Chipotle Mexican Grill is a popular fast casual restaurant chain known for its burritos, tacos, bowls and salads. Two of the most popular vegetarian options at Chipotle are the veggie bowl and the salad. While both contain veggies and other wholesome ingredients, there are some key differences between the two.
What’s in a Veggie Bowl at Chipotle?
The veggie bowl at Chipotle starts with a base of cilantro-lime brown rice, pinto beans, fajita veggies (bell peppers and onions), guacamole, lettuce and salsa. Customers can add other toppings like corn salsa, cheese, sour cream and chopped romaine lettuce.
Some key ingredients in a Chipotle veggie bowl include:
- Cilantro-lime brown rice: This seasoned brown rice provides fiber and whole grains.
- Pinto beans: A plant-based protein packed with fiber.
- Fajita veggies: Onions and bell peppers sautéed with olive oil, garlic and seasoning.
- Romaine lettuce: Uncooked, chopped romaine adds crunch.
- Guacamole: Made in-house with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro and sea salt.
- Salsa: Options include mild tomato salsa, medium salsa verde or hot tomatillo-red chili salsa.
The combination of rice, beans, veggies and guacamole makes the veggie bowl a nutritious low carb meal. With 29 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber, it provides lasting energy. The veggies and seasonings also deliver a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
What’s in a Salad at Chipotle?
Chipotle’s salads start with a base of chopped romaine lettuce. Guests can then add veggies, beans, salsa, cheese and other toppings.
Some potential salad ingredients include:
- Romaine lettuce: Chopped, uncooked romaine is the salad base.
- Fajita veggies: Onions, peppers and seasoning.
- Black or pinto beans: Fiber-rich plant protein.
- Corn salsa: Adds sweetness.
- Guacamole: Healthy fats from ripe avocado.
- Salsa: Boosts flavor.
- Cheese: Adds protein.
The variety of veggies, beans, guacamole and salsa make a Chipotle salad highly nutritious. With 10 grams of fiber and 24 grams of protein, it makes a filling plant-based meal. The raw veggies and lime juice also provide vitamin C, antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Key Differences Between Veggie Bowls and Salads
While Chipotle’s veggie bowls and salads have some overlap in ingredients, there are a few key differences:
Base
- Veggie bowl: Starts with warm cilantro-lime brown rice and pinto beans.
- Salad: Starts with chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
Cooking Method
- Veggie bowl: The rice and beans are cooked while veggies are sautéed.
- Salad: All ingredients are raw and uncooked.
Temperature
- Veggie bowl: Served warm.
- Salad: Served chilled.
Taste
- Veggie bowl: Heartier, more filling taste.
- Salad: Light, cooler, crisper taste.
Nutrition
| Category | Veggie Bowl | Salad |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 655 | 420 |
| Fat | 24g | 26g |
| Protein | 29g | 24g |
| Fiber | 11g | 10g |
| Carbs | 86g | 44g |
While both options are high in nutrients, the veggie bowl is higher in calories, protein, carbs and fiber. The salad contains more fat.
Customization Options
One benefit of ordering at Chipotle is customizing your veggie bowl or salad. Some ways to personalize include:
Veggie Bowl
- Swap rice for lettuce for lower carbs.
- Add extra fajita veggies.
- Replace beans with sofritas (tofu) for more protein.
- Load up on extra guacamole.
- Mix up salsas.
Salad
- Try brown rice or quinoa instead of lettuce.
- Add black beans or sofritas for plant protein.
- Include corn salsa for sweetness.
- Mix in extra peppers and onions.
- Top with guacamole or cheese.
Whether you prefer a warm veggie bowl or chilled salad, Chipotle offers an array of nutritious and delicious ingredients to fuel your day. The ability to customize with extra protein, fiber or healthy fats makes both solid options for vegetarians and vegans.
Cost Comparison
When comparing pricing, Chipotle veggie bowls and salads come in around the same price:
| Menu Item | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Veggie Bowl | $8.55 |
| Salad | $8.95 |
However, the total cost increases based on any extra toppings you add like guacamole, queso or extra servings of beans, rice or veggies. Generally the veggie bowl costs a bit less than the salad when customized.
Nutritional Benefits
Both the Chipotle veggie bowl and salad provide important vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. Some nutritious ingredients include:
Veggie Bowl Nutrients
- Brown rice: Manganese, selenium, magnesium
- Beans: Fiber, protein, iron, potassium
- Onions and peppers: Vitamin C, antioxidants
- Romaine: Vitamin K, folate
- Guacamole: Potassium, healthy fats
Salad Nutrients
- Romaine: Vitamins A, K, folate
- Tomatoes: Vitamin C, lycopene
- Beans: Fiber, plant protein
- Corn: Vitamin C, thiamine
- Peppers: Vitamin C, antioxidants
The wide array of plant foods ensures you get a variety of antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber. Pair either with whole grain chips or a side of fruit to up the nutrition.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste and flavors, both the veggie bowl and salad offer tasty options. However, they differ in:
Veggie Bowl Taste
- Hearty, filling and warm.
- Savory seasonings like cumin and chili powder.
- Satisfying mix of textures from the crunchy lettuce, smooth guac, warm rice and beans.
- Guac and salsa add creamy, tangy flavors.
Salad Taste
- Light, crisp and refreshing.
- Mixture of sweet and savory.
- Cool crunch from the romaine, onions and peppers.
- Bright, tangy dressings and salsas.
While personal taste preferences vary, you can’t go wrong with the bright flavors and different textures found in both options.
Vegetarian and Vegan Fit
One final difference between the Chipotle veggie bowl versus salad comes down to dietary needs:
- Vegetarian: Both options can suit a vegetarian diet since they can be customized with plant proteins.
- Vegan: Salads may be easier to adapt to a vegan diet since rice contains dairy. But the veggie bowl can be made vegan by swapping rice for lettuce.
With Chipotle’s wide range of whole food plant ingredients, both bowls and salads can be tailored to meet vegetarian and vegan needs. Simply opt for plant-based proteins like beans or sofritas instead of meat.
Conclusion
While Chipotle’s veggie bowls and salads share some common ingredients, there are a few differences that set them apart:
- The veggie bowl starts with warm rice, beans and sautéed veggies while the salad is a cool base of romaine lettuce.
- Ingredients in the bowl are cooked while salad fixings are raw.
- The veggie bowl is more filling with higher amounts of carbs, protein and calories while the salad offers a lighter fresher option.
- Both provide a nutrition boost from ingredients like beans, guacamole, salsa and chopped veggies.
- Customizing your order allows you to tailor either choice to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Overall, Chipotle’s veggie bowls and salads use fresh, high quality ingredients to create flavorful plant-based meals. Choose based on your tastes, lifestyle needs and cravings. Whether you prefer the warm, hearty bowl or cool, crunchy salad, you’ll get a nutritious fast casual dining option.