Summer may bring to mind visions of peppery brisket or hot dogs striped with char, but during San Antonio’s hellish heatwaves, who wants to feel weighed down? Enter the main course salad.
The humble salad has everything warm weather requires — crisp greens, a little oomph from a sharp vinaigrette or creamy ranch, and enough protein to outlast a pool day. Find them at these seven Alamo City standouts, and save the grilling for the Fourth.
Barbaro
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.
Down on Grayson
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 jalapeño dressing. Who says you can’t eat all of them with fries?
Fife & Farro
This Italian joint’s 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’s a cult favorite for the crunch — zippy shards of sourdough that could survive an afternoon torrent. Yes, that’s a lot of carbs, but we won’t judge you for pairing it with a warm slab of focaccia slathered with garlic butter.
Choose your own adventure at First Course Salad Kitchen.First Course Salad Kitchen/ Facebook
First Course Salad Kitchen
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.
The Hayden
We don’t know if Elaine's Big Salad is a nod to Seinfeld or tribute to one of Manhattan’s most famous restaurateurs, but Benes or Kaufman, this Elaine knows what’s 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.
Max and Louie's
San Antonio’s favorite New York-style diner has more than matzo ball soup, but you might miss a few headliners on the huge menu. Flip past the breakfast plates to find a chef salad laden with Swiss cheese, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, and a little Jewish deli flair from bagel strips and corned beef. Craving something lighter? Max and Louie's also has a classic Greek salad and a signature Asian chopped salad cracking with fried wontons and crispy rice noodles.
Sensational Salads and Wraps
Besides having a fun-to-say name, this former food truck is also one of Alamo City’s best spots for a budget-friendly nosh. The Texas Taco salad riffs on a state favorite with corn chips replacing the deep-fried shell, while the chipotle chicken gives a kick through a spicy marinade and jalapeño ranch. Few items exceed $10. The café even offers bottles of its house-made dressing for $5.99 if you want to kick those seasoning packets to the curb.
