Panda Express Super Greens Review: Is It Actually Healthy or Just Salty?
Panda Express introduced Super Greens as a healthier alternative to Chow Mein and Fried Rice β but is it really the "clean choice" people think it is?
On the surface, it's just broccoli, cabbage, and kale. But once you add garlic sauce, oil, and seasoning... the health story becomes more interesting.
What Exactly Are Panda Express Super Greens?
- βBroccoli florets
- βChopped cabbage
- βSliced kale
- βLight garlic-based seasoning
Unlike other sides β no noodles, no rice, no batter. So yes, it is instantly lower in carbs and fat.
Nutrition Breakdown β What's Inside?
| Component | Amount per serving | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Low | Great for calorie control |
| Carbohydrates | Very low | No high-carb spikes |
| Protein | Moderate | More than you might expect |
| Fiber | Good | Helps with digestion |
| Fat | Low-moderate | Comes from garlic sauce |
| Sodium | Higher than expected | Hidden drawback |
The "Hidden" Sodium Issue
Everyone assumes vegetables = healthy. But here's the twist:
- β οΈThe garlic sauce is where the salt level jumps
- β οΈEven veggies can become "less clean" with heavy seasoning
Super Greens are not low sodium
If you track blood pressure or water retention β keep portions moderate.
Why Super Greens Are the Best "Cutting" Side
If you are:
- βLosing weight
- βManaging blood sugar
- βReducing carbs
- βEating high-protein meals
...Super Greens pair perfectly with:
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
String Bean Chicken Breast
You get protein + fiber β the ultimate fat-loss combo.
Bonus Hack: Protein Boost Combo
Try:
Super Greens + Double EntrΓ©e Chicken Breast
Result β
High protein, low carb, low sugar, and highly filling.
This meal supports:
- βGym recovery
- βWeight management
- βAll-day energy
Can You Make Super Greens Even Healthier?
Yep. Just request:
β Light sauce
β No extra salt
β Extra cabbage or broccoli (where available)
This lowers sodium while increasing volume.
It's the same order β just better for you.
At-Home Copycat Recipe (Quick & Healthy)
This keeps the freshness but cuts the salt and oil by 50%.
- β’ Broccoli
- β’ Kale
- β’ Shredded cabbage
- β’ Minced garlic
- β’ A splash of olive oil
- β’ Salt & pepper to taste
- β’ Optional: Lemon juice (instead of soy sauce)
- 1οΈβ£ Quickly steam veggies
- 2οΈβ£ Toss with oil + garlic
- 3οΈβ£ Season lightly
- 4οΈβ£ Add lemon juice for flavor without sodium
- 5οΈβ£ Serve warm π
This version works great for meal prep.
The Half-and-Half Hack (Game Changer)
Order Β½ Super Greens + Β½ Chow Mein or Β½ Super Greens + Β½ Fried Rice
βYou keep flavor from noodles or rice
βCalories drop instantly
βYour portion looks bigger because veggies add volume
βThe taste feels more balanced β not just plain broccoli
Final Verdict
Conclusion:
Super Greens absolutely are the healthier choice compared to Chow Mein and Fried Rice... but sodium makes them not 100% perfect. Still β they're the smartest base for most Panda Express meals.