Served in the majority of French breweries, this well -known salad hides a real nutritional bomb under its innocent tunes. Gogo cheese, fried croutons, mayonnaise-based sauce, breaded chicken … The balance sheet is final: between 700 and 800 calories per plate, according to Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist. “”The most calorie and especially the most unbalanced salad is the Caesar salad. It is, in addition, not satisfying because it does not contain carbohydrates“Explains the expert.
Why Caesar salad is also caloric
To understand the trap, just take a look at the composition of this very popular salad. Each ingredient has its role in calorie climbing. The sauce first, often made from mayonnaise or cream, can contain up to 100 calories per tablespoon. The croutons, well golden, are also fried or soaked in oil. The breaded chicken, crisp but fatty, further increases the whole.
And that’s not all. The grated parmesan, well present, adds both taste … and saturated fatty acids. Without forgetting the small “gourmet” touches like nuts, almonds or sometimes bacon. A cocktail which, put end to end, explodes the counter.
Errors to avoid when ordering a salad
Contrary to popular belief, not all salads synonymous with healthy meal. Several elements must alert when you travel a menu:
- Creamy sauces, often made from mayonnaise or crème fraîche;
- Grilled vegetables soaked in oil;
- Strong cheeses like the Roquefort or the cheddar;
- Too much dried fruits;
- Fried croutons or pieces of breaded meat.
In summary, a salad can contain more fats and salt than a pasta dish or a burger if it is badly composed. The “green” appearance does not guarantee lightness.
How to lighten a Caesar salad without sacrificing the taste
Good news, it is quite possible to transform a Caesar salad into a more balanced dish, without removing its charm. “”We can lighten this recipe by preparing a lighter sauce based on olive oil and lemon, avoiding breading the chicken, and replacing the croutons with full starchy foods like full pasta“Recommends Alexandra Murcier.
Another tip is to enrich the salad with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs and a moderate portion of parmesan. The objective: to maintain the texture, the crunch and the flavor … without the calorie club.
So, the next time you think you are making a reasonable choice at the restaurant by ordering a Caesar salad, you will know what to expect. And above all, how to avoid falling into the trap.