Qdoba Mexican Eats is known for its flavorful menu and endless customization options, making it a go-to spot for fast-casual dining. With so many choices, it can be easy to go overboard on calories, sodium, and fat.
However, with a few smart choices, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. This article dives into the six healthiest orders at Qdoba and offers guidance on what items to avoid for a balanced, calorie-conscious meal.
What To Eat At Qdoba
1. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients: Grilled Chicken, Black Beans, Fajita Veggies, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Lettuce
Nutrition (Per serving):
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Carbs: 47 g (Fiber: 15 g)
- Protein: 28 g
A burrito bowl is a great option because it allows you to skip the tortilla, which adds extra calories. This bowl packs a punch with lean protein from grilled chicken, plenty of fiber from beans and veggies, and healthy fats from guacamole. Plus, it keeps sodium levels within a manageable range.
2. Citrus Lime Chicken Salad
Ingredients: Grilled Chicken, Romaine Lettuce, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, Chile Corn Salsa, Tortilla Strips, Citrus-Lime Vinaigrette
Nutrition (Per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 22 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
- Sodium: 1190 mg
- Carbs: 48 g (Fiber: 16 g)
- Protein: 35 g
This balanced salad includes fresh vegetables, lean protein, and plenty of fiber. It’s a nutrient-packed option that offers a balance of carbs, protein, and fat. Swapping out the vinaigrette for salsa is a great way to cut down on added calories and fats if you’re looking for a lighter option.
3. Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken Bowl
Ingredients: Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken, Pinto Beans, Guacamole, Mexican Street Corn
Nutrition (Per serving):
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
- Sodium: 1040 mg
- Carbs: 44 g (Fiber: 19 g)
- Protein: 25 g
This bowl offers a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavors with the addition of Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken. The beans and street corn add extra fiber, while guacamole provides heart-healthy fats. It’s a simple, tasty, and healthy choice.
4. Chicken Tacos (Soft Corn Tortilla)
Ingredients: Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken, Soft Corn Tortilla, Guacamole, Cotija Cheese
Nutrition (Per taco):
- Calories: 335
- Fat: 17.5 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g)
- Sodium: 835 mg
- Carbs: 24 g (Fiber: 6 g)
- Protein: 22 g
Tacos can be a healthy choice if you stick to a lean protein, like chicken, and choose soft corn tortillas, which are lower in calories than flour. This taco is packed with lean protein, healthy fats from guacamole, and flavor from Cotija cheese. Add extra veggies for even more nutrition.
5. Chicken Quesadilla (Without Cheese)
Ingredients: Grilled Chicken, Warm Flour Tortilla, Fajita Veggies, Roasted Tomato Salsa
Nutrition (Per serving, without cheese):
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 28.5 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)
- Sodium: 1585 mg
- Carbs: 95 g (Fiber: 6 g)
- Protein: 36 g
While quesadillas can be high in calories and fat due to the tortilla and cheese, opting to skip the cheese and include plenty of vegetables helps balance things out. By adding grilled chicken, you’re still getting a solid amount of protein, which can help keep you full and satisfied.
6. Fajita Veggie Salad
Ingredients: Grilled Fajita Veggies, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, Romaine Lettuce, Chile Corn Salsa, Cilantro
Nutrition (Per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Carbs: 42 g (Fiber: 15 g)
- Protein: 12 g
For a low-calorie option, the fajita veggie salad is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, fiber-rich beans, and flavorful salsas. This salad is light but filling, and it keeps your calorie count in check without sacrificing flavor.
What To Avoid At Qdoba
While it’s possible to make healthy choices at Qdoba, some items can quickly turn into calorie bombs. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Burrito With Flour Tortilla
The flour tortilla alone adds 300 calories, making it difficult to keep your meal within a reasonable range. Opting for a bowl instead of a burrito can save you significant calories and carbs.
2. Queso
While queso may be tempting, it’s high in calories and saturated fat. Just 4 ounces of queso can add around 350 calories to your meal. It’s best to avoid queso or use it sparingly as a topping.
3. Chips And Guacamole
While guacamole is a healthy fat source, pairing it with chips can lead to calorie overload. A single serving of chips and guacamole can easily add over 700 calories to your meal. Consider replacing chips with a side of veggies for a lighter option.
4. Nachos
Starting with a base of chips and adding cheese, meat, beans, and salsa can easily push a nacho plate over 1,200 calories. The sodium and fat content in nachos are also high, making them a less healthy option.
5. Sour Cream
Like queso, sour cream is high in calories and fat with little nutritional value. If you love sour cream, consider using a smaller amount or substituting it with salsa for a healthier, lower-calorie topping.
Table: Nutritional Comparison of Popular Qdoba Orders
| Menu Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Burrito Bowl | 430 | 18 | 850 | 47 | 28 |
| Citrus Lime Chicken Salad | 520 | 22 | 1190 | 48 | 35 |
| Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken Bowl | 430 | 24 | 1040 | 44 | 25 |
| Chicken Taco (Soft Corn Tortilla) | 335 | 17.5 | 835 | 24 | 22 |
| Chicken Quesadilla (Without Cheese) | 650 | 28.5 | 1585 | 95 | 36 |
| Fajita Veggie Salad | 320 | 12 | 690 | 42 | 12 |
Conclusion:
Making healthy choices at Qdoba is all about balance. By focusing on lean proteins, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats while avoiding calorie-heavy extras like tortillas and queso, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.
With the right customizations, it’s easy to create a meal that satisfies both your cravings and your health goals.
FAQs
1. What Is The Healthiest Item On Qdoba’s Menu?
The chicken burrito bowl is one of the healthiest options. It’s low in calories and provides lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
2. Can I Still Eat Queso At Qdoba If I’m Watching My Calories?
Yes, but it’s best to use queso sparingly. Opt for a small drizzle instead of a full serving to keep calories and fat in check.
3. Is A Salad At Qdoba Always A Healthier Option?
Not necessarily. Some salads can still be high in calories if they contain heavy dressings or are topped with fried items. Stick with grilled proteins, fresh veggies, and lighter dressings.
4. How Can I Reduce The Sodium In My Qdoba Meal?
Choose items like pico de gallo and fresh vegetables over high-sodium toppings like queso, sour cream, and seasoned meats.
5. Are Qdoba Burritos Unhealthy?
Burritos can be high in calories, especially if they include a flour tortilla. Consider ordering a burrito bowl instead for a healthier option.
By focusing on lean proteins, fiber-rich beans and veggies, and healthy fats like guacamole, you can make nutritious choices at Qdoba without compromising on flavor. Avoiding high-calorie extras like queso and sour cream can help you keep your meal within a healthy range.
