Best of 17 salads in Oakland
In the vibrant city of Oakland, salads have become a popular culinary choice for health-conscious individuals and food enthusiasts alike. From farm-to-table eateries to food trucks, salads in Oakland are crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering a variety of flavors and textures that excite the palate. These nutritious bowls are not just a side dish, but a satisfying meal that nourishes both the body and the soul.
- 1. Baygreens Salads & More
- 2. Plenty
- 3. sweetgreen
- 4. Ladle & Leaf
- 5. Kitava
- 6. Lunch Box
- 7. Communitē Table
- 8. Me and Jungle Cafe
- 9. Southie
- 10. Planted Table: Plant Based Meals Delivered
- 11. Roasted and Raw
- 12. Wahpepah’s Kitchen
- 13. Primavera
- 14. understory oakland
- 15. Stay Gold Deli
- 16. MIXT
- 17. Mendo TO GO (Oakland)
1. Baygreens Salads & More
Eco-friendly packaging, Customizable salad options, In-house dressings

The salads offered are a highlight of the menu, with generous helpings of fresh greens and a variety of options to choose from. Each salad is made with care, ensuring that only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used. As a result, the salads have received high praise for their delightful and appetizing flavors.
In addition to the salads, the paninis also receive considerable acclaim for their taste. Like the salads, the paninis are made with fresh and delicious ingredients, resulting in a final product that is both satisfying and flavorful. The combination of these two offerings has made the menu a popular choice among those looking for a tasty and nutritious meal.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Plenty
Community-minded business with a focus on sustainability

The place I visited was wonderful, and I was particularly impressed with the food. My bowl was a standout, with layers of flavor that left me eager to try more of the menu.
I can't stop thinking about the salad I had. The combination of ingredients was truly exceptional, with a perfect balance of bitter, savory, and sweet flavors. The chef's skill in creating such a delicious dish was nothing short of artistic.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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3. sweetgreen
Commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, sourcing ingredients from local farmers

Sweetgreen is a restaurant that focuses on providing healthy salad options, with a variety of toppings to suit different tastes and dietary needs. They offer vegetarian and vegan choices, and their meals are reported to be delicious, made with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
I recently visited Sweetgreen to satisfy my craving for a salad. The restaurant offers pre-made salads from the menu, as well as the option to create your own. I opted for the BBQ chicken salad and found it to be quite enjoyable. The ingredients were fresh and the portion was enough to leave me satisfied.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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4. Ladle & Leaf
In addition to salads, they also serve hot soups and have a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

Ladle & Leaf offers a variety of salads and sandwiches, allowing customers the flexibility to choose half portions of any combination. The food is known for its freshness. However, there was an unpleasant experience with the salad.
Despite the decent soups and tasty sourdough slices, the reviewer advises against dining at Ladle & Leaf due to a personal illness incident after consuming a salad. Doubts about vegetable washing practices have been raised.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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5. Kitava
Emphasis on paleo and whole food ingredients

Healthy and delicious food can be found at Kitava, which offers the Power Bowl, a popular and nutritious choice. The Power Bowl is a great option for those looking for a tasty and wholesome meal. Kitava is known for its affordable and high-quality food, with bowls priced between $10-16. The restaurant is also very accommodating to different dietary needs, providing complete ingredient lists online for customers to review.
The Power Bowl is a customer favorite at Kitava, which takes pride in serving delicious and health-conscious meals. The restaurant is committed to providing affordable options, with bowls ranging from $10-16. In addition to their delicious food, Kitava also makes it easy for customers with dietary restrictions to make informed choices, as they provide complete ingredient lists online.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Lunch Box
Eco-friendly to-go packaging, supports local farmers

The Greek salad consisting of spinach and feta cheese is a notable option on the menu. A garlic olive spread is used on all sandwiches, adding great flavor to the bread, which is also delicious. The beef brisket is another excellent choice.
This menu has a wide range of offerings, encompassing not only exceptional salads like the Greek option, but also sandwiches and hot plates. The garlic olive spread enhances the taste of the sandwich bread, which is enjoyable in itself. Additionally, the beef brisket is a reputable choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Communitē Table
All dishes are made from scratch using locally sourced and organic ingredients

The restaurant offers a delicious special-grilled housemade link sandwich, which is sure to please. A standout dish is the kale salad, which is incredibly tasty and delicious. The meal can be topped off with a refreshing lemon bar that is made in-house and features a generous dollop of whipped cream. Overall, the food here is exceptional and well worth trying.
Some of the must-try menu items at this establishment include the kale salad, which is a customer favorite, as well as the delectable chocolate chip cookies. The goat cheese cake is another winning choice, offering a unique and delicious flavor that keeps customers coming back for more. The food here is not only delicious but also addictive, making it a top choice for those looking for a great meal.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
8. Me and Jungle Cafe
Uses organic and locally sourced ingredients

A small cafe located on Piedmont Street is known for its numerous vegan options. The menu includes offerings such as avocado toast, rice paper wraps with tofu, and salad bowls. The staff at the cafe are extremely friendly and there is a welcoming seating area filled with plants.
One of the standout dishes at the cafe is the avocado salad. The salad features fresh ingredients and is topped with a delicious dressing. It is a must-try for anyone visiting the establishment.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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9. Southie
Sustainable ingredients, community-focused, family-friendly

The fennel crusted seared ahi sandwich was a spectacular dish, along with the rich and creamy mushroom soup and the refreshing arugula and apples salad. The service during the lunchtime visit was commendable, with prompt and efficient service. The kitchen is open, providing a fun and engaging dining experience.
As for the tuna bahn mi, it was a delicious and satisfying option for lunch, served with a side of chips. The only drawback was the seating arrangement, as being shorter in stature made it slightly challenging to see over the counter. Overall, the meal was a delightful experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
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10. Planted Table: Plant Based Meals Delivered

TOPICS
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
11. Roasted and Raw
They also have a variety of raw and cooked vegan options, as well as smoothies and juices.

The Greek salad I tried was exceptional, with fresh ingredients and a well-balanced dressing. The salads at this establishment are consistently fresh and bursting with flavor. A notable example is the quinoa salad, which features a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
In both dishes, the quality of the ingredients is evident. The freshness enhances the flavors and creates a satisfying dining experience. The dressings, in particular, add depth to the salads without overpowering the individual components. This balance showcases the care taken in preparing each dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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12. Wahpepah’s Kitchen
showcases native american cuisine with a modern twist using local and organic ingredients

Wahpepah’s Kitchen is a restaurant known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers nutritious and flavorful options, with accommodations for food sensitivities such as gluten-free. The three sisters salad is a popular choice, featuring fresh and colorful ingredients that are both delicious and healthy. The wild rice horchata is another standout menu item, offering a unique and delightful taste.
In addition to the salad and drink, the wild rice amaranth awaamnaatei bar is a must-try for dessert. Wahpepah’s Kitchen also offers unique flavor profiles, including the sweet potato tostada and mushroom with pumpkin seed mole. The smoked salmon dip and venison steak are highly recommended, featuring well-seasoned meat and incredible berry sauce. Although the meatballs were slightly dry, the overall dining experience is exceptional, with sweet waitresses and mind-blowing dishes. The restaurant is a must-visit for those looking to support indigenous ways of eating and revitalization, with a convenient location near Fruitvale station.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan Options
13. Primavera
Primavera in Oakland uses organic and locally sourced produce to create their delicious salads.

The salads at this location are consistently fresh and full of flavor. One standout option is the mixed fruit salad, which offers a refreshing and sweet combination of ingredients. In addition to the salads, the Chicken Salad Sandwich is a popular choice. It is made with fresh chicken and served on delicious bread, making for a satisfying and tasty meal.
Whether you're in the mood for a light and refreshing salad or a hearty sandwich, this place has got you covered. The chicken salad sandwich is always made with high-quality ingredients and is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. Similarly, the mixed fruit salad is a reliable choice for those looking for something fresh and fruity. Both options are consistently well-prepared and offer a delicious range of flavors.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. understory oakland
Sustainable and socially responsible practices, community-focused

Understory Oakland is a restaurant that offers delicious and seasonal dishes, appealing to vegans and omnivores. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it suitable for various occasions, from catching up with friends to a romantic dinner. Popular dishes include the brunch sampler and chilaquiles, and the service is known to be super friendly. Vegan and vegetarian options are abundant, and the restaurant is considerate of food allergies.
The restaurant not only offers excellent food but also creates a positive and welcoming ambiance. Diners appreciate the fresh and flavorful salads, which contribute to the healthful and revitalizing experience. With a variety of options for vegans and vegetarians, Understory Oakland demonstrates sensitivity towards food allergies, making it a comfortable place for all. The exceptional quality of the food and the nurturing environment leaves a lasting, positive impression on patrons.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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15. Stay Gold Deli
Serves breakfast all day, caters to various dietary restrictions

The salad I tried alongside my BBQ plate was a refreshing and pleasant complement to the rich and heavy meats. The salad was crisp and fresh, providing a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of the BBQ.
The collard greens and salads at the establishment are known for being fresh and full of flavor. They make a great addition to the hearty BBQ options, providing a balance of tastes and textures. The combination of the rich, savory meats and the fresh, crisp salads creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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16. MIXT
Emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing

This location offers an extensive selection of salads and healthy options, including a particularly impressive fried cauliflower dish. This fried cauliflower stands out as one of the best cooked vegetable dishes I have ever tasted. The salads are not only flavorful and diverse but also generously portioned, ensuring a satisfying meal.
The salad menu is varied and features numerous succulent and tasty choices. Whether you prefer a predesigned salad or enjoy building your own using fresh ingredients, this place has you covered. The salads are not only flavorful but also generously portioned, ensuring a satisfying and healthy meal option.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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17. Mendo TO GO (Oakland)

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Hidden Gems