Chopped Salads, Anyone?

by Katie Schlientz
Hudson Grille Salad

Catch Tuesday’s The New York Times article on chopped salads? With the pick-and-choose salad bars popping up all over the tristate area, it’s not surprising that New Yorkers have fallen head over heels in love with the concept. We love to have control over our options, don’t we? While I can’t say I would run to Duane Reade for my usual chopped salad lunch, there are plenty of places I do run to in Westchester to get my leafy greens fix:

Mix It Up

The salad boutique started the “create your own” salad the concept in White Plains and plenty of others were quick to follow suit. With about 20 standard mix in’s to choose from and about 20 more speciality mix in’s (tiger shrimp, sushi grade fish, hearts of pam and candied walnuts), you certainly won’t be board with the options. If it’s too hard to narrow down the toppings, Mix It Up has plenty of designer salads to choose from (love the total veggie).

{Mix It Up: 72 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, 914-428-3111, mixitupsalads.com}

Hudson Grille Salad

Hudson Grille

While rolling out a new menu a few months back, Hudson Grille also created a gluten-free menu that has a variety of options, including some really innovative salads. My favorite? The yellowfin tuna niçoise ($22, pictured above) combines baby greens, hard boiled eggs, new potatoes, haricot vert and grape tomatoes, mixed to pure perfection. The shrimp chopped salad ($18), a close second) features pineapple, spiced cashews, Napa cabbage and a few other goodies that supply a nice Asian flair.

IntoxiKate Tip!

Did you know? Most salad dressings contain gluten! If you wish to stay on a truly gluten free diet, ask your server for the gluten free salad dressings Hudson Grille carries.

{Hudson Grille: 165 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, 914-997-2000, hudsongrilleny.com}

 

Tarry Lodge

Okay, who goes to to and orders a salad. Guilty! But trust me on this… If you are going with a group of friends, sit on the bar side, order a salad and a few pizzas for the table. The Tarry greens with white bean vinaigrette {$10} is hands down one of my favorite salads in the county. This simple salad, perfectly seasoned is big enough to share (or, if you’re like me, enjoy all on your own).

{Tarry Lodge: 18 Mill St., Port Chester, 914-939-3111, tarrylodge.com}

 

Katzenberg Kafe

If you’re in for something lighter, you can skip the hearty sandwiches the Scarsdale deli is known for and create your own salad  for under $9. There is a long list of toppings too choose from—pick your favorites and enjoy! Spinach, artichokes hearts, beets and red peppers, anyone?

{Katzenbery Kafe: 1096 Wilmont Rd., Scarsdale, 914-472-4872}

 

Lefteris Gyro

You cannot beat the Greek salad at Lefteris. You just can’t. I’m convinced the secret’s in the “sauce”—their dressing is out of this world good and is the perfect topping for the feta, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, and Kalamata olive mix. Upgrade the dish with some grilled chicken and use the warm pita bread to create mini salad sandwiches.

IntoxiKate Tip!

Love Lefteris Gyro’s Greek dressing as much as I do? You can buy it by the jar at any of their locations!

{Lefteris Gyro: 242 Market St., Ridge Hill Mall, Yonkers, 914-437-8490, lefterisgyro.com, Also in Mount Kisco and Tarrytown}

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