Low-Calorie, High-Protein Options at Zambrero
Zambrero is the go-to for fresh, fast, and flavorful Mexican food, but if you’re not careful, it’s also a place where your calorie count can skyrocket before you even realize what happened. The good news? If you play it smart, you can load up on protein while keeping the calories under control.
Here are the best high-protein, low-calorie options at Zambrero that let you enjoy the bold flavors without wrecking your macros.
1. Power Bowl with Grilled Chicken (No Rice, Extra Chicken)
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 56g
The Power Bowl is already a solid choice, but making a few tweaks takes it to the next level. Dropping the rice keeps it lower in carbs, while extra grilled chicken pushes the protein sky-high. Add black beans for extra fiber and go easy on cheese and sour cream.
2. Chicken Fajita Salad (No Cheese, No Sour Cream)
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 48g
If you’re looking for something light but packed with protein, this is your best bet. The grilled chicken, fajita veggies, and fresh salad base make it nutrient-dense and satisfying. Skipping cheese and sour cream saves unnecessary calories while keeping it full of flavor.
3. Mini Burrito with Grilled Chicken (No Cheese, No Sour Cream, Extra Chicken)
Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 52g
For those who can’t resist a burrito, the mini version is a great alternative. Removing the cheese and sour cream keeps it lean, while adding extra chicken bumps up the protein count significantly. You still get that classic burrito taste without the calorie overload.
4. Two Hard Shell Tacos with Chicken (No Cheese, No Sour Cream)
Calories: 370 kcal
Protein: 44g
Tacos can be a great high-protein choice if you make smart swaps. Hard shells are lower in calories than soft tortillas, and keeping toppings light makes them macro-friendly. Load up on salsa, lettuce, and grilled onions for extra flavor.
5. Beef Power Bowl (No Rice, No Cheese, No Sour Cream)
Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 53g
If you prefer beef over chicken, this high-protein meal is one of the best options. Dropping rice and cheese keeps it lean, while the extra beef ensures you’re getting enough protein to fuel your gains. If you need a bit more volume, add extra veggies or black beans.
6. Black Bean & Chicken Protein Bowl (No Rice)
Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 48g
This meal gives you the perfect blend of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Black beans add extra plant-based protein, and keeping it rice-free saves calories while keeping it filling. The grilled chicken ensures you’re getting a solid protein hit.
7. Chicken Enchilada (No Cheese, Extra Chicken)
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 54g
If you’re craving something saucy and hearty, the chicken enchilada is a great high-protein option. Skipping cheese saves unnecessary fat, and doubling up on chicken makes sure you hit your protein target without going overboard on calories.
8. Soft Taco with Grilled Chicken (No Cheese, No Sour Cream, Extra Chicken)
Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 50g
Soft tacos give you the best of both worlds—flavor and balanced macros. By keeping toppings simple and skipping the heavy stuff, you get a satisfying meal without excess calories. If you want a bit more kick, add jalapeños or extra salsa.
9. Breakfast Scramble Bowl with Chicken (No Cheese, No Sour Cream)
Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 50g
Grabbing Zambrero for breakfast? This is one of the best high-protein ways to start your day. The scrambled eggs and grilled chicken create a lean, protein-packed meal, and keeping cheese and sour cream out keeps the calories low.
10. Spicy Chicken & Bean Bowl (No Rice, No Cheese, No Sour Cream)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 47g
This meal is perfect if you need something filling but still lean. The spicy chicken brings the heat, while black beans add fiber and extra protein. If you need a bit more energy, adding a small serving of guacamole can give you healthy fats.
How to Eat Smart at Zambrero
Zambrero is one of the easiest fast-food places to eat clean, but you still have to make smart swaps to get the most out of your meal. Stick to grilled proteins, ditch the heavy sauces, and go light on cheese and sour cream.
With the right choices, you can enjoy all the bold flavors while staying on track with your fitness goals. So next time you’re at Zambrero, you know exactly what to order!