Healthiest Mendocino Farms Orders, According to a Dietitian

When you’re craving a fresh, flavorful lunch, Mendocino Farms is a popular go-to, and for good reason. The menu is packed with vibrant salads, sandwiches, and sides that make it easy to put together a nourishing and delicious meal.

But with so many tempting choices on the menu, it’s not always easy to know what the healthiest order actually is. As a registered dietitian, I’m breaking down the best Mendocino Farms meals to choose when you’re looking for options that are satisfying, nutrient-dense, and packed with ingredients that help you feel your best.

Is Mendocino Farms healthy?

With colorful salads, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and creative sandwiches, Mendocino Farms definitely has the kind of menu that seems healthy on the surface. But is it really?

The good news for Mendocino Farms fans is that it actually does offer plenty of nutritious options. Unlike a lot of fast-casual restaurants where your choices are mostly fried foods, refined carbs, and oversized portions, Mendocino Farms makes it easy to build a balanced meal with plenty of veggies, proteins, and fiber-rich ingredients.

However, that doesn’t automatically mean every salad or sandwich on the menu is equally nutritious. Some meals can actually pack in a surprising amount of calories, sodium, or saturated fat thanks to ingredients like creamy dressings, cheese, sauces, or other calorie-dense toppings.

As a registered dietitian, I look beyond the calorie count when deciding whether or not a meal is a healthy choice. I’m looking for a balance of:

• protein to help keep you full and support muscle health
• fiber-rich carbs to promote energy levels and digestion
• fruits and veggies for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• healthy fats from ingredients like avocado, nuts, seeds, or olive oil

The best Mendocino Farms orders check all of these boxes while still being satisfying and, of course, delicious.

So, is Mendocino Farms healthy? It can be! The key is knowing which menu items offer the best balance of nutrition, flavor, and staying power, which is exactly what we’ll cover next.

Healthiest Mendocino Farms orders

Whether you’re swinging by for a quick lunch or grabbing a meal to fuel a busy day, Mendocino Farms has plenty of options that can fit into a balanced diet. Here are a few of the healthiest Mendocino Farms orders to try on your next visit.

1. Best overall: Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada

The Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada is my top pick as the healthiest order at Mendocino Farms for a few reasons.

For starters, it has a good mix of fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you feeling full. It’s also pretty high in protein, with 19 grams per serving, plus 10-20 grams more if you add chicken or a vegan meat substitute.

Plus, despite being a salad, it’s not just a big bowl of leafy greens. Instead, it packs a handful of nutrient-dense ingredients into each serving, including quinoa, avocado, and a variety of colorful veggies, which provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

2. Best high-protein salad: The Modern Caesar Salad with chicken

A classic Caesar salad might not always be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “healthy,” but Mendocino Farms’ Modern Caesar Salad with chicken can be a balanced choice when you’re looking for a protein-rich lunch.

The chicken helps make this salad more filling, while the greens and vegetable toppings add volume and nutrients. Protein is especially important at lunch because it can increase feelings of fullness and keep your energy levels up throughout the afternoon.

Keep in mind that the calorie-dense toppings can stack up fast, so consider asking for the dressing on the side and drizzling on only as much as you need.

3. Best vegan sandwich: Vegan Banh Mi

The Vegan Banh Mi is a great pick (and my personal go-to order), especially if you want a plant-based sandwich that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s packed with fresh flavors and includes plant-based ingredients that make it so much more satisfying than your typical veggie sandwich.

It’s also one of the more balanced vegetarian sandwiches on the menu, with 670 calories, 22 grams of protein, and a whopping 18 grams of fiber.

To lighten it up a bit, you can also order a 1/2 Sandwich Combo and pair it with a small side, like the Kale & Apple Rainbow Salad or the Spicy Curried Couscous.

4. Best balanced sandwich: The Farm Club Sandwich

Made with turkey, bacon, herb aioli, avocado, and a variety of veggies, all piled onto honey whole-wheat bread, the Farm Club is a solid choice for sandwich lovers seeking a more balanced meal.

It has around 760 calories per serving with 40 grams of protein, making it a lot more satisfying than most deli-style sandwiches.

If the full sandwich feels like more than you need, consider saving half for later or pairing it with a lighter side instead.

5. Best wrap: Baja Green Goddess Wrap

If you’re craving a wrap, my top choice is the Baja Green Goddess Wrap, which combines succotash, tomatoes, and avocado with a creamy Baja Goddess dressing.

All of the wraps on the menu are pretty heavy and calorie-dense, but this is one of the higher-protein options, with 23 grams per serving, or 40 grams if you add chicken.

You can lighten up your meal a bit by saving half for later or skipping some of the high-calorie toppings, like cheese or tortilla strips.

6. Best deli side: Kale & Apple Rainbow Salad

Mendocino Farms offers a handful of healthy side dishes, including the Kale & Apple Rainbow Salad, which pairs kale with Granny Smith apples, rainbow carrots, toasted coconut, pecans, and dried cranberries.

Compared to the other side dishes on the menu, this one is much lower in sodium and provides a decent chunk of fiber in each serving.

It’s also the lowest in calories, which may be useful if you’re trying to lose weight or keep your meal a little lighter.

Healthiest Mendocino Farms orders for specific goals

Everyone has different nutrition priorities when ordering out. Whether you’re cutting calories, prioritizing protein, or seeking options that align with different dietary needs, these Mendocino Farms picks can help you find an order that works for you.

Goal	Best Mendocino Farms Order
Lowest-calorie meals	Baja Green Goddess Salad, Vegan Banh Mi, Farm Club, Modern Caesar
Vegetarian items	Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, Vegan Banh Mi
Gluten-free options	Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, The Modern Caesar
High-protein meals	Prosciutto & Chicken, Farm Club, Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada with chicken, Modern Caesar with chicken

Best low-calorie options

If you’re looking for a lighter meal, focus on salads with lean protein, veggie-heavy menu items, and simple swaps like dressing on the side.

Keep in mind that the lowest-calorie choice isn’t always the most satisfying, so make sure you’re adding enough protein and fiber to help keep you full.

Best vegetarian orders

Mendocino Farms has several vegetarian-friendly choices that go beyond basic salads.

Options like the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada provide a mix of plant-based ingredients, fiber, and healthy fats for a more filling and nutritious meal.

Best gluten-free options

Many Mendocino Farms salads and bowls can be adapted to be gluten-free by choosing ingredients carefully and skipping gluten-containing toppings or bread.

If you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy, check with the restaurant about preparation practices to reduce the risk of cross-contact.

Best high-protein meals

For a filling lunch that can keep you satisfied for hours, prioritize meals with a substantial protein source, such as chicken-based salads or sandwiches.

Protein paired with fiber-rich veggies and whole grains makes for a more filling and well-rounded meal.

Tips for a healthier order

Even the healthiest menu items can have a completely different nutrition profile depending on the toppings, sauces, and sides you choose. These simple swaps can help you build a more balanced Mendocino Farms meal without sacrificing flavor.

Add protein

Protein is one of the biggest factors that can make a restaurant meal more filling. When placing your order, look for meals that include a solid source of protein, like chicken, tofu, beans, or quinoa. Many items at Mendocino Farms also offer extra protein for an additional fee.

Get sauces and dressings on the side

Dressings, spreads, and sauces can add a lot of extra calories, sodium, and saturated fat to an otherwise nutrient-dense meal. Ordering them on the side gives you more control over how much you use while still letting you enjoy all the flavors.

Choose a healthier side

One thing that really makes Mendocino Farms stand out is that it offers a variety of tasty, nutrient-rich sides and soups, which can be an excellent alternative to chips or cookies.

Some great options include the Kale & Apple Rainbow Salad, Curried Couscous, and Lemon Chicken & Farro Soup, which can add extra vegetables, whole grains, or protein to round out your meal.

Customize your order

One of the best things about Mendocino Farms is that many meals can be adjusted to fit your preferences. Add extra vegetables, modify sauces, or swap ingredients to create a meal that works with your goals.

Choose a half sandwich combo

If you’re eyeing one of Mendocino Farms’ larger sandwiches, a half sandwich combo can be a great way to keep your meal more balanced while still enjoying your favorite menu items.

Pair your sandwich with one of their soups, salads, or grain-based sides to add extra fiber, vegetables, and nutrients.

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Conclusion

Mendocino Farms makes it easier to enjoy a restaurant meal that is both convenient and nourishing, thanks to its wide variety of fresh ingredients, customizable options, and simple sides.

With a few simple swaps, like adding protein, choosing a smaller portion, or modifying sauces, you can create a Mendocino Farms meal that fits your nutrition goals but doesn’t compromise on flavor.