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Best first order at Noodles & Company

Fast chain with a protein-forward default that still stays practical, led by Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with Grilled Chicken. Simple grilled picks and smaller portions are usually the easiest first moves here.

Nutrition source checkedNot medical advice
Best first order

Med Salad with Grilled Chicken

390 cal·30g protein·24g fat
SmallNot friedProtein-forwardSmall bite

Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.

Watch if: Higher fat can sneak up on you even when the order looks simple.

How to order: Order the Med Salad and add Grilled Chicken. Fresh greens, feta, olives, and cucumber with lean grilled chicken — high protein, moderate calories.

Keep in mind

Menu watchouts

Quick notes for choices that may feel heavier.

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  • Portion creep: Keep the order simple and stop at comfortable instead of finishing by default.

Use this as a quick read, not a hard no.

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15 curated options.

Other good options

Smaller option

Kids Grilled Chicken + Kids Spaghetti

360 cal·28g protein·10g fat
SmallGentleEasy protein

Best for: Good for work lunch when you want something normal-looking.

How to order: Order the Kids Grilled Chicken Breast plus Kids Spaghetti with Marinara. Built-in portion control with solid protein — great for lighter appetites.

Smaller option

Med Salad with Grilled Steak

380 cal·29g protein·23g fat
SmallNot friedEasy protein

Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.

Watch if: Higher fat can sneak up on you even when the order looks simple.

How to order: Order the Med Salad and add Grilled Steak. A satisfying lower-carb salad with steak for iron and protein — ask for dressing on the side.

Smaller option

Zucchini Rosa with Grilled Chicken

450 cal·34g protein·21g fat
SmallNot friedProtein-forward

How to order: Order the Zucchini Rosa (made with Cauliflower Rigatoni) and add Grilled Chicken. A lower-carb, creamy option with decent protein when you add chicken.

Use caution

Bangkok Curry with Grilled Chicken

510 cal·33g protein·17g fat
SmallGentleProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 980mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Bangkok Curry (Regular size) and add Grilled Chicken. The curry-coated noodles with vegetables and lean protein make this a balanced, flavorful pick.

Use caution

Japanese Pan Noodles with Grilled Chicken

580 cal·34g protein·18g fat·8g sugar
SmallGentleProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 990mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Japanese Pan Noodles and add Grilled Chicken. Udon-style noodles with Asian-inspired sauce and lean protein — choose Regular size.

More protein

Buttered Noodles with Grilled Chicken

510 cal·32g protein·19g fat
SmallNot friedProtein-forward

How to order: Order the Buttered Noodles and add Grilled Chicken. A simple, gentle option that's easy on the stomach — ideal for sensitive days.

Use caution

Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with Grilled Chicken

590 cal·41g protein·25g fat
SmallRich/heavyProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,100mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese and add Grilled Chicken. A comfort food option that delivers solid protein when paired with chicken — skip the garlic bread.

Use caution

Bangkok Curry with Grilled Steak

500 cal·29g protein·17g fat
SmallGentleEasy protein

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 970mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Bangkok Curry (Regular size) and add Grilled Steak. A slightly leaner protein option than chicken — same great flavor profile.

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