Sarasota's Best Salads, Anything but Typical

[Lauren M. Kritsas]

A salad is a salad is a salad, or is it?  The classic and lackluster 'lettuce, crouton and house italian' combo are a thing of the past.  I've procured, at least in my mind, the best salads which Sarasota has to offer.  The salads that would make a steak and potatoes dish blush.  This tour-de-greens will take you on a ride ranging from ethnic, to savory, to healthy, to sinful indulgences.  In no particular order ladies and gentlemen, our winners are as follows... 

 

Pho Cali Vietnamese Noodle House

Shrimp & Pork Lotus Stem Salad/Gỏi Ngó Sen – Young lotus stems with layered shrimp, sliced pork, shredded Vietnamese pickles, shallots & roasted peanuts. Served with house sauce on the side.

 

Gecko’s Grill & Pub

Spinach Salad with Blackened Chicken – Fresh spinach, diced eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes & onions, served with a side of hot bacon dressing.

 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Steakhouse Cobb Salad – Filet mignon or north atlantic lobster, blue cheese, bacon, avocado, egg and tomato, with tarragon ranch or red onion balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

 

Owen’s Fish Camp

Seafood Cobb Salad – Loaded with shrimp, lobster and crab with avocado, bacon, egg and tarragon vinaigrette.

 

Libby’s Café + Bar

Grilled Sustainable Salmon Salad – Organic Greens, wakame, thin veggies, ginger-miso dressing.

 

Lee Roy Selmon’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

Mama’s Classic Pulled Pork Salad – Our pulled pork served on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce and fresh romaine hearts, with corn, roasted green chiles, red onions, cabbage, carrots, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, sprinkled with fresh cilantro, salsa fresco, and our fried green tomatoes for a Selmon's twist, tossed with a chipotle vinaigrette.

 

Michael’s on East

Michael’s Special Seasonal Salad – Organic tender greens, Gorgonzola, figs,

red grapes and candied pecans in pear-poppyseed vinaigrette.

 

Which one is your favorite?

[Cliff Roles]

Two restaurants that I love:

Sam Snead's Tavern - Cobb Salad, shredded, with tomato-basil vinaigrette, as well as the Salmon Salad. 

Michael's On East: Michael Special Cobb salad