blue root sante fe salad — This Santa Fe bowl from Blue Root Co. almost looks too good to eat. Photo via Jamie Vespa for Blue Root Co.’s Instagram

If you live in Birmingham, I’m sure you’ve already realized that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. From flavorful juice bar options to build your own poke bowls, the options are unlimited. Check out our guide below for some unique salads that will satisfy your taste buds.

One of my favorite healthy dishes to eat during the summer is a delicious salad. Not only do you get to experiment with different ingredient combinations, but you also don’t feel satisfied at the end of your meal.

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1. Carrigan’s Beer Garden

carrigan's salad — Switch up your traditional Caesar salad by adding blackened ahi tuna as your protein. Photo via Carrigans Beer Garden’s Facebook

Would you ever guess a salad paired well with a local brew? Carrigan’s Beer Garden has a yummy Kale Caesar Salad on their menu that consists of kale, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, crouton and Nori dressing.

You also have the option of adding chicken to your salad. If you’re looking to put a little spin on the protein, try the blackened ahi tuna or the tuna confit.

Address: 2910 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 4-9:30PM | Saturday 12-9:30PM | Sunday 12-7PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Chopt Creative Salad Company

Chopt salad, The Summit — Who wouldn’t want to build their own salad with a spread like this? Photo via Riley Campbell for Bham Now

When I lived in DC, one of my favorite places to go for a quick bite was Chopt. I was so excited when they announced a location was opening here in Birmingham. I love that they have a wide selection of salads options and dressings that appeal to a variety of tastes and preferences.

FYI: the portion sizes are perfect. I always have some left over for lunch the next day.

Address: 331 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PM | Sunday 11AM-8PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Greenhouse

summer salad — Can’t wait to try this summer steak salad at Greenhouse. Photo via Greenhouse’s Instagram

Greenhouse’s summer steak salad is back. This salad is a customer favorite for good reason—it’s jam-packed with bold flavors including mixed greens, romaine, arugula, steak, grilled peppers and onions, charred corn, cilantro, avocado, sunflower seeds and roasted red pepper vin.

Address: 1017 Oxmoor Rd, Suite 111, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-8PM | Sunday 10AM-3PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Melt

tomato salad melt — This Heirloom Tomato Salad is in a league of its own. Photo via Melt Hoover’s Facebook

Melt is known for their phenomenal sandwiches, so I’m not surprised they can also whip up a good salad. Next time you visit, you should definitely give one a try. They have a few different options including the Heirloom Tomato Salad and the Strawberry Fields.

Find your nearest location.
Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. Kale Me Crazy

Kale Me Crazy has you covered with a wide assortment of healthy options. You can’t go wrong with the new Farro Salad which consists of farro, arugula, apple, pecans, shaved parmesan, golden raisins and honey dijon dressing.

Address: 1831 28th Ave S, Suite 106, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Monday-Friday 7AM-8PM | Saturday 9AM-7PM | Sunday 11AM-6PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. The Essential

The Essential is a Birmingham staple. It’s a trendy little spot nestled on Morris Ave. One of their entrées that keeps people coming back for more is the 5-grain salad. It contains freekeh, wheat berries, rice, barley, quinoa, greens, walnuts, whipped feta and avocado. Not only is this salad filling, but it’s also pleasing to the taste buds.

Address: 2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 11AM-10PM | Saturday 9AM-2PM and 5-10PM | Sunday 9AM-2PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

7. Blue Root Co.

If you’ve been needing a reason to head down to Pepper Place, then look no further. Blue Root Co. has recently opened their flagship restaurant, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Their Santa Fe bowl has emerged as a local favorite. It consists of a spring mix, quinoa, black beans, chili-lime sweet potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, radish, goat cheese, cumin pumpkin seeds and chipotle vinaigrette. I can’t wait to give this a try!