LET’S GO SOMEPLACE FOR BIG SALADS

By Kathleen Mest

Spring is upon us, with hopefully some more rain, lush greenery, flowery flora and fresh produce. As the days warm up, I start getting in the mood for a big salad. I’m talking about a salad with a tasty dressing and lots of STUFF that will fill me up.

In the process of this salad journey, I may have made my daughter a salad lover which I am absolutely happy about. And while salads are not typically what I am drawn to when I peruse a menu, this research has definitely caused me to give the salad section a second look.

Mango Avocado Salad

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine | 4140 Atlantic Ave, 90807 and 2030 E 4th St, 90814 | @ilovelolas

Since 2007, Lola’s has made their Mexican food from scratch starting from the complimentary chips and addictive green sauce, to the pistachio vinaigrette on my Mango Avocado Salad.

Delicate butter lettuce leaves provide the base for avocado, mango, pistachios, bacon, asparagus, red onion, pico de gallo, queso fresco, and add-on options of grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Tossed with just the right amount of dressing, the result delivers a variety of textures and flavors in each bite - the toasty crunch of the pistachios, the smoky flavor of bacon, and the sweetness of mangoes. I enjoyed my salad with deliciously seasoned grilled shrimp.

I love supporting local businesses that also support their community. Lola’s has been a consistent community advocate: donating food, hosting neighborhood events and partnering with small businesses in both Retro Row and Bixby Knolls locations.

Loch Duart Scottish Salmon Salad

The Crooked Duck | 5096 E Pacific Coast Highway, 90804 | @thecrookedduck

“Loch Duart Scottish Salmon Salad, ask your server for details.” When I saw it on the menu, I definitely had questions.

What is this salad? The base changes on a weekly basis; yes, this is an ever-changing salad. Mine was tossed romaine lettuce with caesar dressing topped with house-made croutons, and a very generous portion of blackened Scottish salmon garnished with mango salsa.

What is Loch Duart Scottish salmon? Loch Duart Salmon are grown in Northwest Scotland and are bred from the world’s last remaining 100% Scottish Broodstock. This salmon definitely comes with an impressive resumé of awards and designations. But most importantly, it has a moist, mild-flavored, buttery texture that was perfectly cooked on my salad. I would eat this salmon on any salad.

Greek Salad

John’s Hamburgers | 6223 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90808 | @johnshamburgers.lb

I love gyros. And for me, the only way it could be any better is on a salad.

Family-operated since 1976, John’s serves up some tasty comfort foods. Skip the long drive-thru line and place your order inside: Greek salad and add-on gyro meat. This salad comes with generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese hiding under the meat, pepperoncinis, cucumber, tomato, green bell peppers, red onions, and kalamata olives on the side. And all this, served on a bed of mixed greens. Next, drizzle their house-made balsamic vinaigrette over everything. For some fried deliciousness, order a side of my favorite zucchini sticks and you have surpassed your vegetable requirements for the day.

Harvest Bowl

Noble Rotisserie | 2nd and PCH, 6460 E Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 125, 90803 | @noblerotisserie

I cannot wait to eat this salad again. Served warm and tossed with an herb vinaigrette, this salad includes: avocado, grains, lentils, chickpeas, celery, carrots, onion, arugula, red cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, green onion, and pepitas. This herbaceous, aromatic bowl with so many textures and fresh goodness in each bite, is enough for two to enjoy. I added their namesake chicken to mine and steak is also available.

Born out of necessity due to life threatening food allergies in her children, Long Beach local, owner Sidney created a restaurant that is entirely dairy-free, tree-nut free and peanut free. And in their desire for food transparency, they choose chicken that is sustainably-sourced and raised on pasture with zero hormones, steroids or antibiotics.

Shrimp & Lotus Salad

Benley Vietnamese Kitchen | 8191 E Wardlow Rd, 90808 | @benleyvietnamesekitchen

Located in a strip mall on the East edge of Long Beach, Benley is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine from family recipes since 2005. Starting from my first visit years ago, one of the items I always order is their Shrimp & Lotus Salad.

Beautifully presented, this salad has fresh herbs, lotus stems (stem/root from a lotus flower), pickled vegetables, fried shallots, garlic, and shrimp in a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. It’s refreshing and savory with tons of flavor and a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Grilled Fajita Salad

Baja Sonora | 2940 Clark Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815 | @baja.sonora

An avid community supporter, it’s not surprising that the first time I tried Baja Sonora’s salad was at a school fundraiser that the restaurant was hosting. Established in 1998, they have been serving generous portions at a good value, while donating to our Long Beach community and beyond, for many years.

If a fajita and a salad had a baby… it would be the Grilled Fajita Salad. Served warm, you won’t even know you’re eating a salad. It has large dollops of guacamole and sour cream, shredded cheese, grilled onions and bell peppers, both fresh and cooked tomatoes, and your choice of grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or shrimp, all served on a bed of lettuce creating one tasty meal. To drink, I ordered an Orange Bang, one of my guilty pleasures. And if getting guacamole without an extra charge isn’t enough, there is a complimentary self-serve salsa bar with warm tostada chips!

Kale Quinoa Salad

Naples Rib Company | 5800 2nd St, 90803 | @naplesribcompany

As one of the publisher’s wife’s favorite salads, I had to try it. But before I discuss the salad, I must note how this dining experience starts and ends. It starts with each person receiving their own complimentary warm, fluffy individually-baked cornbread, served with honey butter (I had to stop my daughter from eating the butter by itself). And at the end of the meal, you’ll receive a warm towel to wipe your hands. Such a nice touch.

Now, the salad – The Kale Quinoa Salad includes a kale, romaine lettuce and cabbage mix, baby roma tomatoes, sweet currants, toasted almonds, and thick shavings of earthy parmesan. The dressing is a house-made sesame offered on the side. And I don’t know what’s in the dressing but it is crave-able and my daughter wanted to drink it. All together, it makes for a truly delicious salad. You can order it as full-size or half-size and protein add-ons available are chicken, tri-tip, shrimp, salmon. Naples Rib Company has been family-owned and operated since 1992 and while I’m sure they have amazing ribs, I’m coming back for the salad.

Kristi’s Super Salad

Tracy’s Bar & Grill | 5511 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90808 | @tracysbar

Boasting 12 salads and 7 house-made salad dressings, you would be hard-pressed not to find a salad you’ll like on Tracy’s menu. Most of the salads can be ordered half-portion and all the salads come with cheesy, toasty warm garlic bread.

I ordered the popular Kristi’s Super Salad. An “everything but the kitchen sink” type of salad, it has sweet raisins, sliced mushrooms, nice chunks of avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, celery, carrots, tomato, cucumber, hard boiled eggs, mixed greens, sunflower seeds and topped with flavorful house-made croutons. Every bite filled my requirement of lots of “stuff.”

Family-owned since 1999, sisters Stacy, Kristi, and Jill (a formally trained chef) have created a family-friendly space serving comfort foods created with fresh, made-in-house ingredients. Their mom, Carolyn, helps out by baking made-with-love desserts. Check the chalkboard for current dessert offerings. Of course, we had to order a slice of pecan fudge pie, upon first bite, an audible “Mmmm,” escaped my mouth.

Jan’s Classic Salad

Jan’s Health Bar | 6232 E Pacific Coast Hwy, 90803 | @janshealthbar

When I heard Jan’s Health Bar opened in Long Beach, a close friend casually remarked that her neighbor is the “Jan” who originally owned this business. “So what is Jan’s favorite salad?” I asked. Of course, it’s Jan’s Classic Salad! And her add-on choices are tuna salad and avocado. So, of course, that’s what I ordered.

As I watched the cooks in the open kitchen making my salad fresh to order, I discovered they make many of their items from scratch, from mixing their own salad dressings to chopping fresh fruit to freeze for their smoothies.

The salad is large; I saved half for later. It comes with a choice of protein: turkey, chicken breast, tuna salad, chicken salad, or vegetarian turkey - two scoops of tuna salad for my order; with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, sprouts, mushrooms, cheese, and sunflower seeds. And your choice of dressing served on the side: herb vinaigrette, avocado cilantro, tahini, or ranch.

With each bite of the salad, the freshness of the produce and bright flavors of my avocado cilantro dressing were undeniable. Delicious and nutritious, I have to say, I really felt like I was treating my body right.