Can an entree salad really have over 500 calories? Yes! In fact, the calories count on salads can sky rocket with each additional ingredient.

The salad in question is the Courtyard by Marriott Asian Chicken Salad that recently ran in the Desperation Dinners column. I knew this salad would garner loads of attention, but I had no idea it would be because of the calories. Reader after reader and countless friends emailed and called to ask what was up with the calories.

The answer is the peanuts. At 1/3 cup, the peanuts alone bring 230 calories to the table. But lets look at the recipe holistically. It's dinner. A whole meal. You just need a drink and that's it.

So at 513 calories, what's the big deal? Most pasta dishes come in way over that and you add salad, or a vegetable (with butter or sauce) to that over and above. Really people, 3 meals at 500 calories each is only 1500 calories a day which is a "loosing weight" number for most adults.

If you must have fewer calories, just cut back on the peanuts, chop them super-fine and sprinkle throughout so you have the luscious flavor without the fat. But for me, I gladly add the entire 1/3 cup.