The Party Size Side from Panda Express offers an excellent choice for large gatherings, events, or family meals. With options for 10-12 servings per tray, it ensures that everyone at your party or meal can enjoy some of the delicious sides that Panda Express is known for. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a large family dinner, or just looking to feed a crowd, the Party Size Side provides the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll dive into the options available, calories, price, and taste reviews for each choice.
Price and Size Options
The Party Size Side comes with a variety of side options to choose from, offering enough servings for 10-12 people per tray:
- Price: $22.00
Choose Sides
1. White Steamed Rice
White Steamed Rice is a simple, yet classic, side that pairs perfectly with all entrées. It is light, fluffy, and versatile, making it a great choice for any meal.
Calories: 780 calories per serving (approximately 1/10th of the tray)
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 Serving (1/10th of tray) | 780 calories |
Ingredients:
- White rice, water (steamed to perfection)
Personal Review:
- The White Steamed Rice is mild and fluffy, providing a nice base to complement the flavors of the entrees.
- It’s simple and light, making it a great neutral side that allows the main dishes to shine.
- The calories are higher compared to other rice options, so be mindful of portion sizes.
2. Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a flavorful, savory side dish made with rice, eggs, peas, and carrots, all stir-fried in oil to create a delicious, satisfying accompaniment.
Calories: 620 calories per serving (approximately 1/10th of the tray)
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 Serving (1/10th of tray) | 620 calories |
Ingredients:
- White rice, peas, carrots, eggs, soy sauce, oil
Personal Review:
- The Fried Rice has a nice savory depth thanks to the soy sauce and vegetables.
- It’s slightly oily, which adds richness and flavor.
- Perfect for those who like a flavorful, hearty side to accompany their entrée.
3. Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish with soft noodles, cabbage, and onions, offering a savory and satisfying side that pairs well with any of Panda Express’ famous entrees.
Calories: 510 calories per serving (approximately 1/10th of the tray)
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 Serving (1/10th of tray) | 510 calories |
Ingredients:
- Soft wheat noodles, cabbage, onions, soy sauce, oil
Personal Review:
- The Chow Mein has a delicious, slightly salty flavor, enhanced by the savory soy sauce.
- The noodles are tender yet firm, making it a great alternative to rice for those looking for variety.
- The cabbage and onions add a nice crunch and texture, making it a well-rounded side dish.
4. Super Greens
Super Greens are a healthy side option, made up of a medley of broccoli, kale, and cabbage, lightly steamed to maintain their crispness and natural flavor.
Calories: 130 calories per serving (approximately 1/10th of the tray)
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 Serving (1/10th of tray) | 130 calories |
Ingredients:
- Broccoli, kale, cabbage, water (steamed)
Personal Review:
- The Super Greens are a light, healthy option for those who prefer something less heavy and more nutritious.
- The vegetables are lightly steamed, retaining a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
- It’s the perfect side for those looking to add more greens to their meal without compromising on taste.
Health Benefits & Nutritional Considerations
Each of the sides offers a different balance of calories and nutrients, making it easy to pick the perfect accompaniment for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of what each side provides:
- White Steamed Rice is a great carbohydrate source but is higher in calories.
- Fried Rice offers more flavor and richness, but it comes with added fats and calories from oil.
- Chow Mein provides a good mix of carbs, protein, and fiber, especially from the vegetables.
- Super Greens is the healthiest option, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals with very few calories.
When choosing your side, think about how it fits into your meal’s overall balance. If you’re looking for something lighter and more nutritious, Super Greens is a fantastic option. If you prefer a heartier side to complement your entrée, Fried Rice or Chow Mein might be better choices.
Calorie Breakdown & Energy Equivalent
Let’s take a closer look at the calories per serving and how much physical activity it would take to burn off each side:
White Steamed Rice (1 Serving, 1/10th of Tray):
- Calories: 780
- Energy Equivalent:
- Light walking: ~1.5 hours
- Jogging: ~45 minutes
- Moderate cycling: ~40 minutes
Fried Rice (1 Serving, 1/10th of Tray):
- Calories: 620
- Energy Equivalent:
- Light walking: ~1.2 hours
- Jogging: ~35 minutes
- Moderate cycling: ~30 minutes
Chow Mein (1 Serving, 1/10th of Tray):
- Calories: 510
- Energy Equivalent:
- Light walking: ~1 hour
- Jogging: ~30 minutes
- Moderate cycling: ~25 minutes
Super Greens (1 Serving, 1/10th of Tray):
- Calories: 130
- Energy Equivalent:
- Light walking: ~20 minutes
- Jogging: ~10 minutes
- Moderate cycling: ~8 minutes
FAQs
1. Can I customize my Party Size Side?
Yes! Panda Express allows you to choose the side that best fits your meal. Whether you prefer rice, noodles, or a vegetable option, you can tailor your Party Size Side to suit your tastes.
2. How many people does the Party Size Side serve?
The Party Size Side is designed to serve 10–12 people, making it a great option for family gatherings, parties, or events.
3. Is Super Greens healthy?
Yes, Super Greens is a healthy side option, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with very few calories. It’s perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their meal.
4. How many calories are in the Fried Rice?
One serving of Fried Rice contains about 620 calories, so it’s a richer, more filling side compared to the others.
5. Can I mix sides?
Yes! You can choose half and half, so you can mix two sides, such as Fried Rice and Chow Mein, to create a variety of flavors for your meal.
Final Thoughts
The Party Size Side from Panda Express offers an excellent solution for feeding a large group, ensuring that there’s a side for every taste. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy like Super Greens, or a savory, rich side like Fried Rice or Chow Mein, you have a variety of options to choose from.
For those who prefer a balance of taste and nutrition, Chow Mein is a great all-around choice, while Super Greens is perfect for anyone looking to eat a lighter, veggie-filled meal. If you’re craving something hearty, Fried Rice is the way to go, offering a fulfilling side to your favorite entrees.
No matter your preference, the Party Size Side makes it easy to serve large portions of Panda Express’ delicious sides, ensuring that your guests leave satisfied.