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Finding a fresh and tasty salad in Orange County is honestly easier than ever, with so many places serving up unique flavors and ingredients. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spots that really care about quality, variety, and fresh produce—so you can actually look forward to a good meal that’s also good for you.
Whether you’re craving a light lunch or something a bit more filling for dinner, these salad spots cover all the bases. I get it—healthy and delicious don’t always go hand in hand, but these places really do both well.
1. Green Tomato Grill – Orange
I checked out Green Tomato Grill in Orange and honestly, it was a relief to find healthy choices that actually taste good. The salad lineup is solid, loaded with fresh toppings. They’ve got vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free stuff, so it’s easy for anyone to find something.
The vibe is relaxed and the ordering process is simple—plus, my food came out fast. I went for one of their grilled chicken salads, and the veggies were super crisp. The dressings tasted homemade, not like the bottled stuff.
I like that you can build your own or just pick one of their chef salads. The place had a mix of families, solo folks, and groups, all digging into different bowls and wraps, so there’s definitely something for everyone.
Rating: 4.5 (833 reviews)
Location: 1419 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867
Contact: (714) 532-1220
Website: Visit Website
2. Urban Plates
I gave Urban Plates a try after hearing people in Irvine rave about it. The place feels relaxed but busy, and you can watch them prepping the food right there, which I always appreciate.
The salads here offer a ton of options—classic toppings, grains, roasted veggies, and proteins like grilled chicken or salmon. I ordered the Grilled Steak Salad and swapped a few things around. My bowl came out colorful, hearty, and fresh, which isn’t always a given.
The staff answered my questions about gluten-free and vegan stuff without any rush. Urban Plates lets you mix and match however you want. I noticed a bunch of people grabbing takeout or picking up delivery too, so it’s good even if you’re in a hurry.
Rating: 4.6 (1918 reviews)\
Location: 3972 Barranca Pkwy N, Irvine, CA 92606\
Contact: (949) 387-2600\
Website: Visit Website
3. goop Kitchen
I wandered into goop Kitchen and could tell right away they take fresh, “clean” food seriously. The menu is all about salads, bowls, and sides that really let the ingredients shine. They make everything from scratch, and you can taste the difference. The salads looked great and didn’t disappoint flavor-wise either.
The Brentwood Chinese Chicken Salad is a standout—crisp, filling, and honestly, I can see why people love it. There are vegan options loaded with veggies and grains, and some gluten-free sides and pizza if you want to branch out.
Ordering was a breeze, either on my phone or in person. The packaging held up on the drive home, which is a plus, and my salad stayed nice and fresh. Staff moved quickly and were friendly, not just going through the motions.
The place has a modern, clean vibe. It’s a good pick if you want a salad but don’t want to leave hungry.
Rating: 4.4 (103 reviews)\
Location: 1750 Newport Blvd Unit K10, Costa Mesa, CA 92627\
Contact: (310) 954-1286\
Website: Visit Website
4. Croutons
Walking into Croutons in Irvine, I immediately noticed how chill and tidy it felt. It’s counter service, so if you’re in a rush for lunch or need a quick dinner, it’s perfect.
The menu covers salads, sandwiches, and soups. Every time I’ve been, the salads are crisp, and you can watch them toss everything together. The ingredients always look fresh, and there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options if that’s your thing.
I like being able to customize my salad—toppings, dressings, whatever. The staff doesn’t mind changes, and food comes out pretty quick. Sandwiches go well with most salads, and I never end up with portions that feel off.
This Irvine spot has lots of parking, and I’ve never had to wait long for my order or a seat. It’s an easy go-to for coworkers or friends when you want something healthy but still want to feel full.
Rating: 4.3 (111 reviews)\
Location: 17927 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92614\
Contact: (949) 222-0911\
Website: Visit Website
5. Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails
I tried Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails for lunch and was happy to see so many fresh salad options. They make each salad to order, and the ingredients looked and tasted crisp. I liked being able to customize my greens, proteins, and dressings without any hassle.
The space is modern and casual—easy for a quick meal or hanging out with friends. I noticed people ordering wraps and sandwiches too, so it’s not just salads if you want to mix it up.
There’s a juice bar that fits the healthy vibe, and the staff seemed to know the menu inside and out. My salad tasted balanced and nothing was overdressed or soggy, which is always a win.
Rating: 4.4 (649 reviews)\
Location: 1750 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627\
Contact: (949) 200-3950\
Website: Visit Website
6. Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice
I dropped by Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice and found it super easy to order something healthy. The place is casual, and the staff greeted me right away. It felt open and clean, so I actually wanted to stay and eat instead of rushing out.
The menu’s got a nice mix of vegan and organic salads. Everything looked bright and fresh. I grabbed a salad that was filling but still light, with tons of crunchy veggies and a homemade dressing that was way better than I expected.
They serve more than just salads—juices and smoothies too. A lot of people paired their salads with a drink, which honestly seems like a smart move for lunch. I appreciate that everything is plant-based and made to order.
Looking for something healthy in Newport Beach? This spot makes it easy. The portions felt fair, and the flavors were interesting without being overwhelming.
Rating: 4.7 (501 reviews)\
Location: 1000 Bristol St N, Newport Beach, CA 92660\
Contact: (949) 478-4118\
Website: Visit Website
7. RAFAEL’S KITCHEN & MAD COFFEE
I walked into Rafael’s Kitchen & Mad Coffee and the staff greeted me right away. The smell of fresh food hit me as soon as I stepped in. People were scattered around, chatting over breakfast and lunch, and honestly, the place just felt lively. Clean and bright, too, which always makes it easier to settle in.
The salad selection actually surprised me—they really seem to care about the ingredients. Each bowl looked super colorful and fresh. I appreciate that they offer vegan options and don’t skimp on crisp greens or ripe veggies.
The menu mixes American flavors with healthier picks. I noticed a few folks ordering salads topped with grilled chicken or avocado, and the portions looked perfect for lunch. It’s pretty clear why they’ve got both their kitchen and pizza menu together—honestly, you can find something for just about any mood.
The hours work for just about anyone, and you can swing by for a quick bite or just hang out for a longer lunch. Service moved fast. If you’re in a rush, you can even order ahead online, which is a lifesaver some days.
Rating: 4.7 (278 reviews)\
Location: 201 Sandpointe Ave Suite 150, Santa Ana, CA 92707\
Contact: (714) 884-4559\
Website: Visit Website
