Like us, many of you probably decided to eat healthier in 2023. With a large array of different options to choose from these 9 restaurants have taken your typical salad to a whole new level. Whether you're looking for a latin inspired salad to your traditional green salad you will find a dish to your choosing. Check out the following restaurant offerings from some of our favorite spots.
Three Saints Revival
In LoDo, Three Saints Revival (1801 Wewatta Street) is offering up two vibrant salads this winter. Warm Brussel Sprouts star in the first seasonal salad. The veggie comes together with egg, bacon and just the right amount of mustard for a delicious starter. Winter citrus takes the spotlight in the Winter Orange Salad. Slices of bright, Blood Orange are topped with a dressing of olive, mint and sage oil for a simple flavor combination that’ll keep you cooking back for more.
Cantina Loca
At James Beard Outstanding Chef Semifinalist Dana Rodriguez’s Cantina Loca (2890 Zuni Street), the Seasonal Salad is a flavor-packed way to start the meal. Between the lima beans, arugula and chimichurri, the dish offers a spectrum of satisfying greens - all topped with shaved parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.
Guapo Taco
The Ranchero Ensalada at Guapo Taco (Colorado Mills, Lakewood) is the ideal southwestern salad. Greens are topped with perfectly cooked skirt steak, avocado, roasted tomatillos, Tajin spiced pepitas, roasted corn and black bean salsa, asadero, tequila lime-cilantro vinaigrette to create layer after layer of flavor. Stop in to power up before hitting the mall or to enjoy while you take inventory of the day’s finds.
5280 Burger Bar
Salads may not be the first dishes that come to mind when you think of 5280 Burger Bar (Pavilions in Denver and 4301 Main Street, Westminster), but don’t perhaps they should be. The Power Greens salad, for example, is filled with superfoods like kale, cabbage, shaved brussel sprouts, arugula, carrots, roasted pepitas and sunflower seeds topped with a refreshing house-made orange ginger vinaigrette.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Radicchio is the winter green you didn’t know you needed with the crunch, flavor and texture to pop a salad to star level in the colder months. The simply named Radicchio Salad at RiNo’s Barcelona Wine Bar (2900 Larimer) satisfies a winter craving for crunch and a Mediterranean twist with radicchio, dates, walnuts, a pungent blue Valdeón cheese and sherry vinaigrette. Pair this salad with a selection of winter whites from the extensive wine lists or an exploratory flight - we like the “Bio Curious” for additional flavors.
Little Finch
Executive Chef/Owner Mary Nguyen at Little Finch in the LoDo neighborhood at Blake & 16th was inspired by the all-day cafes and bistros dotting the European countryside and created several rotating daily salads for the new concept including the Salad Francaise, hearty and satisfying for the winter with shaved shaved carrot, fresh parsley, tangy dijon and notes of cumin throughout. Enjoy this salad solo or pair with a cup of the soup of the day and always served with a fresh baguette.
Federales
The RiNo taco & tequila concept Federales (2901 Larimer) serves up a Southwest Chicken Salad for a break from tacos that’s still substantial enough to hit the spot for lunch or dinner. Over a bed of romaine, the hearty trio of avocado, black beans and chicken creates a filling base of protein & fiber while the popular blend of pico, cotija cheese, chipotle ranch keeps this dish crisp and refreshing. Garnished with a sprinkle of cilantro and a handful of crunchy tortilla strips, the fan-favorite plate earns its spot as a staple on the menu. Compliment with a craft cocktail like the frozen tequila rose or Jalapeño Cooler for a memorable meal.
Stanley Marketplace
Reclaimed airplane factory hangar-turned-market hall Stanley Marketplace offers a several options for winter salads on repeat: favorites include Elita Specialty Market & Kitchen where you can find the Elita Quinoa Bowl, satisfying Middle Eastern-meets-Latin flavors with garlic-herbed quinoa, cabbage, Israeli salad, black beans, pepitas, avocado, queso fresco, and salsa tatemada; the Green Goddess Bowl at Chook Charcoal Chicken layered with hearty cauliflower rice, green beans, and roasted chickpeas, plus avocado, broccoli, roasted red peppers, pistachios and green goddess dressing; and the roasted beet salad at Stanley Beer Hall with earthy spinach, vibrant beets, avocado, red onion, and cucumber, finished with goat cheese, toasted pepitas and coriander balsamic.
EDGE Restaurant & EDGE Bar at the Four Seasons
A lunchtime visit to chic downtown spot EDGE Restaurant and EDGE Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Denver (1111 14th St) on a winter’s day often means elevated steaks and hearty sandwiches; but those looking for lighter fare will relish the simple elegance of the Seafood Cobb Salad with a trio of seafood - lobster, crab, and shrimp - finished with traditional egg, tomato, and avocado. House made basil-ranch dressing plus a side of focaccia rounds out this satisfying bowl to beat the winter blues.