Sweetgreen is the only place I’ll visit when I’m craving a salad. There’s just no other restaurant that can beat Sweetgreen’s high-quality and locally-sourced ingredients. While I’ve made my own DIY Sweetgreen salads in the past, there are some days when I just don’t feel like cooking, which is all the more reason why I love eating at Sweetgreen. Unfortunately, on a college budget, it can definitely add up, which is why I’ve compiled some of my favorite Sweetgreen order hacks to get the most bang for my buck.
1. Ask for Extra Bread and Dressing on the Side
Both additions are free of charge. Plus, who can say no to Sweetgreen's bread and dressing? Personally, I like to store the extra dressing in my fridge so I can use them whenever I'm making my own salads at home. Miso Sesame Ginger and Cucumber Tahini Yogurt definitely beat most other bottled dressings you'll find at the grocery store.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Sample the Ingredients
Sweetgreen employees are usually nice enough to let you sample their ingredients or dressings before you add them to your salad. After all, they want to make sure they’re preparing a salad you’ll actually enjoy eating. Just make sure you ask nicely enough, otherwise you might be labeled as a freeloader. With all the seasonal menu specials, it would be a shame to not test them out.
3. Add Grains to Your Greens
Sometimes a basic salad just doesn't do the trick for dinner. Since you’re allowed up to two bases when you’re creating a custom salad, an easy trick to make your salad more filling (while still saving some extra bucks) is to combine a grain such as wild rice or quinoa with a green, rather than choosing just two types of greens.
4. Skip the App and Order in Person
Ordering through the Sweetgreen app might seem more convenient, but by ordering in person, you have more control in telling employees how much more or how much less of an ingredient you want in your salad. Also, the app doesn't notify you if your preferred Sweetgreen location runs out of your favorite ingredients. So, by heading to Sweetgreen in person, you can see for yourself what you can or can't add to your salads.
5. When Ordering Online, Request to Have the Salad Mixed
By default, when you order your salads using the Sweetgreen app, employees will place all the ingredients separated out on top of your base without mixing anything together. Save yourself the time and effort by adding a special note in your order to have the salad ingredients mixed together.
Remember these Sweetgreen order hacks at your next visit to help make the most of your salads, especially if you're a college student on a budget. Don't worry, you can thank me later for these tips.