Seafood & Salads – My Fresh Finds at Culver’s

I remember the day I decided to explore the Seafood & Salads section at Culver’s. I was curious about how well they balanced lighter meals with bold flavors. I walked in on a sunny afternoon, hoping to find new favorites beyond the usual ButterBurger lineup.

That’s when I discovered how many seafood plates and salads were listed, each with its own price, calorie count, ingredients, and allergens. I wanted to know every detail, so I asked staff members questions and took notes. Below, I’ll share my personal insights on each item, so you can decide which one suits your appetite best.

My Overall Experience

I visited Culver’s multiple times because I wanted to make sure I gave each dish a fair try. Sometimes I was in the mood for fish fillets, and other times I craved a crisp salad. I noticed how neatly the menu arranged these options, and it felt good to know exactly what I’d be getting.

While some items like the North Atlantic Cod Dinner came with sides, others were more straightforward, like the Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp. Each time I ordered, I made sure to check prices, calories, and what allergens might be present. I was impressed by how easy it was to find all the details on the menu boards.

I also appreciated the staff’s honesty about what made each item special. They explained that the cod is hand-cut and cooked fresh, and that the salads include real Wisconsin cheddar. Their enthusiasm made me even more curious to try everything at least once.

Below, I’m breaking down each seafood and salad item with the same care I used when exploring Culver’s. I’ll talk about the flavors, what I enjoyed most, and the key numbers for prices and calories. If you love fresh meals or you’re simply looking for something lighter, here’s the inside scoop.

North Atlantic Cod Dinner

I was pleasantly surprised by how substantial the North Atlantic Cod Dinner turned out to be. On my first try, I ordered the two-piece version at $13.79, and I must admit I felt pretty full afterward. The cod fillets were battered and cooked in a way that locked in moisture yet provided a crispy outer layer.

When I sat down, I noticed the fish arrived with a classic tartar sauce. I’m a big fan of tangy sauces, so I appreciated the bits of olives, capers, and relish that added layers of taste. It felt like the sauce offered a nice contrast to the mild cod flavor. Plus, I got to pick two sides to complete the meal—mashed potatoes and green beans were my go-to combination.

Each serving clocks in at about 920 calories, which is partly due to the hearty portions and the batter. If you’re cautious about calories, you might consider saving half for later or choosing a lighter side. On days I want something less heavy, I might go for a salad instead. Nonetheless, if you’re craving fish and want a filling plate, this is a reliable pick.

A staff member told me that the cod is North Atlantic sourced, which feels like a quality choice. I love hearing that extra detail because it gives me more confidence in what I’m eating. In the end, I walked away quite satisfied, thinking about how I’d probably get the three-piece version the next time I’m really hungry.

Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp Dinner

I remember being intrigued by the mention of Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp Dinner at $11.99 for six pieces. The idea of tender shrimp lightly breaded felt like a pleasant change from standard chicken or beef. I ordered the meal on a breezy evening, and I found that it came with a tangy cocktail sauce, a lemon wedge, and two classic sides.

When I bit into the shrimp, I noticed the breading was thin and didn’t steal the show from the shrimp itself. That was important to me because I prefer tasting the natural flavor of seafood rather than just crunchy coating. I tried pairing my shrimp with coleslaw and mashed potatoes. The coleslaw added a nice refreshing element, while the mashed potatoes gave me the comfort food vibe.

The 530-calorie count (for five pieces) seemed manageable, though you’ll want to keep in mind that the count can climb higher if you choose heavier sides. Culver’s lists gluten, nuts, and seafood as the main allergens for this meal, which is helpful for those with dietary restrictions. I learned the cocktail sauce adds a bit of zing, so you might enjoy it if you like a punch of flavor.

I’ll admit I was tempted to get the ten-piece version ($14.29) on a subsequent visit, just to see if it was too much. It wasn’t! If you bring a big appetite, the larger portion will serve you well. Either way, you can’t go wrong if you enjoy shrimp that stays juicy under a light breading.

Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp (Appetizer Style)

On another day, I thought about sampling the smaller shrimp option, which simply goes by Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp without the dinner sides. This one starts at $4.59 for three pieces. I wanted to see if it tasted different from the dinner portion, but it was nearly identical—just smaller in size and fewer extras.

I found it worked great as an appetizer. I shared a six-piece ($7.79) with a friend while we waited for our main dishes. We passed the tangy cocktail sauce back and forth, each of us loving the crispy shrimp. If you prefer a bigger portion, the ten-piece ($10.29) might be a solid choice. Culver’s also provides lemon wedges, which I squeezed on top for a bright burst of flavor.

Nutritionally, the three-piece serving hovers around 330 calories, jumping to 530 if you get six, and about 750 if you go all the way to ten. If you’re counting sodium or total fat, keep in mind that shrimp can be a bit higher in salt, especially when breaded. However, I still consider it a decent lighter option compared to some red meat alternatives.

One funny memory: a friend once grabbed the ten-piece set as a meal, which worked fine because he snacked on them slowly. He said it felt like a “shrimp buffet” in a single box. That sums up how flexible this appetizer can be—it can serve as a quick snack or a main meal, depending on how you portion it.

Chicken Cashew Salad

I know it might seem odd to switch from seafood to poultry, but the Chicken Cashew Salad was calling my name one afternoon. I saw “cashews” on the menu and instantly felt curious. Priced at around $8.69, this salad mixes grilled chicken breast with roasted cashews, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and Wisconsin cheddar.

When I first dug in, I noticed the savory chicken balanced the crunch of the cashews. The combination of tastes was pretty memorable, partly because I’m a huge fan of nuts in salads. At roughly 450 calories, it felt like a filling yet lighter meal. I also liked that the menu clearly labeled nuts, gluten (if you add croutons or a side bun), and dairy as allergens. That made me comfortable recommending it to friends who have to watch out for these.

I joked with a staff member that adding more cashews would probably make me too addicted. She laughed, explaining how they portion everything just right to keep the flavor balanced. After finishing this salad, I felt both refreshed and satisfied. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to combine protein, crunch, and a mild sweetness from the tomatoes.

Sometimes I swap out the regular dressing for a vinaigrette. It keeps the salad from feeling too heavy. Either way, you’ll enjoy the grilled chicken and the nice texture from those roasted cashews. I’d say this is a top choice if you enjoy a mix of savory and crunchy in your greens.

Cranberry Bacon Bleu Salad

The name Cranberry Bacon Bleu Salad sounded intriguing, so I gave it a shot on a day I wanted sweet, salty, and tangy flavors all at once. Priced at $8.69, it combines grilled chicken, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and bleu cheese crumbles on top of mixed greens. It also includes cucumbers and grape tomatoes, which add a refreshing crunch.

My first bite gave me a burst of flavor from the dried cranberries, followed by a savory hit from the bacon. The bleu cheese added a creamy tang that brought everything together. This salad has around 361 calories, which places it on the lighter side while still providing enough protein to keep you full.

I’m not usually a bleu cheese person, but in this case, the portion was just right. If you’re sensitive to strong cheeses, you might consider asking them to go light on the crumbles. I noted that the allergens listed include gluten, nuts, and dairy, so be mindful of that if you have specific dietary needs.

I found this salad to be a neat pick for times I crave something sweet yet savory. The dried cranberries offer a sugary note, which pairs nicely with the salty bacon. It reminded me that salads can be pretty adventurous if you combine the right elements. I enjoyed it so much that I’d likely order it again, especially as a midday meal that won’t leave me feeling weighed down.

Garden Fresco Salad

I tried the Garden Fresco Salad after a friend raved about how fresh the veggies tasted. Priced around $8.69, it features grilled chicken, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Wisconsin cheddar cheese on top of mixed greens. The menu also mentions croutons if you’re into that extra crunch.

I was impressed by how crisp the cucumbers were. Sometimes, you bite into a cucumber at fast-food places and it feels lifeless, but that wasn’t the case here. The tomatoes added sweetness, and the grilled chicken gave it a protein boost. At around 350 calories, this salad felt like a breezy meal that wouldn’t slow me down.

Allergens include gluten, nuts, and dairy, mostly because of the cheese, croutons, and possible cross-contact in the kitchen. I typically go for a light dressing, like a vinaigrette, so I can really taste the vegetables. My friend, on the other hand, drenched hers in ranch. Either way, it’s a flexible salad that you can customize to your liking.

One funny moment happened when I realized I had eaten almost the entire salad without noticing I’d left the croutons to the side. I guess that shows how tasty the core ingredients are on their own. If you prefer simpler flavors, you might appreciate this salad’s straightforward approach.

North Atlantic Cod Sandwich

Finally, I had to try the North Atlantic Cod Sandwich because I was curious how it compared to the dinner version. It’s priced at about $7.19, although you can also get cod dinners if you want a full plate. The sandwich has a hand-battered cod fillet, a zesty tartar sauce, lettuce, and Wisconsin cheddar on a hoagie roll.

The first bite was incredibly satisfying. The cod flake was evident, and the sauce gave it a bright tang that worked well with the buttery roll. I also loved the mild cheddar, which added a nice depth to the sandwich. At about 600 calories, it’s more manageable than the full dinner, especially if I just get a small side or skip fries altogether.

Allergens here include gluten, dairy, nuts, and seafood, so be sure to take note if you have any dietary limitations. I appreciated that they used fresh North Atlantic cod, which gave me confidence in the quality. I once compared this sandwich to a fish sandwich from another chain, and I preferred Culver’s because their tartar sauce tasted fresher.

I joked with a friend that adding cheese to fish might sound odd, but it works surprisingly well here. The mild cheddar doesn’t overpower the delicate fish flavor. Now, whenever I want a quick seafood fix without going for a full dinner, this sandwich stands out as a tasty alternative.

Wrapping Up My Seafood & Salad Adventure

Each time I tried a new fish item or salad at Culver’s, I discovered something that made me want to come back. The North Atlantic Cod Dinner offered the most filling meal, while the Chicken Cashew Salad gave me the crunch I was craving. I liked that the menu doesn’t shy away from providing clear info on prices, calories, and possible allergens.

If you’re looking for something lighter than a burger, consider these seafood or salad picks. They’re fresh, flavorful, and easy to customize with sides or dressings. I’ve had good experiences ordering them at different times of day, whether it’s a quick lunch or a more relaxed dinner. The staff is usually ready to help you figure out which item might suit you best.

I hope these personal notes help you decide what to try next. If you’re like me and enjoy variety, you might find yourself mixing and matching between shrimp, cod, and salads. Culver’s Seafood & Salads lineup has turned into my go-to whenever I’m in the mood for something that feels both satisfying and somewhat balanced. Enjoy your meal, and let me know which one becomes your favorite!