By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | April 1, 2025 | Food & Drink,
Who said salad was boring? A bed of greens is just the foundation for a flavor adventure, and many culinary cultures fit into this healthy and hearty menu standard.
See also: The 10 Best Brunch Spots In San Francisco
Whether you’re looking for something completely plant-based or a protein-heavy bowl, these salad spots across the city are serving some seriously delicious and filling delights. These are the best salad menus across the city, perfect for a refreshing lunch or feel-good dinner, before or after a trip to the gym or a hike.
With three locations in Cole Valley, the Marina District and Russian Hill, Blue Barn is serving nutritionally dense food packed with fresh ingredients to mindful eaters across the city. The menu is robust with sandwiches, tacos, burgers, soups and kid specialties, but of course the salads take center stage. Packed with flavors, you can make your own salad or choose a delightful specialty like the Casbah salad with arugula, roasted beets, pickled onion, couscous and more. The Thai chicken salad, spicy tuna and cobber salad are great if you're looking for something hearty, and the kale Caesar is a must-try. Various Locations.
A premier destination for plant-based food, Wildseed elevates its vegan ingredients to excellent culinary heights. From pizza to burgers, curries and paella, there is plenty to enjoy, but the salad menu is as adventurous as the rest of the plates. The little gem salad is a favorite with coconut parmesan, pistachios, fried capers, radishes, herbs and green goddess vinaigrette; but the ensalada Andalusia is also unique with butter lettuce, chicories, toasted almonds, coconut bacon, cashew smokey goo-dah cheese, sweety drop peppers, smoked paprika, agave and sherry vinaigrette. Feeling something with more umami? Try the poke salad with seaweed, macadamia nuts, roasted beets and more dressed with sesame and ginger vinaigrette. 2000 Union St.
Saucy Greens calls itself "the not-ordinary salad shop of California." These salads are truly hearty meals, whether it's the grilled chicken made with roasted organic chicken thighs and roasted veggies or the Butcher's meatball salad with roasted ground lamb and beef shoulder balls, chickpeas, roasted red peppers and onions and homemade seasonal pickled vegetables. There are also hearty red lentil salads and falafel salads for those looking to go completely plant-based. You can even order half-and-half salads with your own customizable sides and sauces. 1096 Union St.
Huge portions and healthy, homemade ingredients. That's what the good folks of Mezzo promise customers, and with more than 40 years of success behind them, you can trust they deliver on that promise. Lots of folks on the peninsula make the trek across the Bay Bridge to sample these delicious wares. All salads on the menu are made with fresh mix lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, cucumber and croutons and come served with fresh fruit and honey wheat baguette. Dress yours with poppyseed, herb vinaigrette, green goddess or blue cheese dressing, and trick it out with sprouts and tomatoes, a veggie medley, your choice of protein and more. 2442 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley
Looking for more of our favorite food? Check out our list of the best brunch spots in San Francisco.
Photography by: Getty