Where to Find the Best Salads in Waco

Where are my salad people at?? Salads are a regular in our house and surprisingly all three of our littles have grown to love them. It’s what I eat for lunch everyday…if I eat lunch. Let’s face it – if you’re a mom, you’ve skipped a few lunches or grabbed a handful of goldfish on your way to put kids down for nap and chalked it up to a meal, amiright?!? 

Salads are often one of the healthier* choices on the menu, they are easy to modify if you have food restrictions, and they still taste good if you don’t get to it for 20 minutes because- kids. (*I know, I know…just because “it’s a salad” doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest choice on the menu, but typically the macros are way better when you put your chicken on bed of lettuce versus a bed of carbs.)

We all know about the usual spots: Panera, Jason’s Deli, Newks, McAlisters, and they’ve got some great options, but today we are expanding our horizons to the treasure trove of salad offerings Waco has available. Check it out!

Grab & Go:

• Oh My Juice –  (215 Mary Ave -River Square Center) Salad at a juice bar? You betcha! Here you build your own salad, so you know it’s gonna be good. Don’t freak out when you don’t see meat listed in the section of protein choices. There are lots of super filling options to load up on your salad. Oh, and totally not salad related, but grab a berry blend acai bowl for ‘dessert’ because it’s life changing.
• Chick-fil-a: (3 locations in Waco) I know it’s a chain, but it has a play area, and a drive thru, and it has single-handedly saved my sanity. Hit up the drive thru or let the kids run out some energy and grab a spicy southwest chicken salad with creamy salsa dressing. Money saver: order a side salad or superfood side and a 4 count grilled nugget and put it on top for a filling lunch at a fraction of the cost! 
• Luna Juice Bar – (601 Webster Ave. – Siloteria) Next time you’re at the Silos, swing by and grab one of their ever changing seasonal salads with house made dressing. They use whatever is in season so think butternut squash, cranberries and pecans for fall/winter, and ingredients like fresh strawberries and spinach for the warmer months. 

Lunch Meeting:

• D’s Mediterranean Grill – (1503 Colcord Ave.) Sitting on the edge of the Sanger Heights and North Waco neighborhoods is D’s Mediterranean and lemme tell ya- their Greek salad with chicken is amazing. I also get food FOMO, so the 3 sides plate is a great option too for when you just can’t decide what to get (Lebanese Salad, Tabouli, and Hummus are my top 3). 
• Baris – (904 N. Valley Mills Dr.) In all my years in Waco I had never ordered a salad at Baris, probably because I am typically face first in Chicken Aristocrat. While researching for this post several friends suggested the Antipasta salad at Baris, and it did not disappoint. It was delicious, the portion was huge and the price was awesome. 

Date night:

• 135 Prime – (1201 Hewitt Dr.) Hands down my favorite wedge salad in town and if the weather behaves- the outdoor patio/courtyard is a perfect spot to enjoy it with a glass of wine.
• Brazos Bar & Bistro – (211 Clay Ave.) This bustling bar/restaurant inside of the Hotel Indigo has a delectable salad with field greens, pears, pecans, feta and a honey vinaigrette dressing. Add chicken for a boost of protein. Great spot for a casual date night!
• BJ’s Brewhouse – (5929 West Waco Dr.) The place where the portions are so big you need a to-go box for a salad! Don’t miss the Seared Ahi or Derby Style Chicken Cobb. If you’re wanting something lighter go with the Superfood or Kale & Roasted brussels sprout salad 
• Alpha Omega – (929 Franklin Ave.) Another life-changing greek salad. Order it with the fish. You’re welcome. 

Have a favorite spot that’s not on the list? Don’t hold out on us-let us know in the comments because sharing is caring, y’all.