Gilded Greens

Salads that have main dish energy

by Alison Bailin Batz

When built with bold flavors, seasonal ingredients and layered textures, the oft-humble salad can easily serve as the main event of any meal. Crisp and colorful, these well-dressed greens are anything but a side dish or appetizer, delivering creativity, balance and craveable substance in every bite.

Dungeness Crab ‘Wedge’
Buck & Rider

Think the classic wedge except the blue cheese and bacon are swapped for something a bit more refined. Crisp iceberg wedge serves as the foundation, topped with sweet Dungeness crab, heirloom cherry tomatoes, briny nicoise olives, sliced hardboiled egg, and cucumbers. The star is the housemade Killer Louie dressing, which is a creamy, herb-packed sauce with Creole mustard, fresh cilantro, parsley, capers, and a touch of serrano heat. It is a lighter, seafood-forward wedge that delivers big flavor without weighing diners down. $33. www.buckandrider.com.

Twisted Noodle Salad
The Neighborly

This hearty noodle salad is refreshing, spicy and full of color – a true explosion in every bite. It starts with kale, arugula and freshly diced herbs, including mint, basil, cilantro, and scallions. Thick, chewy pancit noodles are then mixed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, long carrot ribbons, creamy avocado chunks, and crunchy cucumber slices. Everything is tossed in a bright, sambal-lime vinaigrette then finished with salty peanuts and freshly toasted coconut flakes. For an enhanced fee, add marinated filet, shrimp or rotisserie chicken. Starting at $20. www.theneighborlyaz.com.

Steak Salad
Roaring Fork

Here, tender slices of steak cooked to order join an extra-large plate of crisp mixed greens and juicy tomatoes. Each bite is elevated with tangy blue cheese crumbles, candied walnuts, earthy mushrooms, and a drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar. Finished with a creamy horseradish dressing, the combination of savory steak, sharp blue cheese and sweet candied walnuts creates a taste that’s both vibrant and unforgettable. $18. www.roaringfork.com.

Taco Salad
The Mexicano

This vibrant taco salad starts with a tortilla bowl filled with chopped baby romaine. The black beans add heartiness, while the cucumber and tomatoes bring color and freshness. Roasted corn is mixed in to add subtle sweetness, complemented by olives and radish. The salad is finished with crumbled queso fresco, drizzled chipotle honey, and a swirl of sour cream. $15 www.themexicano.com.

Asian Chicken Salad
The VIG

Roasted chicken is layered over crisp romaine and shredded cabbage for a refreshing bite. Sweet oranges and carrots brighten each forkful, while peanuts, sesame, and crunchy wonton strips deliver texture and nutty contrast. Everything is tied together with a ginger-miso dressing that’s lightly sweet, subtly tangy, and deeply umami. The result is a vibrant balance of crunch, citrus and savory depth. $19. www.thevig.us.

Seared Salmon Salad
Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows

The salmon in this dish is generously seasoned, then pan-seared in olive oil before being finished in the oven. Arugula and crisp endive are tossed with an agrodolce vinaigrette. Roasted fennel and butternut squash add depth and warmth. Freshly grated Manchego chese and toasted pistachios provide a final flourish before the salad is topped with the aforementioned salmon. $30. www.mountainshadows.com.

Mista
Fellow Osteria

A colorful mix of crisp mixed greens and bold protein make up Fellow’s Mista salad. Savory salami and creamy Fontina add richness, while cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and tender artichokes bring brightness and depth. Golden focaccia croutons provide a crunch, and a zesty oregano vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together. Each bite delivers a balance of textures and tastes that celebrate the fresh ingredients. $18. www.fellowosteria.com.

Rotisserie Chicken Cobb Salad
Hearsay Restaurant

A classic Cobb can be taken to the next level with a few key components and that’s what happens here. Hearsay’s version boasts perfectly tender house-roasted savory chicken, sous-vide bacon that is crisped just before serving, and an eight-minute egg that has a slightly soft yolk. Add in tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, charred corn and house-pickled red onions for freshness, and this salad has a great variety of textures, flavors and heft. These toppings sit on Romaine lettuce, wild rocket Arugula, and a heritage spring mix. A poppyseed green goddess ranch dressing ties everything together. $24. www.hearsay-phx.com

Kevin’s Salmon Salad
The Italian Daughter

Kevin’s Salmon Salad starts with perfectly grilled salmon. It is layered with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and red onions, while blue cheese crumbles add a bold, savory contrast. Candied walnuts bring a touch of sweetness and crunch. Finished with a raspberry balsamic vinaigrette, this salad delivers a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy and savory notes. $30. www.theitaliandaughter.com.

Lobster Salad
Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean

Pinyon’s lobster salad is elegant and uncomplicated. Generous pieces of whole lobster meat are gently tossed with radicchio, peppery watercress, and crisp endive, then finished with creamy avocado slices and thinly shaved red radish coins. A bright oregano vinaigrette ties it all together, letting the sweet lobster shine without overpowering the simple protein. $34. www.pinyonrestaurant.com.

VH Chopped Salad
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho

A signature at ZuZu, the VH Chopped Salad highlights balance, crunch and contrast in every bite. Crisp gem lettuce forms the foundation, layered with creamy avocado, sharp cheddar, heirloom cherry tomatoes, English cucumbers, slab candied bacon, and Marcona almonds. The salad is finished with green goddess dressing, salt and pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. $17. www.hotelvalleyho.com.