The Greek salad at Teddy's Bigger Burgers in Woodinville. Photo source.
It’s true -- sometimes a salad is worthy of a “treat yourself” moment. These international options are your best bet when you’re in need of an upgrade from your underwhelming, same-old-greens expectations.
Bai Tong Thai Street Cafe | 1121 E Pike St | 206-787-8448
Try the tropical Som Tum Papaya Salad (a blend of fresh green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, dried shrimp, and ground peanuts all tossed in a spicy lime dressing) or the Beef Salad (New York steak slices tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green onions, cilantro, greens, and chili-lime dressing). Bai Tong will even let you substitute chicken, pork, or tofu, or add some seafood goodness with prawns or squid.
Cedars Restaurant | Multiple locations
If you’re looking for a garden salad with a bit of fully-loaded flair, look no further than this Mediterranean salad packed with tomatoes, olives, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, cucumbers, feta cheese, and Mediterranean (or Ranch dressing) all tossed with fresh greens. Another light and refreshing option: the Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad.
Harried & Hungry | 1415 3rd Ave | 206-264-7900
Snag this Mediterranean option at Harried & Hungry’s downtown brick and mortar or order in for catering. Either way, you’ll get a handmade vegetarian and gluten-free mix of falafel, olives, feta, cucumber, tomato, tahini vinaigrette, and mixed greens (plus optional chicken for the carnivores). The catering bowl can be delivered in two group-friendly sizes -- small to feed up to 10, or large for up to 15 -- or your group can order individual servings as part of the box lunch program.
India Gate | 3080 148th Ave SE, Suite 102, Bellevue | 425-747-1075
Who knew getting back to basics could taste so good -- and it’s happening just across Lake Washington in Bellevue. Prep for your entree with a fresh green salad alongside your tandoori or chicken, lamb, seafood, or vegetarian curry dish.
La Isla | 2320 NW Market St | 206-789-0516
Can a salad contain alcohol? Yes, yes it can. The La Isla House Salad is a Puerto Rican feat: mixed organic spring greens, carrots, green onions, and mango bites tossed in an island rum dressing (or balsamic vinaigrette for the under 21 crowd). Other tantalizing salad options include the Ensalada de La Isla (greens, red peppers, balsamic vinaigrette, and your choice of an 8-ounce flat iron steak with feta and roasted shallots or an 8-oz blackened coho salmon fillet with mango pineapple salsa) and Aguacate y Gandules (romaine and spring mix, avocado, and a signature vinaigrette).
The Lodge Sports Grille | Multiple locations
Head to the Lodge Sports Grille nearest you and treat yourself to a cold pint with a caprese salad (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and optional chicken finished with an olive oil and balsamic reduction drizzle) or taco salad (chicken or ground beef on a bed of lettuce, fire roasted corn salsa, pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, and optional avocado tossed in house chipotle ranch dressing and served with tortilla chips).
Petra Cafe | 1933 7th Ave | 206-448-2604
Stop in to pick up lunch and choose from four Mediterranean salad bowls -- the lemon chicken salad, gyro salad, falafel salad, or Greek salad -- all served over mixed greens and finished with your choice of veggies, dressing, and toppings. (Hint: go ahead, take your salad to the next level… add some optional hummus!).
Teddy's Bigger Burgers | 17705 140th Ave NE, Woodinville | 425-408-1604
While Teddy’s is known for its juicy steak burgers, why not mix it up and order your patty atop one of its fresh salad options? The Greek salad is a blend of kalamata olives, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and Greek Feta Vinaigrette, and you can add a veggie/turkey/beef patty, grilled chicken, or crispy chicken. Don’t forget to order your favorite of 5 French fry styles on the side!
