Sweetgreen adding meat options to menu with protein plates, now available nationwide

Fans of the restaurant chain Sweetgreen will have new menu items to choose from.

The chain, known for its rotating menu of seasonal salads, has announced the addition of protein plates nationwide, including miso glazed salmon, southwest chicken fajita and hot honey chicken.

According to a news release Tuesday from Sweetgreen, this is the chain's first major entree category expansion in three years.

"With our protein plates, we're tackling dinnertime, bringing Sweetgreen fans new chef-crafted, protein-forward options with unmatched heartiness and value we know they'll love," Nicolas Jammet, Sweetgreen's co-founder and chief concept officer, said in the news release.

According to the company, 75% of participants surveyed in a pilot test in 2022 said additional menu options outside of salads and warm bowls would increase their frequency at dinner.

"It's exciting to be part of this menu innovation to expand our plates with protein-forward meals and give our guests more of what they want," Chad Brauze, head of culinary at Sweetgreen, said in the release.

The protein plates are now available in-store and through the Sweetgreen app for Sweetpass members nationwide.

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What comes in Sweetgreen's protein plates?

The three protein plates coming to Sweetgreen's menu are the mizo glazed salmon plate, the southwest chicken fajita plate and the hot honey chicken plate.

According to Sweetgreen, the mizo glazed salmon plate is inspired by a deconstructed sushi roll and features a piece of mizo glazed Atlantic salmon on a bed of nori-seasoned white rice.

The bowl also contains pickled onions, cucumbers and half an avocado, topped with crispy onions and Sweetgreen's spicy cashew sauce.

The southwest chicken fajita plate features herb roasted chicken accompanied by fajita veggies, shredded cabbage, a double portion of white rice with umami rice, and black beans.

The plate is topped with Sweetgreen's lime cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette and a drizzle of crema.

The hot honey chicken plate features herb roasted chicken accompanied by a double serving of herbed quinoa, warm roasted sweet potatoes and veggie slaw.

The plate is topped with crispy onions and a side of Sweetgreen's hot honey mustard dressing.

Summer standout salads and bowls staying on menu

In addition to the protein plates, Sweetgreen also announced Tuesday that the summer standout salads and bowls are permanently staying on the menu.

The BBQ chicken salad and Italian chopped salad are now part of the restaurant's core lineup, and the Elote bowl will be available online, the company said.

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