As salads as meals become increasingly popular, the days of offering merely house or caesar are a thing of the past. Below is a list of the most stand-out salads in Austin, a city where the food competition {even for salads} is fierce. Have a suggestion? Leave a comment and I’ll be sure to check it out! Looking for other bests in this great city? My fellow food bloggers have got ya covered here.
Cantine “Nizza”
What it is: Oil-cured Spanish Tuna / Spinach / Green Beans / Potato / White Beans / Fried Capers / Soft-cooked Farm Egg
What I dig: A close friend of the salad niçoise, the nizza adds beans, potatoes, and fried capers to the mix. This salad is vibrant, protein packed, and perfect for a weekend lunch. Ask for a side of whipped feta – I promise you won’t regret it.
Café No Sé “Shredded Kale” Salad
What it is: Shredded Kale / Cauliflower / Crispy Rice / Currants / Dill / Cucumber / Optional: Egg
What I dig: If a salad could be described as fun.. The tang of the dressing, subtle bursts of flavor from the currants and dill, and delicate crunch of the crispy rice, this salad is totally fun.
La Condesa “Mixa con Pollo Rostizado”
What it is: Roasted Chicken / Baby Arugula / Bibb Lettuce / Jícama / Radish / Grape Tomatoes / Avocado / Red Onion / Queso Fresco / Mustard Vinaigrette
What I dig: So many crisp veggies! Jícama, radish and cucumbers add excellent crunch and texture. And the roasted chicken is super tender and flavorful.
Josephine House “Winter Slaw Salad” with Seared Chicken Breast
What it is: Turnip / Beet / Swiss Chard / Brussels Sprouts / Shropshire Blue Cheese / Hazelnut Vinaigrette / Seared Chicken Breast
What I dig: A unique combination of ingredients. Although their menu is ever-changing, you can count on Josephine House for hearty salads with ingredients that will continue to surprise.
Blue Dahlia “Mozzarella Salad”
What it is: Fresh Mozzarella / Tomatoes / Basil Leaves / Basil Pesto / Mixed Greens
What I dig: The generous serving of pesto and giant bed of greens. A traditional Caprese salad, although delicious, always leaves me feeling like I ate a giant pile of cheese. Having the ability to pair each bite with tomato, basil and a fork-full of greens makes for a more rounded meal.
Henri’s Smoked Trout & Avocado Salad
What it is: Smoked Trout / Avocado / Isreali Couscous / Pickled Shallot / Radish / Capers / Sherry Vinaigrette
What I dig: Pickled shallots, a fish that isn’t salmon, and all the while, lightly dressed.
Elizabeth Street Cafe Grilled Gulf Shrimp Bún
What it is: Grilled Gulf Shrimp / Rice Vermicelli / Lettuces / Herbs / Cucumber / Carrot / Roasted Peanuts / Nuoc Cham
What I dig: Okay, this isn’t really a salad. But herbs! I can’t help but add this dish when it is filled with fresh herbs and veggies and set on top of a pile of lettuce. And the grilled shrimp of some of the most giant, best lookin’ in town, too.
For more veggie-filled dishes around Austin, check out The Fresh Find’s favorite vegetarian eats!
Beautiful Kristin! I want to try that Shrimp Bun, I always get the same thing when I go there 🙂
I need to try all of these! I guess I should start going out to lunch more often 🙂
-Jen
http://www.asipofbliss.com
Yeah! Let me know what you think!