Craving some post holiday healthy eats? Same.
Truthfully, no matter the season, we always find ourselves craving a good salad ~ and we can’t be the only ones. Fortunately, Charlotte restaurants have amped up their salad game with more and more local spots serving several healthy and delicious options.
From the traditional to the unexpected, the QC is filled with choices to keep salad lovers coming back for more. The next time you’re searching for something cold for lunch or dinner, try one of these refreshing salads.
Fast & Fresh
Chopt
Where: 4125 Park Rd., 8022 Providence Rd., 9844 Rea Rd. 212 S Tryon St Suite 100 (Charlotte)
Order: Any of the seasonal salads (known as Destination Salads). You won’t be disappointed.
Seoul Poke Bowl
Where: 3609 South Blvd., Charlotte
Order: Build your own salad (just choose mixed greens as your base) and top with protein of choice plus carrots, edamame, ginger, daikon, cucumber, and more.
Crunch Bistro
Where: 401 N Tryon St., Charlotte
Order: Waldorf Salad – Spring Mix, Dried Cranberries, Walnuts, Granny Smith Apples, Celery, Shredded Coconut, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Salata
Where: 1961 E 7th St., Charlotte
Order: At Salata, you are in control. Follow their three easy steps to fully customize your salad to make it exactly how you want.
A Casual Crunch
Living Kitchen
Where: 2000 South Blvd. (Charlotte)
Order: Living Burrito – chipotle hummus, pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, sprouts, guacamole, cashew sour cream, wrapped in a collard leaf served with a side.
The Mad Greek
Where: 5011 South Blvd., Charlotte
Order: Their specialty Mad Greek Salad which has lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, feta, green pepper, olives, pepperoncini with your choice of dressing and a side of pita bread; $10. Pro tip: add Grecian Chicken for some protein, you’ll thank us later.
Inizio Pizza
Where: 2230 Park Rd #101, 10620 Providence Rd., (Charlotte) 16627 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, (Huntersville)
Order: You can’t go wrong with the classics here. Try the Caprese Salad with arugula, buffalo mozzarella, sliced tomato, fresh basil, sea salt, and balsamic glaze or the Caesar salad with romaine, shaved parmesan, croutons, and caesar dressing.
Salad + A Beer
Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria
Where: 1205 Thomas Ave., Charlotte
Order: 1205 Salad with crisp shredded iceberg lettuce tossed with ham, Swiss, green olives, grape tomatoes, romano cheese and choice of dressing – inspired by their favorite salad at a Columbia Restaurant in Tampa.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
Where:Â 4425 Park Rd., 14015 Conlan Cir., 9805-D Sandy Rock Pl., (Charlotte)
Order: Salmon Salad – Leafy mixed greens topped with grilled salmon, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions & cheddar
Hickory Tavern
Where: 9010 Harris Corners Pkwy, 12210 Copper Way Suite 212, 11504 Providence Rd Suite N, 13545 Steelecroft Pkwy Suite 150, (Charlotte)
Order: Enjoy a Power Bowl or build your own salad to pair with your ice-cold pint.
Growler’s Pourhouse
Where: 3120 N Davidson St., Charlotte
Order: Caesar salad topped with pan-seared Salmon. Delicious AND healthy.
Legion Brewing
Where: 5610 Carnegie Blvd., 1906 Commonwealth Ave., (Charlotte)
Order: Juicy Jay Chicken Chop Salad – grilled chicken breast, romaine and mixed greens, red onion, avocado, cucumber, tomato, hop pickles, roasted red peppers, Juicy Jay Dressing.
Trolley Barn Fermentory
Where: 2104 South Blvd., Charlotte
Order: The Kebab Salad at Green Works – Za’atar spice grilled chicken kebab, quinoa tabouleh, hummus, feta, pickled red onions, Campari tomatoes, cucumbers, grilled shishito peppers, romaine lettuce, pita chips, and a tahini vinaigrette; $14.
For Lunch
Kid Cashew
Where: 1608 East Blvd., Charlotte
Order: Super Grain Salad – avocado, greens, quinoa, fennel, pistachios, cilantro yogurt, oranges, and lemon vinaigrette. Yum.
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
Where: 6401 Morrison Blvd #8a, Charlotte
Order: Too Big Taco Salad with crispy flour tortilla triangles, black beans & chili con queso, romaine, corn, tomatoes & mixed cheese tossed in a creamy chili lime dressing. Topped with seasoned ground beef & garnished with sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Yafo Kitchen
Where: 1331 Central Ave #101, 1231A East Blvd., 720 Gov Morrison St. #120, (Charlotte)
Order: We recommend you build your own bowl with their Sustainable Harissa Salmon. It won’t disappoint.
Cowfish
Where: 4310 Sharon Rd., Charlotte
Order: Not feeling sushi or a burger? Opt-in for the Cobb Salad instead, with grilled all-natural chicken, eggs, avocado, cheddar cheese, kalamata olives, cucumbers, bacon, cherry tomatoes, smoked blue cheese crumbles, and your choice of dressing; $17.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Where: 121 W Trade St #150, 2823 Selwyn Ave, 4331 Barclay Downs Dr, 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #120,
Order: Greek Salad – romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, red wine vinaigrette; $10.99/LB.
ROOTS Cafe
Where: 2135 Southend Dr #109, Charlotte
Order: Any of their seasonal salads with the freshest of ingredients.
Midwood Smokehouse
Where: 1401 Central Ave., 540 Brandywine Rd., 12410 Johnston Rd., (Charlotte) 16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, (Huntersville)
Order: Fixin to Chicken with romaine, pulled barbecue chicken, chopped tomatoes, black beans, red onion, avocado, corn & cilantro served with crispy tortilla strips and our chipotle ranch; $11.50.
Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop
Where: 2410 Park Rd., Charlotte
Order: Green + Grain – Greens, quinoa, shaved Brussels, beets, white beans & avocado with your choice of dressing $13
Leroy Fox
Where: 1616 Camden Rd Suite 150, 705 S Sharon Amity Rd, (Charlotte)
Order: Shrimp Cobb – grilled shrimp, romaine, green onions, tomatoes, avocado, chopped bacon, hard-boiled egg, honey cilantro vinaigrette; $15.49.
Amelie’s
Where: 2424 N Davidson St #102, 4321 Park Rd., 7715 Pineville-Matthews Rd #34b, (Charlotte)
Order: Blueberry, roasted peach, bleu cheese, blueberry balsamic vinaigrette
Hello, Sailor
Where: 20210 Henderson Rd., Cornelius
Order: Days on the lake are complete with the Citrus Crab Louie Salad – jammy egg, avocado, dill, breadcrumb, and your choice of protein (we recommend the grilled shrimp).
Salad & Pasta
Mama Ricotta’s
Where: 601 S Kings Dr. AA, Charlotte
Order: Change it up and order the Mozzarella & Tomatoes with house-made fresh mozzarella snuggled between thick slices of vine-ripened tomatoes, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil & fresh basil. Delish.
Little Mama’s Italian
Where: 4521 Sharon Rd., Charlotte
Order: Insalata Chopped with Gorgonzola, romaine, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, raisins, Marcona almonds, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, dressed in a red wine vinaigrette
Aria Tuscan Grill
Where: 100 N Tryon St., Charlotte
Order: Fresh peppery NC arugula with some walnuts, beets, pears, gorgonzola, and roasted lemon vinaigrette.
Pasta & Provisions
Where: 1528 Providence Rd., 4700 Park Rd., 1600 S Mint St., (Charlotte)
Order: An Italian classic, Caprese Salad. Fresh tomato, cucumber, mozzarella, basil, and their house white balsamic blend.
Angeline’s
Where: 303 S Church St., Charlotte
Order: A salad packed with refreshing flavor, the Beet and Argula salad with honey mascarpone, hazelnut, and buttermilk vinaigrette; $13.
Civetta
Where: 7828-E Rea Rd., Charlotte
Order: The anything but ordinary Chopped Salad – romaine, radicchio, parmesan, hazelnuts, cherries, candied garlic vinaigrette; $9.
Date Night
Village Tavern
Where: 4201 Congress St. #190, Charlotte
Order: The Tavern Salad – bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, onions, Tavern Vinaigrette; $9.95
Steak 48
Where: 4425 Sharon Rd., Charlotte
Order: A delicious take on the traditional Caesar Salad is the 48 Caesar with warm poached egg — tossed romaine with toasted croutons, and farm-fresh poached egg on top; $16.
Peppervine
Where: 4620 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 170B, Charlotte
Order: Enjoy fruits of the season with the Little Gem Salad — parmesan, local n.c. apple, toasted bread crumbs, spiced pecans, green goddess; $13.
Mimosa Grill
Where: 327 S Tryon St., Charlotte
Order: A staple at Mimosa Grill, the Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad. Mixed greens, shaved carrot, marinated tomatoes, Grafton smoked cheddar, bacon, and sweet mustard; $19. Yum.
Fahrenheit
Where: 222 S Caldwell St., Charlotte
Order: Take in stunning city views while enjoying the Rooftop House Salad — Baby greens, shaved celery, watermelon radish, miso dressing; $15.
Bulla Gastrobar
Where: 4310 Sharon Rd w01, Charlotte
Order: You must try The Mediterranean — tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, croutons, lemon, and EVOO; $10.
Harper’s
Where: 6518 Fairview Rd., Charlotte
Order: We’re currently loving the Hickory Grilled Oriental Salad filled with mushrooms, cucumbers, peppers, scallions, almonds, crispy wontons, and soy ginger dressing; $15. Pro tip: pair it with your favorite wine to complete your date night out.
The Stanley
Where: 1961 E 7th St, Charlotte
Order: Try the mixed Greens, goat cheese, walnut, apple, with balsamic for a light, refreshing dinner option.
McNinch House
Where: 511 N Church St, Charlotte
Order: Heart of Palm Artichoke Salad with spring mix, vegetable vinaigrette, and pickled peppers.
La Belle Helene
Where: 300 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte
Order: Salade Royale Helene with bib lettuce, lobster, avocado, asparagus, tomato, and truffle vinaigrette.
Essex Bar & Bistro
Where: 101 S Tryon St #14, Charlotte
Order: Quinoa salad — quinoa, parsley, scallions, roasted almonds, feta cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, lemon, olive oil. Pro tip: add the marinated salmon for an extra tasty salad.
Burton’s Grill
Where: 9816 Rea Rd., 1601 E Woodlawn Rd. A, (Charlotte)
Order: Superfood salad with quinoa, spinach, grape tomatoes, julienned vegetables, feta, dried cranberries, avocado, and lemon vinaigrette; $17.
Haberdish
Where: 3106 N Davidson St., Charlotte
Order: For a refreshing
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
Where: 150 North College St., 6601 Morrison Blvd., (Charlotte)
Order: For a refreshing option try the local greens, blueberries, radish, goat cheese, and port vinaigrette.
Dilworth Tasting Room SouthPark
Where: 4905 Ashley Park Ln Suite J, Charlotte
Order: DTR Salad with mixed greens, toasted walnuts, fresh apples, dry fig, honey vinaigrette, and goat cheese. Add chicken, salmon, or tuna for extra yumminess.