The 15 most incredible meat-lover’s salads in Charlotte, ranked
The thought of eating one of those pathetic salads that simply contains lettuce, a few garnishes and zero substance is underwhelming. On the other hand, a salad consisting of lettuce with a plethora of meat piques my interest. In some salad cases, it may even seem that you have ordered some meat garnished with a little bit of lettuce. This is the ideal situation in my book. Thankfully, Charlotte has plenty of salad options for fellow meat-lovers.
Below is a ranked list of 15 of the most remarkable meat-lover’s salads in Charlotte.
(15) Gold and Red Beet with Arugula topped with Salmon at Kid Cashew
1608 East Blvd.
What’s on it: Arugula, beets, roasted pistachios, whipped goat cheese, extra virgin olive oil and vinegar with Scottish salmon
Price: $15.95
Tip: Order one of the spreads ($5.95) served with pita to share with the table. You can also order this salad for $9.95 without a protein or add the leg of lamb for $5, shrimp for $5, or chicken for $4.
(14) Angel Fire Cobb at Moo & Brew
1300 Central Ave.
What’s on it: Field greens, black beans, pepper jack, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, roasted red peppers and croutons topped with chicken, turkey, angus or veggie patty for $3 or bison, salmon or grass fed patty for $5. I have not had the veggie patty yet but you cannot go wrong here.
Price: $8 + protein
Tip: Get a starter or some fries to share with the table. It is necessary when they are that good.
(13) Southwestern Chopped at Leroy Fox
What’s on it: Grilled blackened shrimp, romaine, black bean corn salsa, red onion, cilantro, tortilla strips, chopped & tossed in pineapple sriracha.
Price: $14
Tip: The other salads at Leroy Fox are great too, but this one’s combo of ingredients is my favorite. It’s always crunchy with salty elements and a touch of sweet.
(12) Grilled Hanger Steak Salad at Napa on Providence
110 Perrin Place
What’s on it: spinach, grape tomatoes, red radish, gorgonzola, charred corn, honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Price: $17
Tip: If you want more food to enjoy or a drink, go to Napa Time Happy Hour on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., which has select $5 wine pours, $6 cocktails and great snacks and shareables for $7 each.
(11) The Athlete/The Health Nut at the Mayobird
1531 East Blvd
What’s on it: lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers with choice of one chicken salad scoop for the Health Nut and choice of two chicken salad scoops for the Athlete.
Price: $11.95 (Athlete) $8.95 (Health Nut)
Tip: Try the Mayobird of the Month and if you are not as hungry, try the Health Nut, which is your choice of one chicken salad scoop over the house salad for $8.95.
(10) Lamb and Chicken combo over lettuce at Mi Barrio’s Halal Cart
101 N Tryon St.
What’s on it: Lettuce, tomatoes, lamb, chicken, white sauce and spicy sauce
Price: $6
Tip: Make sure to bring cash and a big appetite. Also, for sure say yes to the sauces!
(9) Chopped Salad with Salmon at Mama Ricotta’s
601 S Kings Dr.
What’s on it: Gorgonzola cheese, romaine lettuce, kale, walnuts, diced Roma tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, pepperoncini, garbanzo beans and carrots tossed in a light Balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Price: $13, $17
Tip: This place is comfort, so work your way through the other menu items at some point too. The Chopped Salad is $6 for a small, $10 for a full by itself. You can also add chicken ($3), shrimp ($6) or salmon ($7).
(8) Spicy Ahi Tuna Bowl at Hi Tide Poke & Raw Bar
919 S McDowell St.
What’s on it: Make sure to say you want the kale salad as your base if you want your bowl in salad form. The Spicy Ahi Tuna Bowl also has pickled red onion, wasabi peas, carrots, mango, tomato, limu/ogo, sweet corn, creamy togarashi sauce and unagi sauce.
Price: Regular $8.95; large $12.95
Tip: Building your own bowl is the perfect choice if you want a different combo of toppings and/or a different protein. They have crispy tofu, salmon, shrimp, wagyu beef and Hamachi.
(7) Blue Burger Salad at Kickstand
1101 Central Ave.
What’s on it: Crisp greens, corn relish, red onions, bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped walnuts, topped with a burger, melted gorgonzola and blue cheese vinaigrette.
Price: $10.95
Tip: If you are extra hungry add a whole second burger for $3.50 and try their alternative dressing options.
(6) Taco Salad with Chorizo Sausage at Sabor
What’s on it: tortilla bowl filled with your choice of protein, your choice of refried or black beans, your choice of Mexican rice or quinoa-brown rice, lettuce, cotija cheese, queso, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Price: $7.95 (with chorizo)
Tip: Try ordering this salad with the other protein options as well or Build Your Own Bowl for $7.95. You can order the Taco Salad with ground beef, shredded chicken or grilled chicken included in the price or add grilled steak, chorizo or al pastor pork for an additional $1, or grilled tilapia or grilled shrimp for an extra $2. Add guacamole for $1 and make sure to hit up the salsa bar for salsa to top off your salad.
(5) Limena Chopped Salad with Pulled Rotisserie Chicken at Viva Chicken
Multiple locations in Charlotte
What’s on it: kale romaine mix, solterito (peruvian corn, edamame, queso fresco), jalapeño bacon, crispy chickpeas, aji amarillo ranch dressing with pulled rotisserie chicken.
Price: $6.95 + chicken ($2.45)
Tip: Grab all their sauces even though you ordered a salad. The portion is huge but it is so delicious, it is almost impossible to stop eating.
(4) Popcorn Chicken Salad at Pinky’s
1600 W Morehead St
What’s on it: Grilled or FRIED white meat chicken chunks on a bed of mixed greens, cheddar cheese, red onion, tomato and fried onion rings.
Price: $8.75
Tip: Even if you are not much of a fried chicken person, try it at least once. If for some reason you are not in the mood for meat but are feeling a salad, order the Tahini Salad ($7.50.)
(3) Italian Chopped Salad at Inizio
What’s on it: Romaine and arugula blend, salami, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, Kalamata olives, croutons, shaved parmesan, house vinaigrette.
Price: $10
Tip: Enjoy this hearty salad in Inizio’s outdoor area.
(2) Midwood Chopped Salad with Chopped Pork at Midwood Smokehouse
Multiple locations in Charlotte
What’s on it: Romaine, smoked corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, carrots, cucumbers and shredded cheddar. Tossed with your choice of dressing. I always get the honey mustard and add chopped pork.
Price: Large: $12; small: $9
Tip: This salad base can be served alone ($5 small, $8 large) or topped with chicken BBQ ($3), smoked salmon ($5) or beef brisket($5). Do yourself a favor and get the large.
(1) Yafo Shawarma Salad/Build Your Own Salad at YAFO Kitchen
2 locations in Charlotte (Dilworth coming soon)
What’s on it: Add everything you are in the mood for to your salad. I mix up the ingredients, ordering the least amount of toppings when I call in my order, but go crazy. You will not regret it. I typically get romaine as the base, shawarma chicken, babaganoush, tzatziki, purple cabbage, cucumber and tomato salad, onions, olives, pickled cucumber, tabbouleh, beets and the roasted Brussels sprouts. I will start with the Shawarma Salad and add all my toppings or say I am building my own. Both options get you a beautiful result.
Price: $12.80 for this specific combo but pricing varies with your protein choice. Try the falafel ($2), beef kofta ($3), Baharat spiced beef and pine nuts ($3), roasted mixed mushrooms ($2), eggplant ($2) or the rotisserie lamb ($4).
Tip: Load up with all of your favorite toppings and ask for a side of every single sauce. Do it.
Did I miss any favorites? If you would like to share your go-to meat-lover’s salads, we would love to hear from you in the comments below.
This story was originally published August 29, 2018 at 2:00 AM.