The Chopt Salad Company just opened on Long Island, NY near my house. After hearing a lot of great feedback from friends who have visited the Manhattan locations, I decided to check it out to let you know how you can make your experience at Chopt an awesome one. As you can tell by the name, the focus is on customized salads with the freshest ingredients that are very carefully chopped to your specifications.
Here are some Chopt hacks that will help to make your experience an outstanding one.
1. Bring your reading glasses, because there are a lot of decisions to be made
Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com
After looking at the five different choices in greens, (no iceberg in sight) decide on the choppings (the punny name given here for toppings). Vegans, vegetarians, or those with allergies will have enough options to craft their perfect bite. Here are some of them:
- Proteins: 4 types of chicken, tofu, shrimp, steak, falafel
- Dairy: 6 types of cheeses
- Fruits and vegetables: 17
- Inspired add-ons that you would not get at home: charred red onion, sweet drop peppers, or radish salsa
#SpoonTip: Try the Palm Beach Salad — it has only 240-320 calories. It has shrimp or FreeBird grilled chicken, avocado, grape tomatoes, English cucumbers, hearts of palm and romaine lettuce.
2. You cannot ignore the calories and nutrition — they are in your face
Photo courtesy of Chopt Creative Salad Company on Facebook
Chopt is known for its 23 dressings because they are made from scratch and use high quality ingredients. You can see each ingredient and read the nutrition facts so you know what you are adding to your salad.
#SpoonTip: If you want to taste an avocadope dressing, check out the Mexican Goddess. It’s mouthwatering.
3. Step out of your comfort zone and try the destination options that change every 60 days
Photo courtesy of Chopt Creative Salad Company on Facebook
For example, a Peruvian influence was featured when I was at Chopt. I got my hands on the Andean grain salad that was full of quinoa, lentil and millet blend, sweet drop peppers, Peruvian radish salsa, mediterranean olives, kale, and spinach and purple cabbage. Each month, you can explore the world through different destination salads.
4. If you are worried that you will not be full, you can request a salad wrap or sandwich
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Yes, this place is all about salads, but if you want a more filling choice, you can have your custom and chopped salad made into a sandwich by putting it on a whole wheat flatbread or a whole wheat wrap.
#SpoonTip: The Kebab Cobb salad pairs nicely in a warm crispy flatbread. Around 530 calories, this salad is full of protein that will keep you satisfied. Ingredients include: FreeBird grilled chicken or chickpea falafel, local feta, charred red onion, Mama Lil’s spicy peppers, pita chips and romaine lettuce.
5. Boost protein with grains and beans
Photo courtesy of Chopt Creative Salad Company on Facebook
Protein is important because it keeps you full. You don’t want to get hungry in an hour and eat everything in sight. The three kinds of quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), chickpeas, and lentils are not only filled with protein, but fiber, too. Build your salad bowls around these superfood protein choices and you will be adding years to your life.
#SpoonTip: Want a salad that is full of super grains and powerhouse greens? Check out the Summits grain salad that features a protein-rich blend of quinoa, roasted seasonal squash, charred red onion, pecorino cheese, lentil and millet blend, kale, and spinach and cabbage.
6. Don’t forget a drink
Photo by Lauren Peller
Drink lemon water for free or try the specialty lemonades and teas that are brewed in-house daily. No typical sodas at this locale. Organic boutique brands such as Blueprint and Spindrift are other drink options to consider.
7. Want good deals? Download the Chopt app
Photo courtesy of choptsalad.com
Get in and out quickly by downloading the Chopt app to pay with your phone and unlock “app-etizing” rewards. If you use the app, you can get exclusive deals and a special birthday treat. The Chopt App is accepted at ALL Chopt restaurants.