As a Registered Dietitian, everyone just assumes I’m going to order the salads and healthy food with grilled chicken because that’s what’s “healthiest” on the menu. That is NOT the case. While yes, I enjoy eating salads and grilled chicken, I also enjoy branching out and trying new things! A green goddess salad? Yes, please! Thai Peanut? Absolutely! Eating a healthy diet doesn’t mean it has to be boring, it means eating what fuels your body and leaves you feeling satisfied, energized, and happy. So today, I’m going to share some of my favorite healthy restaurants in Dallas.
So, if you want a salad, eat a salad. If you want a BBQ, do it. Plus, If you want my Tex-Mex and BBQ favorites, I have a list for you here. Either way, just don’t fall into the comparison trap; eat what you want and fully enjoy it. Life is too short to eat food that you hate. Now, let’s get dining! Today I’m sharing my favorite salads and health food hang outs in Dallas!
Dallas Best Salad And Health food; A Registered Dietitian’s Guide
It wouldn’t be a health foods restaurant recap without a section dedicated to salads and health-conscious restaurants! I truthfully enjoy salads (but not those two ingredient sad salads, I want a dressed-up boujee salad with all the fixings) and find them to be a really easy way to get creative with healthy options. In fact, most of these restaurants offer some sort of bowl, both hot and cold, that make it simple to check the VPFC list. And if you know me, a VPFC meal is the only type of meal I want to see in front of me (and you!).
10 Best Health Food Havens
Health Food restaurants no longer mean the strange little cafe with dehydrated chard, green juice and kelp chips, fortunately! While most restaurants offer a “healthy option” or two, these restaurants go above and beyond to make healthy eating both appealing and accessible. Be assured, the flavor, texture and overall quality isn’t compromised!
1. Written by the Seasons
This menu really holds something nutritious and delicious for everyone. If you’re looking for a date night, or a spot for out of town guests, this is it. The menu changes seasonally and the attention to options that satisfy all parties; gluten-free, dairy-free, health nut but foodie forward is pretty phenomenal. All the dishes are amazing but the mussels and branzino (depending on the season) are my go-tos.
2. Tribal Cafe
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that this wasn’t on my first rendition of this list, which is insane, because Tribal really sets the bar for health VERY high even though its a casual little coffee, juice bar and brunch spot. But – their breakfast of champions and variety of bowls are incredibly delicious. In the winter I always indulge on their homemade mocha (shh, even dietitian’s eat sugar when it’s worth it!). Don’t miss my recommendation above – their newest sister concept, Written by the Seasons which has more elevated dishes for lunch and dinner and now, two locations!
3. Bella Green
Kale salad with salmon or the gluten-free, dairy-free turkey lettuce wrap and a side of sweet potato fries. Their paleo enchiladas and tacos are also delicious, a great option to share!
4. True Food Kitchen
Organic eggs with sweet potato and chicken sausage. Lunch is the always delicious seasonal ingredient salad + a protein. Vegetable based app to start such as the kale guacamole with a side of veggies.
5. Origin
My go to order is the paleo tacos or Defined Dish green goddess salad for lunch/dinner. But the Thai Salmon or Warm Brussel Salad with a protein is also delicious! Brunch is always a brussel sprout bowl with half sweet potato hash and eggs.
6. The Gem
The Celery Salad with some Jalapeño Pesto makes a great light lunch, but the real winner here is the homemade bone broth and chia seed pudding! These two together make a great protein and fiber filled midday snack. If you’re doing a smoothie like the Jaded Ginger Snap nix the maple and add a scoop of protein for blood sugar support.
7. Hugos Invitados
I love the ceviche and hummus to start. There are so many protein-rich entrees with vegetable pairings but the Chilean Seabass and Market Fish are front runners in my book. I didn’t even mention the brunch but there are great options; the omelet, hash and fruit bowls (as a side) are delicious choices.
8. Hat Creek
This is a great place for kids to play, and eat well! Talk about an upgrade from most burger places – these locations have lettuce wrapped chicken sandwich or burger, the paleo burger bowl, and there’s even a breakfast option for a protein-rich bowl with eggs, veggies and potatoes.
9. Modern Market
There are so many good offerings here! The bowls, build your own and salads are all great and blood sugar balanced opportunities. The Green Goddess Bowl is a favorite, along with the Build your own protein bowl wiht Blackened Chicken Thigh with BBQ Sauce!
10. Ascension
Protein brekky and power bowls at a coffee shop? that’s correct! This is the perfect spot for an early morning meeting or to grab a nutritious breakfast on the way to work, with multiple lcoations in dallas, this is a great hub for health betyond the pastry case.
8 Best Salads
For the cost of a good salad, I’d hate for it to be sad! There are some delicious and decadent healthy salads in Dallas and I think you’ll be surprised with how much you enjoy them. For a general order, this is how I order a build your own salad:
- First of all, no cheese /croutons. You can get healthier fats with eggs or avocado, as well as wholesome carbs from the fruit and starchy vegetables.
- Go for the larger size (healthy leftovers, duh!).
- Load up on all the greens you desire for a variety of texture.
- And remember to vary your proteins; salmon or shrimp at least twice a week for a dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Now, for my favorite Dallas salad restaurants and what I order. I’d love to know if you try one of these out and what your thoughts are. I take pride in having really delicious recommendations for my patients so they never feel deprived.
1. Eatzi’s
Always get the zoodles and veggies. Hot tip: this is actually served at the deli bar, not the salad bar. It’s less busy, cheaper and you can add chicken and shrimp. Get your dressings on the side. BONUS – their build your own omelet bar is a great option on those busy mornings. I will order egg whites, chicken sausage, veggies and of course, avocado. I hesitate to mention the salads because they are so expensive now, but if you do a salad, ask for a mix of greens for gut-friendly diversity and add protein like ahi tuna, salmon, edamame, egg, with all the vegetables and ask for VINEGAR not vinaigrette as your dressing to save calories and support blood sugar.
2. East Hampton
Make a sandwich into a salad or a lettuce wrap! The turkey bacon avocado, sub for mustard OR the health nut wrap, no feta.
3. Crisp and Green
The Shrimply Irresistible or Thai and Stop Me. For dressings, the balsamic, jalapeño-lime or lemon-herb.
4. Sweetgreen
The steelhead remoulade / guacamole greens / buffalo chicken (no breadcrumbs!) with dressing on the side. Dressing on the side is key. Why? Because restaurant dressings are typically made with inflammatory oils and higher than normal sodium. This way you can control the quantity of dressing and add to your liking. Or BYO dressing, because some people (like me!) do that!
5. Salad and Go
Thai Salad, add chicken and avocado. Olive oil + vinegar dressing or BYO (most of their dressings contain soybean oil).
6. Il Bracco
I dream of this Plaza salad. It’s a whole entree. So decadent with roasted chicken, almonds, and goat cheese.
7. TJ’s Seafood
I could really eat anything off the menu here, the original concept from the owner of both Malibu Poke and Escondido, BUT the Shrimp Louie Salad is my recent obsession. Talk about a meal of healthy fat; this awesome salad contains egg, avocado, and shrimp. This is a large entree salad that really hits the spot, but if you’re not feeling a salad, try the lettuce wrapped tacos!
8. R&D Kitchen
There are three great salad options here that are big enough to be your dinner, and others will likely have FOMO. The Newporter, The Mediterranean seared tuna salad and the yellowtail sashimi and kale salad are all so delicious with adequate protein and great flavors.
Dallas is a seriously fun and healthy restaurant scene; something new is always coming to town. Tell me what I missed?! I would love to know your favorites! And, if eating out with friends is overwhelming on your health journey, book a discovery call and consider working with a nutrition expert to support your health endeavors.
