Huntsville Salads

Whether you are celebrating a “New Year, New You” moment, gearing up and slimming down for a special event or big birthday, or you have simply had enough of all the burgers and chicken fingers, salads are always standing by for when we inevitably turn to them for the answer. Now I know that “salad” can sometimes feel like a dirty word when it comes to fulfilling that craving for an amazing meal but, it doesn’t have to. Huntsville is full of salad options to have you feeling las if you are sneaking away to feed a need for leafy green indulgence! Here are a few of my personal favorites.

5A’s Restaurant – Chicken Gyro Salad

The number of times my children have heard me say I could sustain myself on this chicken gyro salad alone is, frankly, embarrassing to us both. Just the right mix of spice, crisp, creamy, acid, salt, and warmth, makes this salad totally worth the trip out to their Mediterranean Blue painted, former gas station location in Harvest on Highway 53.

Fresko Grille – Build your Own Bowl

I promise there is a base of romaine lettuce somewhere at the bottom of this! That makes it a salad, right? Here is what I love about this bowl. Instead of shrinking from the weight of being a walking imposition by asking for the removal of the things I do not like, I am heartily encouraged to choose all the things I do like. This is “have it your way” on a whole new level! And, so far, every way I have had it has been delicious.

MELT – Falling for You Salad

With mixed greens, Washington red apples, red onions, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and bit of crumbled goat cheese all topped with a balsamic glaze, this thing just tastes good for you! Of course, I do not actually know if it is or not but, it tastes so good, that is really none of my business.

• I throw a little grilled chicken on top of mine for good measure.

Ale’s Kitchen at Straight to Ale – Crunchy Asian Salad with Jerk Chicken

As I started to compile this list of the essential salad offering in Huntsville, this one hit me like a thunderbolt. My brain was like, “YAAAASSSSSS!! Don’t forget that one!” You guys, when I tell you I cherish this salad like the sweet gift to Huntsville that it is, I am understating my feelings about it. This salad is romaine, celery, carrots & purple cabbage tossed in a sweet chili lime vinaigrette, topped with scallions, roasted cashews, black sesame seed & crunchy Chow Mein noodles and then topped with their incredible jerk chicken, if you like (I DO LIKE!).

CHOPnFRESH

(formerly ChopChop Fresh Salads) – Well…pretty much anything

I adore CHOPnFRESH because you could pretty much play “salad Russian Roulette” and never be disappointed. These guys have perfected the salad! Every option has fantastic flavor, amazing texture, and just absolutely incredible balance. My list visit I partook in the Southwestern. Check it out: chopped romaine, spring mix, roasted corn, cilantro, roasted chicken, tomatoes, spicy sunflower seeds, white cheddar, tortilla strips, and chipotle honey vinaigrette. All of this and, if you are counting, for only 580 calories. I mean…I kind of want to get up and go get another one right now.

I confess, I am a complete creature of habit, so this list is a compilation of my tried-and-true go-to local salad creations. Hit me in the comments with your favorites! I am all for sharing some scrumptious salad secrets.