What to Order at Panda Express for High Cholesterol

Panda Express can be heart-smart if you sidestep the fried, breaded entrees and the heavy sweet-and-fried sauces. The grilled and vegetable-forward options make it work.

What to look for

The traps are fried/breaded entrees (orange chicken, sweet-and-sour), fried rice/chow mein sodium, and sugary-fried sauces. Lean on grilled proteins, steamed vegetables, and brown rice or a super-greens base.

Heart-smart picks

• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (sauce on the side or light) over any breaded entree.

• String Bean Chicken Breast or Mushroom Chicken — vegetable-forward, not breaded.

• Super Greens (broccoli, kale, cabbage) as your side instead of fried rice or chow mein.

• Steamed brown rice if you want a grain.

Solid runners-up

• Broccoli Beef, easy on the sauce, with super greens.

• A half-portion of a grilled entree plus a double side of super greens.

What to skip

• Orange chicken, sweet-and-sour, Beijing beef — breaded, fried, and sugar-sauced.

• Fried rice and chow mein as the default base (sodium + fat).

• Cream cheese rangoons and egg rolls (fried appetizers).

Quick tips

Pick a grilled, non-breaded entree, make your side Super Greens, and keep sweet sauces light or on the side. That turns the plate around.

Skip the guesswork at the counter. Forage tells you the best thing to order for your heart at Panda Express or anywhere, and remembers your good calls. Join the waitlist.

Forage and this guide offer general wellness guidance, not medical advice. Nutrition varies by location and portion — confirm with the restaurant, and talk to your doctor about your diet.