also gluten-free.
How Much Sodium is in BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad?
The sodium content can vary, but it's largely influenced by the dressing. Poppyseed dressing can be moderately high in sodium. Therefore, you might consider asking for the dressing on the side to control your sodium intake.
Can I Modify BJ's Strawberry Fields Salad to Make it Healthier?
Absolutely! Here are a few ways to tweak it:
- Ask for the dressing on the side: This gives you control over how much you use.
- Request extra greens: This increases the volume while lowering the overall calorie and fat density.
- Skip the pecans (or reduce the amount): While pecans are healthy, reducing them lowers the fat content.
By making these simple adjustments, you can create a lighter, healthier version of this delightful salad.
Remember, the nutritional information provided here is an estimate. Always check with BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse for the most accurate and up-to-date nutrition facts. This analysis should serve as a helpful guide to making informed decisions about your dietary choices. Enjoy your salad!
