Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich- Reviewing My Obsession+Copycat recipe

Close Up

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love and often crave Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. Here’s why. It’s light and refreshing, healthy, full of both sweet and savory flavors, and it’s rather exotic in nature. First, let’s analyze this sandwich from inside out. Sun dried tomato and basil bread, with a sweet undertone around the crusts, a tangy hummus spread on the bread adding a nice kick of flavor and complexity,cilantro,  fresh cucumbers, lettuce, spicy Peppadew  peppers, red onions, and tomatoes…and FETA cheese!!!!  The bread is soft and full of flavor itself.

Inside Shot

And no, I’m not a vegetarian,but this sandwich is good enough to make me order it faithfully at Panera for over 5 years. I have tried other items as well, but this Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich with a cup of their epic Iced Green Tea is all I need to have a great day. Plus, it’s under 650 calories!! (or a few little numbers above 650, but not above 670)

Copycat Recipe link!!!! alla *Debbie Does Dinner*

http://debbidoesdinnerhealthy.blogspot.com/2010/09/mediterranean-veggie-sandwich-with.html

Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich Yumfactor- 5 tongues!!! I just only wish there were sun-dried tomatoes versus regular ones, but it’s still amazing! Cost- $6.30 including tax.

Must Try Junk Food: Taco Bell’s Pacific Shrimp Tacos

I’ve tried taco Bell’s original shrimp taco’ they had a few months back and was dissappointed. They were fried little shrimp with no seasoning that barely could be tasted because you’d get about 2 per taco.  This time, I gave them another try (because I’m an optimist) and I truly enjoyed them. The shrimp was peeled and marinated in various spices, and rolled up into a little soft tortilla with tomatoes, onions and lettuce (and possibly cilantro?). There was a sauce that was spread on the tortilla, but I don’t remeber what it was specifically, with all the other seasonings going o, I couldn’t taste just one flavor.  I hear it’s only available for a limited time! One thing I do like is that the shrimp is grilled as opposed to fried. Sure, it’s still fast food, but my tummy can’t handle fried foods, so it does make a difference.

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

• Calories- 210g, From fat- 90g
• Saturated Fat- 2g
• Total Fat-11g
• Trans Fat-0g
• Cholesterol-55g
• Sodium- 560mg (kinda high, there)
• Carbs-20g
• Fiber- 2g
• Sugar-2g
• Protein-8g.

Not too bad excluding the high sodium content, and with only 210 calories, you won’t have to worry about putting on too many pounds with this item. I’d argue that this item, and other items with a total calorie count of 200 or lower is a healthy way eat junk food (if you decide to) and monitor how much calories you intake (especially since some of their items reach to nearly 800 on the calorie content! ouch!)

Taco Bell’s Pacific Shrimp Taco Yumfactor– 4 tongues (4 out of 5)

Agree? Disagree? Think 210 Calories it still too high of a number for caloric intake per meal? Why not rate/ comment! Thanks for reading!