Craving something green on your lunch break? Give your body the nutrients it needs, and get it fast, by ordering a salad at some of the best fast-casual chains in Northern Virginia. Each brand has several locations in the area, making healthy eating a convenient short drive away.
sweetgreen
The DC-grown brand started with a passion for making simple, seasonal and healthy food accessible to the masses and is now a hot spot across NoVA for grabbing a salad (either warm or cold) throughout the day. Choose from seasonal combinations that include zucchini, squash, tomatoes and blueberries, opt for a classic such as the Kale Caesar, or design a leafy creation that’s different every time you visit.
Honeygrow
Side-step the stir fry at this chic restaurant for one of its suggested salad options or build your own. The location includes ingredients to take your lunch beyond a typical lettuce-and-dressing combo by topping greens with fresh vegetables, grains like the freshly made whole wheat noodles and Spanish rice, as well as both meat and vegetarian-friendly proteins.
CAVA
Making your own Mediterranean salad at home never tastes quite the same as the salads at CAVA. Is it the spices that are missing? How about the fresh spreads? You don’t have to worry about not satisfying your craving for a great salad here, where building your own salad takes you into the world of spice, flavor and freshness. No chopping required.
Chopt Salad Co.
The possibilities are endless. Do you want a Tex-Mex inspired salad with avocado, tomatoes and pepper jack cheese? How about more of a California style with English cucumbers, hearts of palm and romaine? Regardless of your preference, there’s a salad for everyone at Chopt.
Sweet Leaf
Sweet Leaf understands the components needed for a great salad: freshness, texture and a combination of flavor. If you’re into getting bites of crunch (think croutons and Parmesan crisps), creaminess (feta and goat cheese) and well-balanced dressings (pomegranate vinaigrette and plum dressing), this should be your next stop when in search of lunch with a healthy twist.
Gusto Farm to Street
Life is about balance. As much as we want to eat great pizza every day, it’s probably not the best choice for long-term health goals. Although Gusto offers pizza (even with cauliflower crust), its salads are just as bright, colorful and lunch-worthy. Grab a “Kale ‘N Quinoa” if you’re going for superfoods, or pick up a “Local Farmers” for a simple, fresh-fruit and greens salad worth the trip.
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