This funky dive (complete with a pink Christmas tree at the West Morehead Street location during holiday time) has a penchant for making fried salads feel healthy. Grab a tahini salad packed into a paper food boat. It’s stacked with mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, heaps of feta cheese, tomato, pepperoncini, toasted sesame seeds, and four crispy falafel cakes, plus creamy tahini on the side. All that’s needed is some plastic silverware.

Known for its delectable small plates, bold wine selection and cozy atmosphere, Bistro La Bon boasts a reliable salad default: the iceberg wedge. The small-plate salad features gorgonzola, cherry tomatoes, Applewood bacon, banana peppers, and blue cheese. Chase it with the wild mushroom ravioli.

Now stretching across 11 locations in Charlotte, this fast-casual establishment dishes out fresh, vibrant, and inexpensive Latin-inspired fare. The taco salad is delivered in the form of a flour tortilla bowl heaping with shredded iceberg lettuce, queso, rice, refried or black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese. Add a choice of protein, from the shredded chicken to the tofu ranchero, and don’t forget to lop on some salsa from the self-serve salsa bar.

This innovative vegetarian hots pot is loaded with veggie indulgences. Try the Lolla Rossa salad with red leaf lettuce, chopped tomatoes, pickled market vegetables, coconut bacon, torn cornbread croutons, and buttermilk dill ranch dressing. Yes, it’s crucial to top the goodness with vegan fried chicken.

Prefer to avoid lettuce altogether until the warnings are lifted? No judgment. This snug cafe whips up more than a dozen chicken salad variations, served by the scoop or by the sandwich. Try a light option like the Skinny Bird, with plain chicken salad and light mayonnaise, or go all in with theloaded chicken salad served with bacon, sour cream, chives, and cheddar. Add some crunch with homemade pita chips on the side.