No longer just considered as a side dish, there’s something overly satisfying about a well-made salad where the ingredients sing in perfect harmony. The best ones deliver crunch, color and bold flavors that could steal the spotlight from any main course. Our area is full of inspired and inventive offerings and these 10 standout salads prove healthy eating is far from boring.

Seasonal Floridian at The Chapman

1905 at Columbia Restaurant
This award-winning salad gets a lot of attention and is certainly worth the hype. Iceberg lettuce is topped with julienned baked ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, olives, grated cheese, Worcestershire sauce and is finished with an intoxicating homemade garlic dressing. 

K&Q at Giardino Gourmet Salads
A combination of kale and romaine set the stage for a comforting assortment of organic quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, creamy goat cheese and sliced almonds, all of which are topped with a flavorful ginger dressing and toasted pitas for a little textural balance. 

Italian Chopped at Sizzlin’ Greens
A fan favorite featuring an amalgamation of shredded romaine, salami, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, cucumber, red onion, heirloom tomatoes and chickpeas with drizzles of a house-made Mediterranean vinaigrette. 

Seasonal Floridian at The Chapman
Peppery arugula and little gem lettuce are the foundation for English pea shoots, goat cheese, strawberries, blueberries, mango, hearts of palm, peas, avocado, pistachio and a tart, tangy citrus vinaigrette. 

Grazing Cow at Greens & Grille
Romaine is topped with smoky grilled onions, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, creamy avocado and sharp aged white cheddar. Finished with a bold chipotle-lime dressing, this salad balances fresh, savory and smoky flavors with just the right touch of heat.

Emerald Kale at Chicken at Hillstone
Tender kale and rotisserie chicken are tossed with fresh herbs, shaved Parmesan Reggiano and a rich roasted peanut vinaigrette, delivering a mix of nutty, herbaceous and creamy flavors with a fresh finish in every bite.

Brussels and Broccoli at Lazy Moon
While this place is beloved for its oversized slices of pizza, don’t overlook this concoction made with Brussels sprouts and broccoli that’s been roasted, chilled and chopped, and then served with toasted cashews, dates, pecorino cheese and a maple-mustard vinaigrette. 

Mediterranean at 903 Mills Market
There are lots of superb salads on the menu here, but we’re suckers for this medley of lettuce tossed with spinach, tangy banana peppers, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta and your choice of eggplant or gyro meat. 

Ensalada Superica at Superica
This eponymous salad features a star-studded lineup of cucumber, roasted corn, avocado, pickled red onion, cheese, crispy tortilla chips and a creamy Mexican oregano dressing, bringing together forkfuls of vibrant flavors. 

Nostra Salmon at Greenbeat
Green leaf and spring mix lettuce are topped with feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onion and roasted salmon, with a bright basil-lime dressing adding a light citrusy touch.