There is nothing as satisfying as a perfectly crafted salad, especially when you design it yourself. So it’s no surprise that eateries like Sweetgreen and Cava have recently exploded in popularity. Whether you like your salad light on the dressing, with extra red onions or piled high with chick peas, these five salad restaurants have redefined the experience of fast-casual dining across the DMV.
1. Sweetgreen
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Sweetgreen never fails to provide the freshest and most delicious ingredients for your perfected personal salad. It’s sleek store designs and its constant commitment to fresh ingredients and sustainability keep us committed Sweetgreen goers.
2. Cava
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Exclusive to the DMV area, Cava is close to our hearts. When Christmas break roles around, there’s nothing more upsetting than knowing you will have to wait a month to dig into a Cava bowl again. Crispy falafel, tangy tzaziki and fresh greens make the perfect mediterranean salad.
3. Nalley Fresh
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Nalley Fresh is a hidden gem of the DMV area. Currently only located in Maryland, Nalley Fresh plans to expand to DC in the near future. What makes Nalley Fresh unique is its abundance of ingredients you normally wouldn’t think of putting in a salad. Ever thought of using pumpkin seeds, pretzel shells or wheat berries as toppings? Nalley Fresh also looks beyond salads to offer sweet potato bowls, noodle bowls, brown rice bowls and soups.
4. Chop’t
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Unlike the Food Network show Chopped, there is nothing stressful about creating your own meal at this restaurant. Chop’t makes it easy to curb your cravings, no matter how complex. Chop’t even offers “destination salads” for when you’re in the mood for something mediterranean, middle eastern or north african.
5. Cosi
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Cosi may be the oldest salad eatery in the DMV, but it is still one of our favorites. Cosi offers a variety of other lunch options including sandwiches, soups and flatbread pizzas. When you’re on the go, Cosi is the perfect lunch stop.