I’m not much of a fast food gal.
Surprised? Probably not. I do my best to always have something on hand that I can put together to take for lunch. I’m also fortunate enough to work very close to my house so some days I’ll run home to grab a bite. Unless it’s work related, it’s rare I eat out for lunch.
But, I’m human. And some days, my fridge is bare. On those days, I run to the handful of nearby spots where I know I can get a healthy meal. So, when Noodles & Company contacted me to try out one of their new summer salads, I decided to give it a try. They sold me with the fact that you can sub tofu for chicken and really build your own anything there. If you know me well, I love to mix and match and build-my-own anything. It’s practically like making it yourself!
I hadn’t been to a Noodles in a long time. I used to go there quite regularly as it was close to a former employer. I’m pretty sure I always got the pad thai. I know I never ordered a salad (I was not so plant-based then).
This week, when I was running from meeting to meeting, I found myself lunch-less and close to a Noodles. Time to give it a try.
I opted for the Chili-Lime Ginger Salad with Seared Tofu. I really appreciated that the employee who helped me with my order was so excited to answer all of my questions and find the best fit for me. Customization was definitely his motto. I loved that.
I took the salad go so I didn’t get a good look at it until I got to my office.
Ignore the pile of files, I know I have been.
This salad was really good. The bowl was full of fresh veggies and rice noodles. The dressing came on the side (always preferred) and the tofu was well seasoned. It was tasty and very satisfying. It held me for a good 4 hours. I would definitely try it again when my lunch bag is empty.
Tasty salad, great service and healthy fast food. Not a bad combo. Nice work Noodles.
I have two ways you can try your own salad at Noodles free of charge.
First, there is big promotion going on today (June 7th) at all Twin Cities Locations. Here are the details:
On June 7th, Noodles & Company will give a free summer salad to the first 50 people in line at each Noodles location – you’ll find 32 Noodles & Company restaurants throughout the Twin Cities.In addition to the free salad, the first 50 customers will also receive three garden stakes that are each good for a free salad to share with friends.Each Noodles order is made fresh-to-order, giving customers the freedom to customize their entrees to their tastes or diet preferences.Noodles’ three summer salads include: Backyard BBQ Chicken with fresh summer corn; Spinach and Fresh Fruit with blue cheese and balsamic fig; and Chili-Lime Ginger with Seared Chicken.
Second, Noodles also gave me a free salad to giveaway to a reader. Leave a comment by June 13th and I will pick a winner at random to receive a salad. ( I will actually mail you a coupon, not the actual salad. I just wanted to be clear. )
Where do you go when you need a ‘fast’ meal?
Note: I was provided two free salads by Noodles & Company. All of my opinions are my own.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jen, thanks for the info on Noodles & Co summer salads. Is there a breakdown of exactly what is in the dressings? Where are the veggies sourced? Local? Or Sysco? Thanks!
Great questions! I sent the Noodles rep a note asking that. I’ll let you know.
sounds yummy and perfect for summer!
Their salads are really good! I did the same giveaway and it was great for a lunch. Especially when you work in the burbs and your options are limited!
I actually really like Noodles and Company for “quick” dining. There food is relatively healthy and they have a lot of options. I’ve always liked the salads but I heard they have a few new ones this summer that I’m excited to try. Cheers, and great seeing you this week!
I usually wind up at the hospital caf. Yuck…..
Didn’t even know they had salads…clearly I don’t get out much.
i had no idea they had salads either. I think I’ve been to a Noodles once in my life.
I had read about the Noodles & Company promotion for the first 50 people in line last week, but I had to be at work. I wonder how deep the lines were and how early the people showed up. When new Chik-Fil-A restaurants open, they give free meals for a year (or something similarly extravagant) to the first X (200?) people, and I recall seeing folks camping out overnight to reap the rewards. Free food OR My Time…
Anyway, when I need a quick meal, I head to Panera. I love their Chicken Noodle Soup!