Exploring Los Angeles’ diverse and dynamic food scene, one can’t miss the incredible array of salads that range from classic to innovative. From hearty protein-packed meals to light, refreshing bites, these salads reflect the city’s rich culinary tapestry. Whether you’re in the mood for a celebrity-approved dish or a creative fusion of flavors, this guide highlights some of the best salads LA has to offer. Dive into these vibrant, flavorful options that showcase the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.
Chopped Salad at Milo & Olive
Location: 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Santa Monica’s popular California Italian eatery offers a substantial chopped salad featuring pickled chiles, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and garbanzo beans. This modern twist on the classic Italian chop can be a light lunch or a shared appetizer before the Neapolitan pizzas arrive.
Noodlerama at Health Nut
Location: 23373 Mulholland Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Renowned as a Kardashian-approved salad spot, Health Nut’s original Woodland Hills location has long been a local favorite, leading to additional branches in Sherman Oaks, Culver City, and beyond. The Noodlerama, with rice noodles, shredded chicken, carrots, cucumbers, and pickled ginger in a spicy Asian dressing, is a standout, though their Chinese chicken salad is equally notable.
Caesar Salad at Pijja Palace
Location: 2711 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Pijja Palace in Silver Lake puts an Indian twist on the classic Caesar salad. Baby lettuces are topped with mango pickles and Parmesan, then dressed in a tangy, spice-infused dressing. This unique salad pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s crispy, tangy wings.
Mango, Cucumber, and Mint Salad at Bé Ù
Location: 557 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Who says salads need greens? Chef Uyen Le’s creation at Bé Ù includes chunks of mango, cucumbers, and fresh mint, all tossed in a balanced dressing. Crushed peanuts and sesame rice crackers add a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal complement to the restaurant’s caramelized pork and egg dish.
Avocado and Shinko Pear Salad at Yangban
Location: 712 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Yangban’s visually stunning pear and avocado salad features Shinko pears and avocados dressed in a hot mustard vinaigrette, topped with toasted almonds and a unique rice seasoning mix. This sweet, acidic, and fatty combination is a must-have on any table.
Shaved Kale Salad at the Win~dow
Location: 1827 Ocean Front Walk, CA 90291
Known for its burgers, the Win~dow also offers excellent salads. Massaged kale ribbons are topped with pine nuts, croutons, Pecorino Romano, and thinly sliced red onions, then dressed in a lemony garlic dressing. Add fried chicken for an extra boost.
California Chicken Salad at California Chicken Cafe
Location: 15601 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436
With 11 locations around Los Angeles, California Chicken Cafe is perfect for a meal-worthy salad. The California chicken salad includes rotisserie white meat, avocado, feta, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, croutons, and fusilli pasta, all with a choice of dressing.
McCarthy Salad at Polo Lounge
Location: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA
At the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge, the McCarthy Salad is a must-try. Named after 1960s polo player Neil McCarthy, this remixed Cobb salad is a staple, with nearly 600 sold weekly.
Salad of the Day at Alta
Location: 5359 West Adams Boulevard, CA 90016
Alta in West Adams offers a rotating salad of the day, always featuring seasonal ingredients. The base of lettuces is dressed in a honey-berbere vinaigrette, making it a refreshing choice alongside dishes like shrimp and grits or sweet potato dumplings.
Shaved Kale Salad at Jame Enoteca
Location: 241 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Jame Enoteca in South Bay crafts a towering kale salad with fresh herbs, Parmesan, avocado, cilantro, scallions, and an almond vinaigrette. This impressive salad can also be found at their Venice location, Ospi.
Spicy Soft-Shell Crab Salad at Panvimarn
Location: 4101 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90808
Long Beach’s Panvimarn offers a standout spicy soft-shell crab salad. Freshly fried soft-shell crab tops grape tomatoes and green and red apples, dressed with herbs. It’s a striking dish on a menu full of classic Thai fare.
Charred Cauliflower Salad at Tesse
Location: 8500 Sunset Blvd Suite B, West Hollywood, CA 90069
At Tesse, chef Raphael Francois uses a wood-burning stove to char cauliflower, adding harissa, cucumber, almonds, and pomegranate for a beautifully plated salad. It’s a versatile starter or side dish.
LA Summer Salad at Saltie Girl
Location: 8615 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Saltie Girl, a Boston import in West Hollywood, offers the LA Summer salad on a thick slice of iceberg lettuce. Topped with arugula, avocado, cucumbers, brioche croutons, snap peas, and more, it’s dressed in a green goddess vinaigrette. A perfect companion to their seafood dishes.
Caesar Salad at Poltergeist
Location: 1391 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Poltergeist’s Thai Caesar salad, featuring a frisée and lettuce mix, Parmesan, and tangy dressing, is topped with a distinctive rice cracker. Despite its social media fame, it remains a standout, gluten-free option without traditional croutons.
BierBeisl Salad at Lustig
Location: 3273 Helms Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232
At Lustig, chef Bernhard Mairinger revives a favorite from his previous restaurant. The BierBeisl salad combines romaine, arugula, pork belly, corn, pumpkin seeds, radish, peppers, and Parmesan, providing a bright contrast to indulgent dishes like schnitzel and chicken liver profiteroles.
