The Costco Food Court Item With The Most Protein At 59 Grams

A Costco shopping trip requires proper fuel. Luckily, the popular warehouse grocery chain has a food court that is as much of a destination as the pristinely stocked aisles. If you're looking for a meal that will keep you full and energized for your entire Costco visit, there's one protein-packed item you have to try, and that's the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad.

When it comes to nutrients that keep you going, protein is a true powerhouse. It helps you feel full and is a great dietary source of energy. The Costco food court item that is the highest in protein is the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad, with an impressive 59 grams in total. The salad features a bed of romaine lettuce topped with cherry tomatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and, of course, a healthy serving of Costco's famous rotisserie chicken. It's served with a peppercorn ranch dressing and has 840 total calories, which is plenty to support a successful shopping trip and keep you satisfied until your next meal. 

The recommended daily protein intake can range from 50 to 175 grams for the average adult, according to the Mayo Clinic. That means just this salad alone is enough for some people to hit their protein goals. However, multiple people on Reddit expressed that the portion size is more than enough for one person, with one commentor describing it as, "Easily 2-3 servings for the price." The ample portion size means the salad could be the perfect take-home side for dinner or meal-prepped into a few lunches.

In terms of protein content alone, Costco's Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad has every other food court item beat. The combination of chicken, eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese all solidifies that high-protein status. Plus, you get the added benefits of a serving of veggies from the romaine lettuce and the tomatoes. 

Ultimately, the Chef Salad is a relatively healthy and convenient meal choice. But is it worth ordering over other favorites like Costco's food court Chicken Bake or the iconic Kirkland hot dog? If you're only focused on protein content, this salad is most certainly the way to go. The next highest protein-rich item would be the Chicken Caesar Salad, with 58 grams, followed by the Chicken Bake with 53 grams. When it comes to taste, Costco shoppers online have mixed feedback on the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad, with several noting an overly salty flavor. Others had good things to say. One Redditor said, "Tried it last night and loved it! ... I think it's as good as those $20+ overpriced salads," while another gave it the title of "best thing at the regular food court." 

All in all, you may have to give it a try and make your own judgment. If, for some reason, it doesn't suit your fancy, nothing is stopping you from grabbing a Kirkland rotisserie chicken and prepping your own delicious, high-protein chef's salad at home.