San Antonio's culinary scene is booming, and it's not just about Tex-Mex! The city boasts a vibrant salad scene, offering everything from classic Caesar to innovative creations. This guide dives into the best salads in San Antonio, highlighting 20 must-try options for every taste and preference. Whether you're a health-conscious eater or simply appreciate a delicious, refreshing meal, this list has something for you. We’ll explore diverse offerings, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, ensuring you find your new favorite salad spot.
Upscale Salads: Elegance and Innovation
These establishments offer sophisticated salads with high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
1. Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood: The Wedge Salad
Bohanan's isn't just about prime steaks; their wedge salad is a masterpiece. Crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, bacon, and cherry tomatoes create a classic yet elevated experience. The quality of the ingredients shines through, making it a truly special salad.
2. Bliss: The Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Bliss, known for its upscale ambiance and seasonal menu, often features a grilled peach and burrata salad. The sweet grilled peaches pair perfectly with the creamy burrata, while a light vinaigrette adds a touch of acidity. This salad is a testament to simple ingredients, expertly combined.
3. Cured: The Charred Octopus Salad
Cured's innovative menu consistently features interesting salads. Their charred octopus salad is a standout, showcasing tender octopus with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing. The sophisticated flavors and beautiful presentation make it a memorable dining experience.
Casual Cool: Delicious and Affordable Salads
For those seeking delicious salads without the upscale price tag, these options deliver.
4. The Original Donut Shop: The Chicken Salad Sandwich (Salad Style!)
While not strictly a salad, The Original Donut Shop’s famous chicken salad can easily be enjoyed as a salad. Simply ask for it on a bed of lettuce instead of bread! This creamy, flavorful chicken salad is a San Antonio classic.
5. Rosario's Mexican Cafe y Cantina: The Taco Salad
Rosario's offers a hearty and satisfying taco salad brimming with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and their signature creamy dressing. It's a delicious and affordable option for a casual meal.
6. Schilo's: A Simple Green Salad (with a Twist)
Schilo's, a San Antonio institution, offers a simple green salad that's anything but ordinary. Their house dressing, and the option to add grilled chicken or shrimp, elevates this classic to new heights.
7. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: The Avocado Toast Salad
Snooze's creative brunch menu includes a unique avocado toast salad. The creamy avocado is combined with fresh greens, other healthy ingredients, and a delightful dressing. A great option for a light lunch or brunch.
Healthy & Hearty: Salads Packed with Nutrients
These restaurants prioritize fresh, healthy ingredients, creating salads that are both nutritious and delicious.
8. Flower Child: Almost any salad on their menu!
Flower Child is a haven for health-conscious eaters. Their menu features a wide array of salads, all packed with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and flavorful dressings. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose!
9. Supper: The Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Supper's kale salad with roasted sweet potatoes is a crowd-pleaser, combining the bitterness of kale with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. The addition of toasted nuts and seeds provides a satisfying crunch.
10. The Green Vegetarian Cuisine: Various Vegetarian Salads
The Green Vegetarian Cuisine offers a wide selection of inventive and delicious vegetarian salads. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative combinations.
11. Cafe Bourbon Street: The Grilled Chicken Salad
Cafe Bourbon Street’s grilled chicken salad is a solid choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, and a variety of vegetables make this a well-rounded option.
International Flavors: Salads with a Global Twist
San Antonio’s diverse population is reflected in its food scene, including these unique salad options.
12. Biga on the Banks: The Mediterranean Salad
Biga on the Banks’ Mediterranean salad showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean with olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and flavorful option.
13. Paesanos: The Italian Chopped Salad
Paesanos, known for its Italian cuisine, offers a classic Italian chopped salad. This vibrant salad features a mix of fresh vegetables, salami, provolone, and a zesty dressing.
14. Dorrego's: Various Argentinian Salads
Dorrego's Argentinian cuisine often incorporates creative salads into their menu. Check their current offerings for unique and flavorful salad options.
15. Thai-Tanic: The Thai Beef Salad
Thai-Tanic offers a spicy and flavorful Thai beef salad with tender beef, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. It's a great option for those who like a little heat in their salad.
Unique & Unexpected: Salads That Stand Out
These salads offer innovative combinations and memorable dining experiences.
16. Frederick's Restaurant: The Beet Salad
Frederick's offers a unique beet salad, showcasing roasted beets with creamy goat cheese and candied pecans. The sweetness of the beets and pecans pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese.
17. The Esquire Tavern: The Shrimp & Avocado Salad
The Esquire Tavern, a historic San Antonio landmark, offers a sophisticated shrimp and avocado salad. The combination of fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and a light dressing is a delight.
18. Boudro's: The Grilled Swordfish Salad
Boudro's offers a delicious grilled swordfish salad, highlighting fresh seafood with a variety of vibrant vegetables.
19. Grey Moss Inn: Seasonal Salads (Check their menu)
Grey Moss Inn’s menu changes seasonally, often featuring unique and inventive salads that use fresh, local ingredients. Their creative salads are always worth trying!
20. Hotel Emma: The Farmer's Market Salad
Hotel Emma's commitment to local ingredients shines through in their farmer's market salad. This salad features seasonal vegetables, herbs, and a simple yet flavorful dressing.
Finding Your Perfect San Antonio Salad
This list offers a starting point for your salad adventures in San Antonio. Remember to check restaurant menus for current offerings and seasonal variations. Each establishment offers a unique take on this classic dish. Happy salad hunting! Let us know your favorite San Antonio salad in the comments below!
