Top 20 salads in Chicago
In the vibrant food scene of Chicago, salads have emerged as a popular and diverse culinary offering. Salads in Chicago are not just simple side dishes; they have become main attractions, bursting with flavors and textures that satisfy every palate. From farm-fresh vegetables to gourmet toppings, these salads showcase the city's commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, making them a must-try for any food enthusiast.
- 1. sweetgreen
- 2. Just Salad
- 3. Salad House
- 4. Mixed Greens
- 5. Just Salad
- 6. Chicken Works & Salad Company
- 7. Just Salad
- 8. sweetgreen
- 9. sweetgreen
- 10. sweetgreen
- 11. Just Salad
- 12. Just Salad
- 13. sweetgreen
- 14. Salad Club
- 15. Gordon Ramsay Burger
- 16. Roti Mediterranean Bowls. Salads. Pitas.
- 17. sweetgreen
- 18. sweetgreen
- 19. sweetgreen
- 20. Salads UP
1. sweetgreen
Seasonal menus, sustainable sourcing, and digital ordering

Salads are a popular menu option, often offering customers the ability to customize with a variety of ingredients. However, there have been some complaints about the amount of chicken in certain salads. Despite this issue, the salads are generally regarded as fresh and full of flavor.
The salads and bowls offered are both delicious and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They feature a vibrant array of vegetables, adding both color and taste to each dish. One standout aspect of these salads is the dressing, which has been praised for its taste and complementing the other ingredients well.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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2. Just Salad
Commitment to sustainability with reusable bowls and packaging

This establishment prides itself on freshness, with made-to-order dishes and an emphasis on salads that are a standout. The atmosphere is enjoyable and the space is kept immaculate, making it an ideal spot for a meal.
As a vegetarian, I find the restaurant to be a convenient and tasty lunch option when I'm working in the downtown area. The menu is extensive, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences. The food is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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3. Salad House
Vegan and gluten-free options available, catering service provided

Salad House is a well-loved restaurant in the Lakeview neighborhood, known for its delicious and healthy meal options. The restaurant has gained a strong reputation, with creative dressings and an unbelievable variety of fresh ingredients that attract many customers. One particularly popular dressing is the avocado dill option. A favorite of many is the Santa Fe salad, which allows customers to choose their preferred leafy base.
As a neighborhood staple, Salad House provides excellent delivery and pickup services for those who want a quick, healthy bite. The salads are generous in size, making for a satisfying meal. Customers appreciate the convenience of these options, making Salad House a popular choice for a quick, nutritious meal, whether dining in or ordering out.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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4. Mixed Greens
Uses sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, located in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood.

This establishment offers delicious, fresh salads, as well as paninis and pizza. The Parlez Vous Francais salad is a popular signature option, made with fresh baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts, topped with vinaigrette. The line to order may look long, but it moves quickly. For a reasonable price, you will receive a generous portion of salad and have the option of a side of white or wheat pita bread.
The salads here are made with fresh, garden-quality ingredients and prepared quickly. The Parlez Vous Francais salad is a standout choice, featuring a refreshing combination of baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch or a light meal, this place has got you covered. The optional pita bread is a nice addition to the salad, providing a contrasting texture and an extra element of satisfaction to your dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Just Salad
Sustainable practices, In-house meal prep, Chopped salad expertise

The salads at this establishment always deliver a satisfying experience. The chicken Caesar salad, in particular, was a pleasant surprise during my recent lunch visit. The staff members, Keenan and Jessica, were especially commendable for their exceptional customer service.
In terms of food quality, the salads consistently stand out. For instance, the chicken Caesar salad was a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and flavors. As for the service, Keenan and Jessica went above and beyond to ensure a positive dining experience. Their friendly demeanor and helpfulness contributed significantly to the overall satisfaction of my visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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6. Chicken Works & Salad Company
All natural, hormone-free chicken, homemade dressings, and gluten-free options

Chicken Works & Salad Company is a locally owned restaurant that offers fresh and high-quality food. The salad bar is filled with various types of lettuce, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and dressing options. The chicken is a highlight, being marinated overnight and slow-cooked over an open flame. Other options include soups, sides, and seafood. The prices are also very reasonable, with salads at $5.50 per pound.
The restaurant is located on Irving Park with two entrances, one on Irving and the other on Elston. The interior is industrial-looking, with piles of flame-broiled chicken and a well-stocked salad bar. The chicken is pre-sliced and available on the bar, along with crab and shrimp. The restaurant also offers whole chickens, halves, and quarters for customers to take home. Despite the affordable prices, the quality of the food is not compromised, making it an excellent option for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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7. Just Salad
Sustainable meals, Mason jar salads for on-the-go, Emphasis on locally sourced ingredients

Just Salad's avocado toast is simply excellent and the best I've ever tasted. I've tried many avocado toasts before, being a fan of this popular dish, and theirs stands out. The assortment of salads at Just Salad are freshly made upon ordering, offering various options and dressings. You can even choose to have your salad as a wrap in a variety of shells.
Being a basic avocado toast lover, I can confidently say that Just Salad's version is the best I've had. With a wide range of salad options that are prepared right in front of you, you can customize your meal to your liking, even having it wrapped in a shell of your choice. The quality of their ingredients and the taste of their dishes make Just Salad an excellent choice for fresh and healthy meals.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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8. sweetgreen
Outdoor seating, sustainable sourcing, and app-based ordering

Salads are a popular menu item, known for their large portions and customizable options. They cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free choices. The ingredients used in these salads are always fresh and delicious, making them a tasty and healthy option.
Customers rave about the food's freshness and delicious flavors. The generous portions ensure that customers leave feeling full and satisfied. Overall, the customer experience is positive, with many praising the quality of the food and the accommodating staff. The food's healthy reputation is an added bonus, making salads a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. sweetgreen
Sustainable, healthy, fast-casual dining experience

Tasty and nutritious bowls and salads are available, featuring seasonal ingredients that change periodically. The fall salad selection includes two new options, and the chicken and Brussels sprouts salad is a standout. All ingredients in the salad are fresh and full of flavor.
In my experience, the chicken and Brussels sprouts salad is a delicious choice. The chicken is well-cooked and tender, while the Brussels sprouts are fresh and crisp. Overall, the combination of ingredients in the salad creates a fantastic taste experience.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. sweetgreen
Eco-friendly packaging, seasonal menu items, mobile ordering available

I have frequently visited this establishment, but a particular employee's unpleasant demeanor is causing me to reconsider my patronage. This individual fails to change gloves and consistently omits at least one ingredient, even after I have requested its inclusion. I hesitate to bring up the issue again, as I was charged for the salad last time, even though it is advertised as included in the price.
The food served at this establishment is generally described as fresh, delicious, healthy, and high-quality. However, there have been some complaints about the food being overly salty or tasting frozen. Despite these occasional issues, the overall reputation of the food remains positive.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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11. Just Salad

TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Just Salad

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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13. sweetgreen
Emphasizes sustainability, seasonality, and health

The author recently visited a salad restaurant at the recommendation of their daughter and found the experience to be quite enjoyable. The salad they ordered, the chicken avocado ranch salad, was particularly delightful, with a satisfying combination of ingredients.
The author also expressed their appreciation for the crispy rice offered on the menu, having visited the restaurant twice in two days during a local stay. Overall, the food at this restaurant was described as delicious and worth returning for.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Salad Club

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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15. Gordon Ramsay Burger
Celebrity chef, hip atmosphere, and high-quality ingredients.

I had a disappointing experience at this restaurant. The French fries were not salted, and my $18 salad was drenched in ranch dressing, making it unappetizing. The waiter cleared my plate without asking if there was a problem, which was unsatisfactory. My girlfriend and I visited the restaurant for the first time, and our server, Stephanie, was not helpful when I requested to customize my order. I had to change my order due to Stephanie's attitude, and the food we received was not hot, although the street corn dip was delicious. The server did not check on our food or ask about our experience until we were ready to leave, and overall, the service was disappointing.
Visiting this restaurant for the first time was a letdown. The food took a while to arrive, and our server, Stephanie, was not accommodating when I asked to swap mushrooms for onions in my forest burger. The server's comment, "That defeats the point of the burger," made me feel uncomfortable, and I had to choose a different dish. Although the street corn dip was tasty, our food was not hot when it arrived. The server did not address the issue, and we were not asked about our experience until we were leaving. It was unfortunate that we did not receive good service, given the restaurant's reputation and the delicious street corn dip we tried.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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16. Roti Mediterranean Bowls. Salads. Pitas.
Customizable bowls and pitas, Local and organic ingredients, Dressings made in-house

The chicken dish was a clear standout, with its seasoned batter providing a delicious flavor. The meal also featured picked onions and olives, adding an extra layer of taste. The presentation of the meal was impressive, making it even more enjoyable to eat.
The use of fresh ingredients ensured that every bite tasted great. It was clear that the ingredients were of high quality, resulting in a meal that was not only delicious but also healthy. Overall, the portion size was generous, providing a satisfying and filling dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
17. sweetgreen
Eco-friendly to-go containers, Seasonal menu changes, Dietary restriction options

One of my favorite places to go for a nutritious and fresh salad is a local restaurant known for its high-quality ingredients and excellent service. They operate late into the evening, providing a healthy option for those who want a light meal.
The salads offered at this establishment are not only fresh but also fulfilling and hearty. Customers have the choice of creating their own salad or trying one of the seasonal bowls, which come with a variety of dressings made in-house daily.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
18. sweetgreen
Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Seasonal menus, Collaboration with local farmers and producers

The Guacamole Greens salad at this location is a standout option, featuring fresh ingredients that come together to create a delightful flavor. This establishment is known for its salads, which consistently arrive fresh and packed with a variety of ingredients, ensuring a delicious dining experience.
In particular, the Guacamole Greens salad is a customer favorite, with its combination of fresh ingredients and great taste. The restaurant offers a wide variety of ingredients for their salads, allowing for a customizable and enjoyable dining experience. Whether it's the fresh ingredients or the delicious taste, the salads at this establishment are sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
19. sweetgreen
Sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, and digital ordering

The food offered at the establishment is generally delicious and satisfying. The salads, in particular, stand out for their taste and generous portion sizes. However, the service provided during the dining experience has been less than satisfactory.
Despite the positive comments regarding the salad's flavor and size, there have been some issues with the presentation and completeness of the dishes. Some customers have reported receiving salads that were poorly put together or missing key ingredients. Additionally, some diners have expressed concern about the high cost of the salads, despite their quality.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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20. Salads UP

TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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