Ahh, ’tis the season to strive for positive changes in all aspects of our lives: exercise, attitude, work ethic, and, of course, diet. If you’re looking for healthy options while dining out in Charlotte this January, take a few tips from these foodies and influential food folks. While some awesome salads do make this list, we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety. (scroll down to enter to win a $50 gift card from several of scoop’s fave healthy eats spots in the QC)
Buffalo Cauliflower from Fern, Flavors from the Garden
Ashley, The Olive and The Sea
Get that buffalo flavor you crave and a dose of veggies, too.
Custom Bowl at Yafo Kitchen
Niks, Bite Our Style
“My favorite post-gym fuel as of late has been a grain and rice bowl from Yafo! Everything is incredibly fresh and light. I can load up on a ton of veggies, hummus, great protein and really flavorful sauces without feeling bogged down or bloated like I would at Chipotle or other ‘make your own bowl’ spots. I live in Plaza, so the new location is so convenient!” – Niks
Winter Spinach Salad from Clean Juice
Kate, Roast ‘n Relish
This salad packs a healthy punch with spinach, egg, avocado, quinoa, walnuts, apples, and feta. Grab a fresh juice while you’re at it.
Smoked Springer Mountain Farms Half Chicken from Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Laura, Public Relations Manager
“The Smoked Springer Mountain Farms Half Chicken is 1) delicious, and 2) healthy! The chicken is brined in pickle juice, then smoked for about an hour and 45 minutes. With the chicken, you get a choice of two sides, and the healthiest ones are baked beans and boiled peanuts. This is a light, but filling, dish for the new year!” – Laura
Reviive Juice from Freshii
Jenna, Hello I’m Jenna
This orange beauty contains carrot, turmeric, pineapple, lemon, and ginger.
Build Your Own Bowl from Hi Tide
Tarra, QC Yogi Foodie
Build your own poke bowl with fresh fish and healthy toppings like cucumbers, corn, avocado, and more. To elevate your healthy game, choose kale as the base.
Beef and Sweet Potato Bowl from ROOTS Cafe
Callie, M-Squared PR
The barbacoa beef, cumin roasted sweet potatoes, green chili pinto beans, and quinoa corn salsa in this bowl will leave you very happy.
Quinoa with Salmon Salad from The People’s Market
Sarah, Charlotte Food Scene
“This salad is packed with so much flavor and protein, it won’t even feel like you’re trying to eat healthy. Salmon, quinoa, and a mustard vinaigrette makes for a delicious, yet filling, healthy option.” – Sarah
Andina Power Food Salad, Viva Chicken
Olivia, UpDog Kombucha
This beautiful salad includes organic quinoa, seasonal fruit, edamame, toasted almonds, red peppers, avocado, and lime passion fruit vinaigrette. Is it lunch time yet?
Quinoa Avocado Bowl, Epic Protein Bowl, or Build Your Own Bowl at Sabor Latin Street Grill
Rachel, Rachel Sutherland Communications
Enjoying a delicious creation from Sabor is always satisfying, whether you order tacos, nachos, or a healthy bowl (bonus: it’s easy on the wallet.)
Sweet Potato Bisque at Loft & Cellar
Rachel, Rachel Sutherland Communications
“Loft & Cellar has a deceptively healthy soup on the menu, jammed with flavor. The Sweet Potato Bisque created by executive chef Greg Collier gets its silky creaminess from the pureed sweet potatoes, not heavy cream. The decadent soup is served with smoked pecans and Piri Piri spiced buttermilk crema.” – Rachel
Any Bowl from Frutta Bowls
Jessica, The Sweet Seoul
Frutta Bowls is a wonderful addition to Midtown. Pick one of their signature acai, pitaya, or kale bowls for a nutritious and colorful meal.
Tuna Tartare from ROCKSALT
Erin, Writer and Content Strategist
“My favorite healthy meal in Charlotte is the tuna tartare from ROCKSALT. Tuna has so many health benefits including increasing your energy, boosting your immune system, etc. I love the tuna tartare dish at ROCKSALT because it is insanely fresh, delicious, and unique. Served with a quail egg mixture and ginger vinaigrette on the side, you can mix it all together however you like, making each bite different from the next. For an extra healthy hit, and some color, sometimes I’ll ask for trout caviar to be added to the dish.” – Erin
Raw Rhino from Rhino Market
Jessica, Slice of Jess
Carrots, sprouts, cucumbers, tomato, pickles, bibb lettuce, and hummus give this healthy sandwich the perfect crunch.
Salads from Chopt
Catherine, The Cook Nook
Who doesn’t immediately feel healthier after a giant salad from Chopt?!
Salad from Pio Pio
Rachel, Queen City Chic
“So fresh and good! One of my favorite salads. It’s a ‘green sauce’ or ‘garlic sauce’ they make that’s outstanding.” – Rachel
Cobb Salad from Pasta & Provisions
Haley and Carly, CLT Bests
So pretty you’ll almost not want to eat it. But you will because it’s delicious.
Vegan Club from Deli St.
Ash, Ashsmallz
“After much deliberation, I’ve decided on Deli St in Plaza Midwood, specifically the Vegan Club. They have a casual Common Market vibe and offer some of the best vegetarian and vegan options in Charlotte. It’s a dive I want to see in Charlotte for a long time, and I encourage everyone to support this small business. Also, [they have] one of THE BEST vanilla lattes I’ve ever had.” – Ash
Tavern Salad from Hickory Tavern
Kase, Space Kase CLT
“I love the Tavern Salad from Hickory Tavern and actually eat it once or twice a week. Add shrimp with ranch dressing.” – Kase
Mediterranean Tofu & Veggie Wrap from Siggy’s Good Food
Shannon, Uptown Girl CLT
“I am over the moon that Siggy’s relocated from NYC to CLT so we can enjoy her cooking any time we want! She and her team serve up food so delicious you don’t even realize it’s good for you. I love the Mediterranean Tofu & Veggie Wrap for a quick bite, and brunch is out of this world!” – Shannon
Wood-Fire Grilled Beets from Kid Cashew
Amanda, Ravenous Panda
“So earthy, hearty, and decadent, but still healthy. Total dirt candy bliss.” – Amanda
