As summer temps heat up, cravings for fresh, summery foods begin to set in. Fortunately, a refreshing salad is never far away thanks to a slew of Chandler restaurants that offer healthy and vibrant options filled to the brim with fresh greens, healthy vegetables, and all-natural proteins. If you’re looking to cool off with a crisp salad, try these delicious salads that deserve your fork’s attention.
Original ChopShop
Nestled in a historic building that housed a former bank (check out the penny-tile floor with the word “bank” spelled out in tiles), Original ChopShop is where Chandler’s health conscious diners go to fuel up. Alongside protein bowls and fresh juices, the restaurant’s salad offerings are fresh and bountiful. Try the kale and quinoa with snap peas, smoked almond, corn and golden raisin; or the Danish heaping with greens, smoked almond, Danish bleu cheese, black currant and dates. For something uber healthy, order the raw vegetable, made with greens, carrots, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and corn.
Map: 35 W. Boston St. or (480) 426-0216
Fruta Healthy Eating
Specializing in preservative- and GMO-free foods, Fruta Healthy Eating is Chandler’s answer to good-for-you superfoods. While the menu varies regularly (to ensure the freshest ingredients and produce) you’re sure to find a variety of cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and acai and fruit bowls. If it’s greens you’re craving, their small-but-mighty salad menu includes a strawberry salad (mixed greens, strawberries, feta), a Greek-inspired salad (romaine, black olives, peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, feta), and a caprese salad (mixed greens, spinach, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes).
Map: 222 E. Warner Road or (480) 361-4341
Salad and Go
If you like your food fast, healthy and at a bargain, Salad and Go is your go-to eatery. The drive-through-only locations offer seven to eight salads (depending on the season), from the BBQ Ranch and Buffalo Chicken, to the Bruschetta Caprese and Antipasto. Protein choices include chicken and tofu (included in the price), and steak and shrimp (for a little bit extra). There’s also a kid’s salad and protein box featuring grilled chicken breast, two items from the salad menu, and dressing for dipping. Complete your meal with an organic iced coffee or tea, house made lemonade, or organic tropical green smoothie.
Pita Jungle
An Arizona restaurant institution, Pita Jungle has been serving fresh, healthy and organic foods since 1994, long before eating healthy was on trend. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers hearty pitas and wraps, healthy bowls, signature entrees and, of course, tempting salads. Standouts include the lentil fattoush made with lentils, turmeric brown rice, seasonal mixed greens and vegetables, pita crumbs and sumac; and the za’atar-dusted wood-fired Norwegian salmon salad featuring Tuscan kale, baby arugula, spinach, kalamata olive and feta. And since you deserve it, end your meal with an order of chocolate-dipped walnut baklawa rolls.
Map: 1949 W. Ray Road or (480) 855-3232
Cherish Farm Fresh Eatery
If a healthy salad is a priority, look no further than Cherish Farm Fresh Eatery. Its menu features vegan, keto, gluten-free and dairy-free options, as well as healthy dishes prepared from scratch with fresh, natural and, whenever possible, locally-sourced ingredients. Salad offerings include the Pink Lady made with rainbow chard, butter lettuce, pink lady apples, pink grapefruit and strawberries; and the Cherish Chop loaded with chopped kale, red cabbage, Brussels leaves, Beluga lentils and Mandarin oranges. Dress your salad up with grass-fed steak, all-natural chicken, sustainable salmon or organic tofu.
Map: 2551 W. Queen Creek Road or (480) 350-7245
Truland Burgers & Greens
A welcome addition to downtown Chandler’s dining scene is Truland Burgers & Greens. Located in the new Overstreet development, the fresh and modern eatery is all about all-natural, fresh ingredients. While their hormone/antibiotic-free beef burgers are tempting, their salads are a feast themselves. Made with spinach, blue cheese, apples and dried cranberries, the Orchard Apple is surely one to try, as is the Brussels & Bacon featuring organic kale, warm Brussels sprouts, and nitrate/nitrite-free bacon. Give your salad a little oomph by adding all-natural chicken, grilled salmon or seared ahi tuna.
Map: 140 N. Arizona Ave. or (480) 597-7806
