<\/a>The Monte Vista pizzeria revels in simple pleasures. The arugula has some chomp from spiced almonds; the chopped sneaks in white beans; and the Caesar knows its essence is a flurry of Parm and a catch of white anchovies. Go during happy hour and pair it with garlic knots and a $6 dirty martini. Girl dinner, meet the late power lunch.<\/p>\n
Down on Grayson Fife & Farro First Course Salad Kitchen The Hayden
<\/a>Known for its beefy burgers, this near-Pearl staple can also toss up serious salad. There are the American staples: a wedge festooned with crumbled bacon and a cobb served with garlic bread. But go off map to try a Thai steak bowl loaded with pancit noodles and mango or Scottish salmon tossed with arugula and honey jalape\u00f1o dressing. Who says you can\u2019t eat all of them with fries?<\/p>\n
<\/a>This Italian joint\u2019s secret weapon is a monumental Caesar salad so abundant with parmesan cheese, it looks like the Swiss Alps. Red onion adds a little bite to the umami-rich dressing, but it\u2019s a cult favorite for the crunch \u2014 zippy shards of sourdough that could survive an afternoon torrent. Yes, that\u2019s a lot of carbs, but we won\u2019t judge you for pairing it with a warm slab of focaccia slathered with garlic butter.<\/p>\n![\"First](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/first-course-salad-kitchen.jpg\")
<\/a>Sometimes the only way to sate your salad cravings is to build your own. After building a base of quinoa or four types of greens, the fun begins. Throw on some Fresno peppers; sprinkle with dried cranberries; wallop the whole thing with sunflower seeds. Opt for a protein (steak, salmon, chicken, bacon, tofu, or hummus), then mull over a creative array of dressings. There are classic favorites such as Caesar and balsamic vinaigrette and some combos that might have Kraft clutching its pearls: saffron mayo, chipotle ranch, lemon tahini, hoisin barbecue, and more.<\/p>\n
<\/a>We don\u2019t know if Elaine’s Big Salad is a nod to Seinfeld or tribute to one of Manhattan\u2019s most famous restaurateurs, but Benes or Kaufman, this Elaine knows what\u2019s up. Mixed greens get a helping of protein from a layer of bacon and egg and customizable add-ons like a salmon filet or vegan chicken. Less maximalist palates can dive into the Keep It Simple, a straightforward mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, radish, cucumbers, and a sprightly soy-citrus dressing.<\/p>\n