Nothing hits in the summertime like a really big, really crunchy, really filling salad. We’ve rounded up local restaurants that are serving what can best be described as big-ass salads. We don’t want wilted side salads or sad excuses for a serving of vegetables. We want the good stuff. Here’s where to get it.
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
EOBC’s salads are called “big salads” for a reason, and the Smokey Caesar has everything you’d want in a big ol’ pile of lettuce: a creamy dressing, crunchy stuff like pepitas and croutons and the option to add protein like chicken, pork and salmon.
Cost: $13. Additional protein, $6-$9. Pairs well with Spring Medley Boulevardier, $15.
Home Team BBQ
Barbecue joint or not (and you’ll find that this isn’t the only meat-focused spot to make our big ass salad list), Home Team’s salads are delightful and, yes, big. The Home Team Salad, topped with grilled corn, big chunks of tomatoes and cucumbers, toasted pepitas and smoked poblano vinaigrette is creamy, crunchy and filling. Top it with some of Home Team’s signature meat or keep it vegetarian with black beans.
Cost: $13.50. Additional protein, $3.50-$6.25. Pairs well with a Gamechanger, $13+.You’re eating healthy — might as well add a floater, too.
EVO Pizzeria
EVO’s Farmer Salad always hits the spot when you’re craving a big (and we do mean big) bowl of crisp, fresh, local veggies. Artisan lettuce is topped with rainbow carrots, English cucumber, watermelon radish and chives, with your choice of blue cheese or house vinaigrette. It’s the perfect complement to some slices of ‘za — or delicious all on its own. Be sure to check out EVO’s frequent salad specials, too, which feature seasonal ingredients.
Cost: $11/small, $14/large. Pairs well with whatever local craft beer is on tap, $6+.
Harbinger and Harken Cafes
Perhaps best known for their inventive, indulgent pastries and bakery items, both the Harbinger and Harken Cafes have a solid salad menu that changes with the seasons. Order a salad plate and get a sample of as many (five) or as few salads as you like. Recent offerings include the Green Tomato Salad, made with cucumber, pickled jalapeno, sweet onion, mint, cilantro and extra virgin olive oil and the Edamame and Garlic Noodle Salad made with its titular ingredients as well as sunflower seeds, scallions, roasted garlic, chili flakes, mint and sesame seeds.
Cost: $12. Pairs well with an iced lavender latte, $5.50.
Rancho Lewis
You can’t go wrong with Rancho Lewis’ traditional Mexican fare — the Christmas burrito is a staple for a reason. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, but still filling, order one of Rancho Lewis’ big salads. The West Texas Wedge takes the classic wedge salad, made with bacon and cheese and takes things up a notch with avocado, grilled corn and pico de gallo. The Sun City Caesar is made with romaine, queso anejo, crispy corn tortilla, chile rajas and cilantro. Diners can add grilled chicken, shrimp or steak to either salad.
Cost: $8/Caesar, $12/Wedge. Additional protein, $4-$6. Pairs well with the Mexican Martini (anything with a two-drink limit is going to be good, trust us), $15.
Verde
Local fast-casual salad restaurant Verde recently expanded with a new spot in Park Circle and a new King Street location (433 King St.). Founded in 2011 by hospitality veterans Jennifer and Sam Ferrebee, Verde focuses on nutrient-dense, preservative-free foods. You can’t write a story about big ass salads in Charleston and not mention Verde, and this spot has a wide variety of leafy greens to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for make-your-own or one of their signature creations. We’re partial to the Mesa Verde, made with romaine, roasted chicken, grape tomatoes, pickled onion, avocado, black beans, raw corn, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro and chipotle lime vinaigrette.
Cost: $12.95. Pairs well with a High Rise CBD Seltzer, $6.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
Leon’s Oyster Shop’s Siam Salad has been a longtime favorite of City Paper staffers since its debut almost a decade ago. Made with napa and red cabbage, avocado, peanuts, orange, fried onions and herbs, the hefty portion is great solo or with the addition of shrimp or grilled or fried chicken.
Cost: $16/small, 19/large. Additional protein, $6. Pairs well with draft rose, $10, or a Mexican Coke, $5, if you’re ordering it to-go.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Like Home Team, Martin’s Bar-B-Que serves up a surprisingly delightful (and big!) salad. Never let a pitmaster fool you into thinking they only know their way around meat — although these big servings of veggies do taste even better with the addition of protein. Dig into the Farmer’s Salad, made with cucumbers, carrots, pickled onions, corn, pecans, cheese, croutons and smoked turkey or the Country Salad, topped with fried chicken.
Cost: $10.29+. Pairs well with sweet tea ($2.49), obviously.
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