A good salad is all about the senses. Bright colors, crunchy and crisp textures, earthy fresh smells and stacking all the different components on your fork for the perfect bite. I typically enjoy making salads at home, and to be honest, it’s the only dish I will say I am good at making. But, realistically, I go out to eat a lot so I am ordering salads just as frequently. Especially during the spring time.
There is something so refreshing about ordering a salad in the spring. Maybe it’s the seasonal vegetables. Maybe it’s the light and bright colors mirroring the blooming trees and flowers. Maybe it’s the warm weather making you crave something cold. Whatever the reason, salads just taste better in the spring and I want to share my favorites list for anyone else who loves salads as much as I do.
1) The Grilled Grecian – Agapi
I’m Greek so obviously I am going to throw a Greek salad somewhere in the mix. The Grilled Grecian from Agapi is not your typical Greek salad. This salad is served with grilled romaine hearts topped with tomato, cucumber, pepperoncini, kalamatas, pickled red onion, torched feta, and a house Greek vinaigrette. The grilled romaine threw me off at first, but trust me it just works and it is by far one of my favorite salads in town.
2) Mushroom Salad – Global Grill
If you tell me there is white truffle vinaigrette on anything I will probably order it and that is exactly what they dress this gorgeous salad with. A bed of arugula with wild, seasonal mushrooms, salt and butter Renfroe pecans, goat cheese and white truffle vinaigrette. The perfect bite does exist and it exists in this salad.
3) Kale Caesar – The Grand Marlin
Who doesn’t love a good Caesar salad? The queen of all salads in my opinion. There are plenty of good Caesar’s around town, but Grand Marlin’s is getting a special shout out because theirs has a few standouts. One being they mix in perfectly massaged kale with the romaine hearts and they top theirs with homemade crispy onions. And lastly, their house Caesar dressing is good enough to drink.
4) Marinated Chickpea Bowl — The Wine Bar on Palafox
They might call it a bowl, but I call it a salad and it is more than worthy of making this list. Like I said, I’m Greek, so you know you were going to see feta cheese again somewhere on this list and this is it. This salad is so filling, full of plant protein and served with warm pita. Marinated chickpeas, basmati rice, tomato-cucumber salad, feta, tzatziki and garlic toasted pita. So basically all of my favorite things combined into one bowl. YUM!
5) Sweet Potato and Kale Bowl — Good Day Darling
Again, they call it a bowl, I call it a salad, same thing if you ask me! I have only had this one twice, but it is easily becoming a regular on my salad rotation. Kale in tahini feta dressing, roasted chickpeas and sweet potatoes, balsamic reduction, pickled red onion, & sunflower seeds make this bowl packed with flavor and super filling. If you haven’t checked this new spot out, this is your sign! Their menu is packed with fun, healthy spring flavors.
What salads am I missing? I am always on the hunt for a new favorite so head to our facebook page and let me know in the comments.
