Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to start eating healthier? We’re right there with you.
Charlotte restaurants have amped up their salad game with more and more local spots serving several healthy and delicious options ~ because let’s face it, we’re always craving a good salad no matter the season.
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.
Featured Favorites
Village Tavern
Where: 4201 Congress St. #190, Charlotte
Order: The Tavern Salad – bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, onions, Tavern Vinaigrette; $8.95
McNinch House
Where: 511 N Church St, Charlotte
Order: One of their delicious and fresh seasonal salads.
Mariposa
Where: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte
Order: The delicious 100 Gardens Salad with local lettuces, radish, torn croutons, and lemon-shallot vinaigrette. What makes this salad extra special is that the lettuce is sourced from local nonprofit 100 Gardens which provides exciting and engaging learning opportunities by implementing aquaponics programs in schools, institutions, and communities in need.
La Belle Helene
Where: 300 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte
Order: Available on the dinner, lunch, and brunch menu year-round is the Salade Royale Helene with bib lettuce, lobster, avocado, asparagus, tomato, and truffle vinaigrette.
Sea Level
Where: 129 E 5th St, Charlotte
Order: Sea Level NC perfectly pairs sustainable seafood with fresh greens in its Salmon Beet Salad. Made with Atlantic Salmon, mixed greens, goat cheese, spiced pecans, roasted beets, and pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette.
The Waterman Fish Bar
Where: 2729 South Blvd suite d (Charlotte); 9615 Bailey Rd (Cornelius)
Order: The Waterman offers several hearty and flavorful salads, but fans can’t get enough of the namesake ‘Waterman Salad’. Indulge in grilled ancho shrimp, romaine, red cabbage, corn salsa, cucumber, cotija, cilantro lime vinaigrette, and ancho chili.
Red Salt by David Burke
Where: North Tower, 555 S McDowell St Tower, Charlotte
Order: The mouthwatering Fried Chicken Cobb Salad – deviled eggs, bacon, blue cheese, heirloom tomatoes, and red wine vinaigrette; $16.
401 Social
Where: 401 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte
Order: Greek Chicken Salad – Mixed greens, feta cheese, kalamata olives, cucumbers, green peppers, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, tossed in greek vinaigrette.
The Pump House
Where: 575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill, SC
Order: Roasted Beet Salad (left pictured) – baby arugula, candied pecans, goat cheese, pickled red onion, grape tomatoes, honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Iceberg Wedge (right pictured) – smoked bacon, gorgonzola, egg, carrot, grape tomatoes, fine herbs, roasted poblano ranch.
Drift On Lake Wylie
Where: 315-M Lanyard Ln, Belmont
Order: The Iceberg Wedge Salad – (GF) iceberg, grape tomatoes, bacon, soft poached egg, Roquefort blue, creamy garlic dressing, balsamic reduction ($12).
New to Town
Milkbread
Where: 1431 Central Ave (Charlotte); 624 Jetton St #110 (Davidson)
Order: Pair a milkbread donut with a salad and it’s healthy, right? We always opt for the Momo Salad with seasonal lettuce, bacon, radish, carrot, red onion, breadcrumbs, and buttermilk dressing.
Leo’s Italian Social
Where: 4720 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 150, Charlotte
Order: You can never go wrong with the Arugula & Pear Salad made with pine nuts, feta, truffle honey, and lemon basil vinaigrette; $10.
YUNTA
Where: 2201 South Blvd Ste 130, Charlotte
Order: A delicious Peruvian salad would be their Sesame Salad – arugula, purple cabbage, cherry tomato, quinoa, crunchy Peruvian corn, Cucumber Nikkei sesame dressing; $8.
La Capital MX
Where: 1910 South Blvd, Charlotte
Order: We recommend putting one of their signature tacos in a lettuce wrap for a lighter take.
Bonterra
Where: 6800 Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte
Order: The Magnolia alone will keep you coming back for more. With mixed greens, feta cheese, pickled red onions, dried cranberries, candied nuts, and strawberry balsamic vinaigrette; $12.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
Where: NEW LOCATION IN SOUTHPARK: 4625 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 115A, 4425 Park Rd., 14015 Conlan Cir., 9805-D Sandy Rock Pl., (Charlotte)
Order: Blackened Salmon Salad – 8 oz. salmon lightly blackened & drizzled with a sweet chili sauce served atop a bed of mixed greens ribboned with charred corn, edamame beans, quinoa, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes & a pinch of green onions; served with a side of chipotle ranch ($17.99).
The Garrison
Where: 314 Main St, Pineville
Order: The fresh and delicious McCullough Salad, made with lemon vinaigrette massaged kale, avocado, blistered cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbled bacon and green goddess dressing; $12.
Fast & Fresh
Chop’t
Where: 4125 Park Rd., 8022 Providence Rd., 9844 Rea Rd. 212 S Tryon St Suite 100 (Charlotte)
Order: Chipotle Chicken Ceasar Salad with Chipotle chicken, SOMOS(TM) Blue Corn Tostada, cotija cheese, fresh jalapeno, pickled red onion, rainbow carrots, fresh radish, romaine, cabbage and cilantro blend.
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 ($8.99).
A Casual Crunch
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.
Living Kitchen
Where: 2000 South Blvd. (Charlotte)
Order: Their savory Caesar Salad – choice of kale or romaine, hemp seed parmesan, tomatoes topped with eggplant bacon bits, and creamy caesar dressing.
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.
Salad + A Drink
Merchant & Trade
Where: 303 S Church St, Charlotte
Order: Some rooftop views with your delicious salad. We love taking in Uptown’s beauty while devouring the Caesar’s Salad – local lettuces, espresso parmesan, pickled red onion, breadcrumb, bacon crumble; $16.
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.
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.
Growler’s Pourhouse
Where: 3120 N Davidson St., Charlotte
Order: Caesar salad topped with pan-seared Salmon. Delicious AND healthy.
Trolley Barn Fermentory
Where: 2104 South Blvd., Charlotte
Order: The Hummus Salad at Green Works – quinoa tabouleh, hummus, feta, pickled red
onion, Campari tomatoes, cucumbers, grilled shishito peppers, romaine lettuce, pita chips and a tahini vinaigrette.
Kid Cashew
Where: 1608 East Blvd., Charlotte
Order: Super Grain Salad – avocado, greens, quinoa, fennel, pistachios, cilantro yogurt, oranges, and lemon vinaigrette. Yum.
Legion Brewing
Where: 5610 Carnegie Blvd., 1906 Commonwealth Ave., 2013 W Morehead St Suite 200, (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.
For a Healthy Lunch
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
Where: 6401 Morrison Blvd #8a, Charlotte
Order: The Too Big Taco Salad will leave you full and happy. 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.
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: Kale & Quinoa Salad – Shredded kale, rainbow quinoa, grape tomato, sliced apple, shredded carrot, red onion, green apple & greek yogurt dressing; $13.
ROOTS Cafe
Where: 2135 Southend Dr #109, Charlotte
Order: Any of their seasonal salads with the freshest of ingredients.
Midwood Smokehouse
Where: 1331 Central Ave #101, 1231A East Blvd., 720 Gov Morrison St. #120, (Charlotte)
Order: Be ready to devour a salad taller than your drinks with the Fixin’ To Chicken – Romaine, pulled barbecue chicken, chopped tomatoes, black beans, red onion, avocado, corn & cilantro served with crispy tortilla strips and chipotle ranch.
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.
Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop
Where: 2410 Park Rd., Charlotte
Order: Latin Wedge – Romaine wedge with avocado, corn, tomatoes, white cheddar, roasted red pepper & cilantro with creamy sherry vinaigrette; $11.
Leroy Fox
Where: 136 E. 36th St., 7715 Pineville Matthews Rd., 4321 Park Rd. (Charlotte)
Order: A salad that will have your tastebuds dancing – the Southwestern Chopped. Made with grilled blackened shrimp, romaine, black bean corn salsa, red onion, cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped and tossed in pineapple siracha; $15.75. Yum.
Bricktops
Where: Specialty Shops at SouthPark at 6401 Carnegie Blvd #1B
Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
Order: Any entree salad, the Palm Beach is a crowd favorite with crab meat, poached shrimp, remoulade, avocado, tomato, chopped egg
Amelie’s
Where: 2424 N Davidson St #102, 4321 Park Rd., 7715 Pineville-Matthews Rd #34b, (Charlotte)
Order: Sweets aren’t the only thing on the menu! For a fresh and fruity option, get the Cranberry, Almond, + Goat Cheese Salad, with mixed greens topped with dried cranberries, candied almonds + goat cheese with celery seed dressing.
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).
Burton’s Grill
Where: 9816 Rea Rd., 1601 E Woodlawn Rd. A, (Charlotte)
Order: The hearty Superfood salad with quinoa, spinach, grape tomatoes, julienned vegetables, feta, dried cranberries, avocado, and lemon vinaigrette; $17.
Bulla Gastrobar
Where: 4310 Sharon Rd w01, Charlotte
Order: You must try The Mediterranean — tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, croutons, lemon, and EVOO; $11.
Cafe Monte French Bakery and Bistro
Where: 6700 Fairview Rd #108, Charlotte
Order: Make salad the main course by ordering the Chilled Lobster, Tomato, Mixed Greens, Champagne Vinaigrette salad; $19.
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. Add chicken for a delicious protien pop.
Aria Tuscan Grill
Where: 100 N Tryon St., Charlotte
Order: Change up your usual salad order and get the Insalata Con Verde with radicchio, green leaf, Belgian endive, toasted hazelnuts, local honey, and Robiola Vinaigrette; $14.
Pasta & Provisions
Where: 1528 Providence Rd., 4700 Park Rd., 1600 S Mint St., (Charlotte)
Order: The Greek Salad at Park Road location. It’s got romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, feta, pepperoncini,and a house-made champagne vinaigrette.
Ilios Noche
Where: 11508 Providence Rd, Charlotte
Order: We can’t get enough of the Mesclun salad – with baby greens, gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, and white balsamic vinaigrette; $10.95.
North Italia
Where: 1414 S Tryon St Ste 140, Charlotte
Order: The Italian Farm is sure to satisfy all of your salad cravings. Wth salami, spicy coppa, provolone, pepperoncini, olive, campari tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, roasted pepper, herb breadcrumb, and oregano vinaigrette; $15.50.
Stagioni – Four Seasons of Food
Where: 715 Providence Rd, Charlotte
Order: Try the Grilled Romaine – Served Cold. Parmesan Crusted Calamari, cracked peppercorn dressing, shaved parmesan, and fresh lemon; $14.
Date Night
Steak 48
Where: 4425 Sharon Rd., Charlotte
Order: For a refreshing option, try the Roasted Beet Salad made with ruby and gold beets, pistachios, and crumbles of goat cheese. â €
Peppervine
Where: 4620 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 170B, Charlotte
Order: Butter Lettuce & Asher Blue Cheese Salad – local apple vinaigrette, walnut & granola, Asher blue cheese, and golden raisins; $16.
Mimosa Grill
Where: 327 S Tryon St., Charlotte
Order: Treat your tastebuds to the Roasted Beet Salad, made with whipped goat cheese, frisee, blood orange supreme, and pistachio dressing.
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.
Essex Bar & Bistro
Where: 101 S Tryon St #14, Charlotte
Order: A refreshing option – the Fresh Market Salad. Made with cucumber, tomato, avocado, red onion, artichoke hearts, mediterranean olives, feta, zaatar, parsley, and Greek vinaigrette; $17.
Haberdish
Where: 3106 N Davidson St., Charlotte
Order: The Cobb-ish Salad – butter lettuce, deviled eggs, grilled peaches, blue cheese, bacon lardons, pickled red onion, ranch vinaigrette. Available during lunch hours only.
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.
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
Where: 150 North College St., 6601 Carnegie Blvd, (Charlotte)
Order: For a simple option, try little gem lettuce, bacon, pickled red onion, tomatoes, radish, and roquefort dressing.
