Whoever said salad was a boring entree hasn't tasted these greens.
We asked our editors across the country to name the best spots for salad in their cities, and we've gathered the cream of the crop in the list below. Whether you're looking for something with hearty protein, fresh fruit, a totally plant-based vegetable medley or something with some cultural flavor, these salad spots won't steer you wrong.
Atlanta - The Big Ketch
A beach getaway in the heart of the city, The Big Ketch offers a fresh rendition of the traditional salad menu. With fresh seafood delivered daily, the restaurant creates signature dishes that bring the Southern Coast flair to every meal. Salad options include the Boston lettuce-based Green Goddess, B, topped with field greens, cucumber, tomatoes, boiled egg, feta cheese, crushed croutons and green goddess dressing, and the iceberg flat wedge salad consisting of tomatoes, pecan maple bacon, red onions, toasted sunflower seeds, scallions and hand-cracked pepper, doused with a blue cheese dressing. See more on Atlanta's full list. 3279 Roswell Road
Austin - Vinaigrette
If you’re looking for a salad, you’ve come to the right place because salad is what it’s all about at Vinaigrette. The menu ranges from bright and zingy to savory, a little sweet to in balance, and you can always build your own, too. Classics like Greek, Cobb and tuna salad salad share space with The Omega, featuring nutritional heaps of greens, corn, peppers, avocado and more; the cherry tart with crumbled feta and chilled pecans; the all kale with superfood to the front; the arugula duck and more. There are too many perfect salads on this menu to list, so explore them all, and feel free to add your own seareed tuna steak, seared diver scallops, cilantro lime shrimp, fresh fish, chicken, steak, pork tenderloin and even duck confit to any configuration. See more on Austin's full list. 2201 College Ave.
Chicago - Avec
This beloved Mediterranean spot’s chorizo-stuffed dates are deservedly famous, but don’t overlook Avec’s marinated lentil salad. The culinary creation delivers bright, balanced flavor in a light, satisfying format with protein-packed lentils, fresh cucumbers, onions and radishes. See more on Chicago's full list. 615 W. Randolph St.; 141 W. Erie St.
Las Vegas - Beverly- Sadelle's
Located inside the Bellagio, the Beverly at Sadelle’s is neatly presented as lined up rows of fresh ingredients in the bowl. Composed of turkey, cheddar, bacon, beets and tomato, this salad is packed with plenty of protein. The salad is also served with a choice of dressing: Russian, blue cheese, dijon, balsamic, Greek or lemon vinaigrette. With beautiful views of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the bountiful Beverly feels like the right culinary complement to the setting. See more on Vegas' full list.
Los Angeles - Avocado Salad- Redbird
Inside the cathedral-turned-restaurant space, chef Neal Fraser’s New American cuisine dazzles with produce-forward dishes and seasonal ingredients. This is perhaps best showcased by the avocado salad. Dressed in buttermilk blue cheese vinaigrette, little gem wedges are topped by smoked bacon and slices of avocado. See more on LA's full list. 114 E Second St.
Miami - MIMI Chinese
MIMI Chinese, the Michelin-recognized Toronto concept now in Miami, offers an extraordinary exploration of regional Chinese flavors. The smacked cucumber salad is a testament to the restaurant's creative take on traditional dishes, offering a refreshing burst of texture and flavor. Crisp cucumbers are paired with earthy wood ear mushrooms, all enveloped in a tangy Shanxi vinegar sauce, and garnished with fragrant cilantro and chrysanthemum leaves. This vibrant, herbaceous dish delivers a harmonious balance of freshness and umami, making it the perfect start to any meal. See more on Miami's full list. 1575 Alton Rd Unit 2, Miami Beach
Nashville - AVO
This vegan dining destination is known for its tasty plant-based fare, which includes everything from spring rolls and udon to lentil burgers and salads. Swing by to try the spot’s tempting Wild Nashville salad, which combines hydroponic greens, avocado, carrot, cabbage, cucumber and miso-glazed sweet potato—with a drizzle of lemon ginger vinaigrette to top it all off. See more on Nashville's full list. 4 City Blvd., Ste. 104
NYC - Hillstone
Hillstone is an intimate, architecturally beautiful establishment that will surely raise your standards for food and, more specifically, salad. Hillstone's grilled chicken salad is the talk of the town, with honey-lime vinaigrette and field greens, topped with delicious peanut sauce. See more on NYC's full list. 378 Park Avenue S.
Palm Beach - Salad Vale Food Co.
Vale Food Co.’s buffalo crispy chicken salad is a bold and satisfying dish, featuring a mix of lemon garlic kale, spinach, and arugula. Topped with crispy buffalo chicken and buffalo chickpeas, the salad is complemented by balsamic tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and scallions. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of chipotle ranch complete the flavors, offering a deliciously spicy, tangy, and creamy experience in every bite. See more on Palm Beach's full list. Multiple locations
San Francisco - Blue Barn
With three locations in Cole Valley, the Marina District and Russian Hill, Blue Barn is serving nutritionally dense food packed with fresh ingredients to mindful eaters across the city. The menu is robust with sandwiches, tacos, burgers, soups and kid specialties, but of course the salads take center stage. Packed with flavors, you can make your own salad or choose a delightful specialty like the Casbah salad with arugula, roasted beets, pickled onion, couscous and more. The Thai chicken salad, spicy tuna and cobber salad are great if you're looking for something hearty, and the kale Caesar is a must-try. See more on San Francisco's full list.Various Locations.
Silicon Valley - The Good Salad
If you're gonna name your restaurant The Good Salad, you have to back it up, and this menu is not leaving anything off the plate. Big flavorful dressings meet fresh ingredients and hearty proteins. Enjoy the Blazing Bird with homemade Chipotle ranch dressing and halal cajun chicken breasts, or the Mediterranean medley with homemade grape vinaigrette, crumbled fetta and all the fixings. The Samurai steak brings a sweet sesame flavor and certified Angus beef tri-tip bites—and there are still more flavors to explore. See more on Silicon Valeyy's full list. Various Locations.
Looking for something more elegant but completely plant based? Check our list of the best vegan restaurants across the country.
