Top Ten Summer Salads in San Diego

For as long as I can remember, friends and family have teased me for eating like a rabbit. Yes, this is largely due to the fact that my only cooking skills involve chopping vegetables and stirring dressing. However, I’m also blessed with a natural craving for fresh, healthy food. A big juicy burger will always have a special place in my heart, but flavorful, protein-packed salads are crucial to my everyday survival. This especially comes in handy during summer in San Diego, when I’m clad in nothing but bikinis and frocks on a daily basis.

Whether you enjoy everything about a great salad, or are forcing yourself to exchange your beloved burrito for lighter fare during a brief summer diet, San Diego restaurants make eating healthy fun. Organic fast food, gourmet fine dining and every eatery in between; I dine out weekly, and have personally tried almost every salad in the city. From the brand new Filet Mignon Cobb Salad at Fleming’s, to the Flatiron Steak Salad at Searsucker, Southwestern Chicken Salad at Ki’s, Beet Salad at Neighborhood, I’ve selected the best of the best for your dining pleasure.

Get creative in your quest to cut carbs with these top ten summer salads.

Lobster and Filet Mignon Cobb Salad at Fleming’s Steakhouse

Just in time for summer, Fleming’s introduces two new entrée salads that are guaranteed to satiate your steakhouse cravings, without tipping you over your calorie limit. The new Fleming’s Steakhouse Cobb Salad offers a mix of freshly chopped romaine, blue cheese, crisp bacon, tomato, avocado, fresh sliced white mushrooms, and grilled asparagus, and is topped with either sliced tender filet mignon or succulent Maine lobster to your liking. The Steakhouse Filet Mignon Cobb is paired with a red onion balsamic dressing; and the Steakhouse Lobster Cobb is mixed with tarragon ranch dressing. Get details here. (Lobster Cobb pictured above)

Mediterranean Spinach Salad at Tender Greens

A hidden treasure in Liberty Station, Tender Greens is a great option for filling lunch and dinner salads, amongst many other fresh and healthy menu choices from the grill. One of my favorites is the Mediterranean Spinach Salad, with cucumber, feta cheese, kalamata olives, marinated tomatoes, green peppers, and lemon oregano dressing. And for a classic done right, enjoy the Tuna Nicoise Salad with tender greens, tomato, potato, capers, egg, olives, green beans, and sherry vinaigrette. For more information, visit Tender Greens in Point Loma.

Flatiron Steak Salad at Searsucker

If you’ve yet to try Chef Brian Malarkey’s casual-cool lunch menu, you’re missing out. In addition to sandwich board favorites, Searsucker’s salads are the perfect solution when you need gourmet grub on the go. Most unique and filling, the Flatiron Steak Salad is made with charred peppers, bleu cheese, crispy onions, and tomato vinaigrette. More must-try salads include the Chop Chop with fennel, salami, chick pea, balsamic, and lemon vinaigrette; and the Smoked Trout with avocado, radish, watercress, arugula, and grapefruit vinaigrette. Get details here.

Local Asparagus & Speck Americano Ham Salad at Flavor Del Mar

Ideal for a light lunch or dinner appetizer, Flavor Del Mar’s tasty salads pair perfectly with the gorgeous ocean view. An interesting combination that I love right now is Flavor’s Local Asparagus & Speck Americano Ham Salad, made with baby artichokes, sweet peppers, green olive aioli, and a parmesan twist. And if you subscribe to this acquired taste, try the Chilled Calamari & Local Sardine Salad, with haricots verts, kalamata olives, piquillo peppers, and aged red wine vinegar marinade. For more information, visit Flavor in Del Mar.

Thai Chicken Salad at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza

This local chain has always been one of my go-to restaurants for a great salad in San Diego. The menu is constantly evolving, and there are over 10 different signature salads to choose from. Always a good choice, the Thai Chicken Salad is a blend of Asian-marinated grilled chicken breast, julienne vegetables, tomato, peanuts, bean sprouts, cilantro, and Spicy Thai dressing; and the Chilled Roast Vegetable Salad is a unique mix of spinach, fresh mozzarella pearls, edamame, artichoke, yellow tomato, red bell pepper, onion, basil, lemon, balsamic, and extra virgin olive oil. The best part? There are nine locations in San Diego to choose from. For more information, visit Sammy’s in La Jolla.

Grilled Salmon Salad at Salad Style

A San Diego restaurant known for organic, unique, and delicious fare, Salad Style is always a top pick for salads in San Diego. But the problem is, with 13 varieties to choose from, selecting the perfect salad style can be problematic. You can’t go wrong with the Grilled Salmon Salad, with baby spinach, grilled salmon, grilled vegetables, avocado, organic sprouts, red onion, and vinaigrette; but the most memorable has to be The Mexican Salad, with freshly shredded cabbage, grilled steak, guacamole, cotija, tortilla chips, black beans, yellow corn, jicama, crema blanca, tomatillo, and salsa fresca. For more information, visit Salad Style in San Diego.

Summer Salad at Café 976

Café 976 is a casual coffee house and restaurant that is always overflowing with in-the-know Pacific Beach locals. Far from the typical PB bar, Café 976 series a variety of healthy salads, in addition to wraps, sandwiches, burritos, and breakfast goods. My year-round favorite is the Summer Salad with mixed greens, black olive, diced tomato, cucumber, hearts of palm, avocado, onion, walnuts, feta cheese, and lemon herbal dressing. A close second is the classic 976 Salad, with mixed greens, pine nuts, mandarin oranges, grapes, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. For more information, visit Café 976 in Pacific Beach.

Southwestern Chicken Salad at Ki’s Restaurant

Located just steps from the sand in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Ki’s is a casual beach café by day, and a sophisticated sea-side restaurant by night. My go-to lunch order is the Southwestern Chicken Salad, with grilled chicken, mixed baby greens, organic black beans, corn, avocado, salsa fresco, and chipotle cilantro vinaigrette. I also recommend the Super Salad, with romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, sprouts, tomatoes, sunflower greens, jack cheese, avocado, and roasted turkey. For more information, visit Ki’s in Cardiff.

Chicken Artichoke & Goat Cheese Salad at Nordstrom Café

Is there anything better than eating a fresh, healthy salad while surrounded by the hottest summer fashions? I think not. A dream meeting spot for “Ladies Who Lunch,” enjoy one of Nordstrom Café’s signature entrée salads, and then reward your good eating habits with a haute new summer dress. My favorite on the menu is the Chicken Artichoke & Goat Cheese Salad with organic baby greens, roasted chicken breast, marinated artichoke hearts, goat cheese, zesty chiles, garlic croutons, and dijon balsamic vinaigrette. More top picks include Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad and Fresh Berry & Balsamic Fig Salad. For more information, visit Nordstrom Café in Fashion Valley.

Beet Salad at Neighborhood
This East Village hot spot is known for their bas-ass burgers, but any local will agree the salad selection is nothing to mess with. When you’re in the mood for lighter fare, order Neighborhood’s Beet Salad, made with arugula, candied walnuts, citrus, sliced red onion, and crispy goat cheese. Also try the Apple & Endive Salad, with blackberries, blue cheese, candied walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette. For more information, visit Neighborhood in San Diego.

Made by Locals, for Locals: 2011 San Diego Summer Lifestyle Guide.

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