Six salads that make my dreams come true, ranked
What is your vision of the perfect salad? My latest vision is pictured above: A masterpiece by Laughing Seed Cafe in Asheville.
But here in Charlotte, Luna’s Living Kitchen is right on the same track. Though the restaurant owner, Juliana Luna, could not immediately be reached for a comment about my very important salad inquiry, her website states the belief of Luna and her team that “health, beauty and art can be served on a plate.”
I agree. When it comes to my favorite food category, salad (I know, just give me a second), I dream of a vegetarian jungle of bright colors, dashes of flavor and lush density.
Luckily, there are at least six salads that make my dreams come true. I have ranked them for your convenience. Let’s start with my favorite.
(1) Rawco Taco Salad at Luna’s Living Kitchen in South End.
Winning factors: Hot sauce, “meaty” walnut crumbles and cashew cream.
Tip: Order extra hot sauce for that fiery kick you crave.
In my way to my favorite meal of the day: rawcotaco !
A post shared by Living Kitchen (@living_kitchen) on Aug 5, 2013 at 2:36pm PDT
(2) Tahini salad from Pinky’s Westside Grill in West End.
Winning factors: The four falafel cakes, “zesty” tahini dressing and toasted sesame seeds.
Tip: Don’t let the casual vibe and funky decor fool you into thinking they don’t take their drinks seriously. I had a delectable vinho verde here and have been eyeing crazy drinks on the cocktail menu like the Squirrley Temple and Unicorn Tears.
Eating classy tonight in CLT #pinkys
A photo posted by Marissa Lupkas (@rissabug) on Sep 5, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT
(3) Harvest salad from Earl’s Grocery in Elizabeth.
Winning factors: Smoked farro, roasted butternut squash and currants.
Tip: Snag a ginger kombucha from the cooler for a tangy fizz — perfect with the sweet currants.
(4) Hummus Frummus salad at Zada Jane’s in Plaza Midwood.
Winning factors: This one time, they accidentally gave me two cups of hummus rather than one of hummus and one of tabbouleh. I was ecstatic. But the tabbouleh and pita wedges are exciting, too.
Tip: Order a plain cup o’ joe and get free refills.
(5) Tuscan salad at Mama Ricotta’s on South Kings Drive.
Winning factors: Fresh mozzarella, Kalamata olives and a splish-splash of balsamic vinegar.
Tip: You’re going to have to counteract those leafy greens with a heap of nutella pie.
(6) Chopped salad from Paco’s Tacos and Tequila in SouthPark.
Winning factors: Jicama, chipotle ranch dressing and queso fresco.
Tip: You should probably get some guac, salsa and tequila while you’re at it. Go for the Margarita with No Name.
Perfect end to a productive Monday. #pacos #margarita #guac #monday #foodie A photo posted by { s o c i a l } k a t (@socialkat) on May 11, 2015 at 3:32pm PDT
Photos by Katie Toussaint.
Katie Toussaint is eternally on a quest for The Perfect Salad. In between eating sessions, she edits for CharlotteFive and community news at the Charlotte Observer. Follow her on Twitter @katietoussaint.
This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Six salads that make my dreams come true, ranked."