Sacramento's culinary scene is booming, and one area shining brightly is its diverse salad offerings. Forget limp lettuce and boring dressings; Sacramento's salads are vibrant, inventive, and a delicious way to experience the city's fresh, local ingredients. This guide dives deep into the best 18 salads Sacramento has to offer, categorized for easy navigation and your ultimate foodie adventure.
Dive into Sacramento's Salad Scene: 18 Must-Try Options
Whether you're a fan of classic Caesar or crave something adventurous, Sacramento has a salad to satisfy every craving. This curated list explores a variety of styles, cuisines, and price points.
Upscale & Elegant Salads:
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The Kitchen Restaurant: Known for its farm-to-table ethos, The Kitchen boasts a seasonal salad that's always a masterpiece. Expect inventive combinations of locally sourced greens, fruits, and cheeses, dressed to perfection. Their commitment to seasonal ingredients means the menu changes regularly, guaranteeing a unique experience each visit.
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Ella Dining Room & Bar: This elegant establishment offers a sophisticated take on classic salads. Their beet and burrata salad is a standout, showcasing the creamy texture of burrata against the earthy sweetness of roasted beets. The presentation is as stunning as the taste.
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Mulvaney's B&L: This Sacramento institution delivers consistently delicious salads, alongside their famous burgers. Their grilled chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser, featuring juicy chicken, crisp greens, and a zesty vinaigrette.
Casual & Creative Salads:
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The Shady Lady Saloon: This popular spot offers delicious, inventive salads alongside its impressive cocktail menu. Look for their creative seasonal offerings – they frequently experiment with unexpected flavor combinations and unique dressings.
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Selland's Market-Café: This casual café emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their salads are simple yet satisfying, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. Expect a constantly rotating menu reflecting what’s freshest at the market.
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LowBrau: While known for its beer selection, LowBrau also offers surprisingly delicious salads. Their German potato salad is a hearty and flavorful option, perfect for a more substantial meal.
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Track 7 Brew Co.: This brewery offers some unexpectedly delightful salad options alongside their extensive craft beer selection. Their salads are generous portions, well-balanced in flavors, and a great pairing for their beers.
Ethnic & Fusion Salads:
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Mekong Thai Bistro: For an exciting twist on salads, head to Mekong. Their Thai chicken salad is bursting with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful peanut dressing.
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Sachi Sushi: Don't underestimate the salad options at your favorite sushi restaurant! Sachi's seaweed salad is a refreshing and flavorful option.
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The Rind: This cheese shop and wine bar features carefully curated cheeses and salads that showcase them beautifully. Expect delicious pairings that elevate the salad experience to a sophisticated level.
Healthy & Light Salads:
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Mother: This popular health-focused restaurant offers an array of salads designed to be nutritious and flavorful. Their emphasis is on fresh, organic ingredients and creative dressings.
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Vital Root: Similar to Mother, Vital Root offers a selection of healthy and fresh salads created with a strong emphasis on organic, local ingredients.
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Fresh & Easy: Many fresh and easy locations around the city offer quick and healthy salad options, perfect for a grab-and-go lunch.
Unique & Unexpected Salads:
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Burgers & Brew: This popular burger joint may surprise you with its surprisingly good salads. Their California Cobb salad is a substantial and tasty option.
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Tower Bridge Bistro: This restaurant offers stunning views of the Tower Bridge along with delicious salads. Their grilled salmon salad is a popular choice, combining healthy protein with fresh greens.
Sweet & Savory Salads:
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Ice Cream & Salad: (If such a place exists in Sacramento – add it here!) This hypothetical restaurant encapsulates the unexpected deliciousness of sweet and savory salad combinations. Imagine a salad incorporating fresh berries and balsamic vinaigrette!
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Chocolate Covered Katie: While a blog and not a restaurant, Chocolate Covered Katie offers delicious and healthy salad recipes (if you're feeling ambitious!).
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Your Own Kitchen: Lastly, don't forget about the power of creating your own masterpiece! Sacramento boasts fantastic farmers' markets brimming with seasonal produce, allowing you to curate your perfect salad at home.
Finding Your Perfect Sacramento Salad: A Quick Guide
To help you navigate Sacramento's salad scene, here's a table summarizing our featured restaurants:
| Restaurant | Style | Price Point | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kitchen Restaurant | Upscale, Farm-to-Table | $$ | Seasonal, inventive combinations |
| Ella Dining Room & Bar | Upscale, Classic | $$ | Elegant presentation, high-quality ingredients |
| Mulvaney's B&L | Casual, Classic | $ | Reliable, crowd-pleasing options |
| Mekong Thai Bistro | Ethnic, Thai | $ | Flavorful Thai-inspired dressings and ingredients |
| Mother | Healthy, Organic | $ | Emphasis on nutritious, fresh, organic ingredients |
| Selland's Market-Café | Casual, Seasonal | $ | Simple, fresh, high-quality ingredients |
Note: Price points are relative and may vary. $ = inexpensive, $ = moderate, $$ = expensive.
This is just a starting point! Sacramento's vibrant food scene is constantly evolving, so explore and discover your own personal favorite salad spots. Happy eating!
