Press Play Salem Tasting TeamWholesome.
Healthy.
Robust.
Salad.
Salem restaurateurs are helping amp up the offerings for how you get your greens in ways that are anything but basic. Here are a few highlights about the salads we’re eating lately…
BASIL & BOARD
From the traditional Farmhouse (cucumber, cherry tomato, red onion, house croutons) or Caesar; to the loaded Picasso’s Last Meal (grilled chicken, smoked bacon, avocado, cherry tomato, red onion, honey mustard), Basil & Board does not disappoint. However, if you are looking for the best of both worlds, go for the Tortellini Salad. It’s a delectable combination of fresh tortellini, grilled chicken, capers and shaved parmesan atop a bed of generously dressed arugula. The lemon vinaigrette is refreshing and brings a balance to the dish. Despite being pasta, it’s a light, yet filling, meal.
Basil & Board, 500 Liberty St SE
basilandboard.com
EPILOGUE KITCHEN
The Roots and Trees Salad brings together seared sweet potatoes, fresh apples and toasted nuts in a tasty combination served over a generous bed of arugula dressed with apple cider vinaigrette. Texture enhances the flavor of this salad as crispy-edged sweet potato melds with the snap of fresh apples and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts and walnuts. The tang of the vinaigrette brings it all together in this unique and flavorful salad offering. Bonus: it’s vegan.
Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails, 130 High St SE
epiloguekitchen.com
RITTER’S
Ritter’s Crab & Oregon Shrimp Salad is served with a hearty portion of organic mixed greens tossed in their own roasted shallot and sherry vinaigrette. Although on the acidic side, it blends well with the other ingredients, which include: avocado, grape tomatoes and cucumber. The seafood mix is delightful — absent traditional dill — with just the right touch of lemon and mayo to make the shrimp shine. Pro tip: get the dressing on the side.
If seafood isn’t your jam, Ritter’s salad bar is the way to go. It allows you to build your own salad from a choice of two greens and six additional toppings. These accent toppings include, but are not limited to, fresh veggies, roasted veggies, grains, beans, cheese and other protein options.
Ritter’s Housemade Foods, 102 Liberty St NE #100
ritterseatery.com
TAPROOT LOUNGE & CAFE
Taproot combines unique flavors and ingredients to create something different than your standard salad. We opted for the Rainbow Carrot Salad which featured a bed of mixed greens, including spinach, topped with maple syrup-glazed rainbow carrots, golden raisins, dried cranberries, fried beet strips and goat cheese. The savory goat cheese complements the flavor and texture of the carrots, which balanced the leafy greens. It’s a unique dish all around.
Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St
taprootloungeandcafe.com
VENTI’S CAFE
Looking for a ray of sunshine? Try the Good Earth Salad. Not only is it a visual delight, but it will satisfy your tastebuds, too. It’s one of the newest on Venti’s menu and delivers a delicious and unique combination of ingredients, including roasted corn, garbanzo beans, shredded carrot, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocado, gorgonzola cheese and hemp seeds atop a bed of arugula. A green chili vinaigrette is served on the side. Pro Tip: The vinaigrette packs a punch so if you aren’t into spicy, we suggest going with the mango balsamic oil and vinegar.
Venti’s Cafe & Basement Bar, 325 Court ST NE
Venti’s South Cafe & Taphouse, 2840 Commercial St SE
ventiscafe.com
WILD PEAR
Wild Pear has a lovely variety of salads on their menu — like something-for-everyone-even-the-people-who-don’t-like-salad variety — but, we would be remiss if we did not mention their namesake, which features: sliced pear, candied pecans and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of mixed greens, topped with roasted pear vinaigrette. This salad is the perfect combo – the pears give it crunch and the blue cheese is a savory bite that balances out the sweetness of the candied pecans.
Of course, if you can’t make up your mind on just one, they’ve got you covered. Try the Salad Sampler and make an entree of three of their classics.
Wild Pear, 372 State St
wildpearcatering.com
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 13 (Spring 2022)
