Salads form an essential part of any dining experience, offering a refreshing balance to the richer, more indulgent dishes you might encounter. However, the salads we’re talking about here will not be playing second fiddle to any main course. Some salads are so scrumptious and satisfying that they have earned their spot as the stars of the menu. Whether you’re a health enthusiast or simply enjoy the harmony of fresh ingredients coming together, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best restaurant salads that have garnered acclaim for their taste and creativity. Starting from number 10, let’s dig into these bowls of green goodness that have made a name for themselves.
#10 Greek Salad – Estiatorio Milos
The Greek Salad, also known as Horiatiki, is a classic Mediterranean dish that Estiatorio Milos has perfected. With ripe, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, slices of green bell pepper, red onions, and a generous slab of feta cheese, this salad is a testament to the flavors of Greece. The freshness of the ingredients is the key here, capped off with a drizzle of quality olive oil and a sprinkle of olives and capers for a burst of flavor. The simplicity allows each ingredient to shine on its own, creating a harmonious blend that’s light yet satisfying.
#9 Caesar Salad – The Ivy
The Caesar Salad is no stranger to the restaurant scene, but The Ivy takes this ubiquitous salad to new heights. Its elegance lies in the house-made dressing – a creamy blend of garlic, anchovies, and parmesan cheese that clings to each lettuce leaf. The addition of rustic, garlic-infused croutons, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan only amplifies its appeal. It’s a familiar classic, loved for its crunchy textures and zesty flavor profile, but crafted here with a gourmet touch.
#8 Nicoise Salad – Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin, known for its high-quality seafood, offers a Nicoise Salad that’s a symphony of the sea. Unlike traditional versions, this salad may feature delicacies like seared tuna, anchovies, and a delicate quail egg. Freshly cooked haricots verts, ripe tomatoes, and Niçoise olives bring a touch of simplicity to the plate, enabling the premium ingredients to take center stage, dressed lightly in a refined vinaigrette. It’s a dish where the freshness of the produce and the mastery of the kitchen come together beautifully.
#7 Waldorf Salad – Waldorf Astoria
Where else to enjoy the famed Waldorf Salad than at its place of origin? The Waldorf Astoria continues to serve this iconic salad, a crunchy and creamy combination of celery, apple, walnut, and grapes, all held together with a mayonnaise-based dressing. Over the years, it has seen variations and additions, but the core elements remain unchanged. It’s a salad that appeals to those who look for a textured and sweet respite amidst the ubiquitous green salads.
#6 Southwest Steak Salad – Chili’s
For those that want their salads to pack a punch, the Southwest Steak Salad at Chili’s answers the call. It’s a hearty option with seasoned steak strips seared to your liking on top of crisp salad greens. Black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes join the mix, while a sprinkle of crisp tortilla strips adds a crunch. The chipotle-ranch dressing contributes a smoky, tangy flare that combines with barbecue sauce for an irresistible southwestern kick.
#5 Panzanella – Osteria Mozza
Osteria Mozza celebrates Italian cuisine with a delicate Panzanella that stands out. This Tuscan bread salad is beautifully rustic, encompassing chunks of soaked bread, ripe tomatoes, red onions, and sometimes cucumber, all brought together by a robust vinaigrette. It’s the perfect harmony of soft and chewy textures with the zesty punch of the dressing. Capers and basil, or other fresh herbs, often make an appearance, refreshing the palate and turning what could be simple fare into an unforgettable meal.
#4 Burmese Tea Leaf Salad – Burma Superstar
The Burmese Tea Leaf Salad is a cult favorite from Burma Superstar that has generated quite a buzz. This unique dish features fermented tea leaves, which impart a distinctive flavor profile of earthy and slightly tangy notes. It’s tossed with a variety of nuts, seeds, chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, and shredded lettuce. The crunch of the nuts and the soft fermentation of the leaves create an exciting dance of textures and flavors that’s both exotic and satisfying.
#3 BBQ Chicken Salad – California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen offers a BBQ Chicken Salad that’s not only nourishing but also indulgently flavorful. Grilled chicken smothered in barbecue sauce sits atop a bed of lettuce mixed with sweet corn, black beans, and jicama – adding a refreshing, crunchy element. The mix of fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and crispy onion strings provide a burst of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall experience. Dreamy ranch dressing is usually served on the side for a creamy finishing touch.
#2 Cobb Salad – The Brown Derby
The Cobb Salad, invented at The Brown Derby in Hollywood, is a legendary dish with an impressive roster of ingredients. It displays rows of chopped grilled chicken, crisp bacon, blue cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and tomatoes aligned on a bed of mixed greens. This salad doesn’t just entice visually; it’s a full meal with a satisfying range of flavors, from the rich creaminess of avocado to the salty tang of the blue cheese, all pulled together with a classic vinaigrette dressing.
#1 Ahi Tuna Salad – Nobu
Topping off our list is the Ahi Tuna Salad from the world-renowned Nobu. This is a testament to the art of salad-making, with seared ahi tuna as the centerpiece. Nobu delicately slices the high-grade tuna and presents it over a blend of greens, amplified by the inclusion of avocado, radish, and edible flowers for color and texture. But it’s the dressing, often a ginger-soy concoction, that truly transforms the dish into a gastronomic delight. Each bite is a combination of the tender, slightly smoky fish and the crisp, dressed greens—an epitome of salad perfection.
Each of these salads brings a unique taste and personality to the table, proving that salads can indeed be the star of the show. Whether you’re seeking something light and classic or a hearty dish with global influences, there’s a salad out there for every preference. So, the next time you’re out and about, consider indulging in one of these top-tier restaurant salads and enjoy the taste of fresh, quality ingredients crafted together in perfect harmony.