In This Article Show
Finding a great salad in Pasadena is honestly a breeze with so many options scattered around the city. There’s a real mix of healthy choices, super fresh ingredients, and all sorts of flavors, so you’re bound to find something that hits the spot.
I want to share the top salads in Pasadena so you can discover new favorites and enjoy some of the best meals the area has to offer.
Each spot on my list brings something different, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a fresh, sit-down meal.
1. True Food Kitchen
I visited True Food Kitchen in Pasadena and found it to be a calm, stylish place with a modern feel. The space feels open, and there’s plenty of natural light, which made my meal relaxing. The atmosphere seems great for a casual lunch or a quiet dinner.
The menu focuses on health-conscious meals, including many vegan and vegetarian salads. I tried the Ancient Grains Bowl as a salad option and really enjoyed how fresh and colorful it was. The ingredients tasted clean, with lots of flavor from fresh herbs and dressings.
Customizing my salad was easy—I could add or leave out whatever I wanted. The staff patiently answered my questions about gluten-free options and helped me pick a dressing that worked for me. I liked how they paid attention to different diets and allergies.
If you want a place where you can eat light but still feel satisfied, I think True Food Kitchen is a top choice in Pasadena. It’s also nice to have a spot that serves a variety of dishes beyond just salads, in case you come with a group.
Rating: 4.5 (1987 reviews)\
Location: 168 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105\
Contact: (626) 639-6818\
Website: Visit Website
2. Urban Plates
I visited Urban Plates on South Lake Avenue and was impressed by its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The space feels casual and comfortable, making it easy to settle in and enjoy a meal. The staff greeted me with a smile and answered my questions about their ingredients.
The salad options at Urban Plates are fresh and full of flavor. I tried the Chicken Cobb, which stood out because of the crisp greens, tender chicken, and homemade dressing. The portions were generous, and the ingredients tasted like they were just prepared in the kitchen.
Urban Plates focuses on wholesome choices, including many gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. Everything I tasted had a “made-from-scratch” feel, which I appreciated. Their menu also highlights protein options like grass-fed steak or grilled salmon if you want to add something extra to your salad.
Ordering was quick, and my food came out fast, but it never felt rushed. The combination of good service, fresh food, and variety makes Urban Plates an easy pick for anyone looking for a great salad spot in Pasadena.
Rating: 4.5 (1,596 reviews)\
Location: 269 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101\
Contact: (626) 800-4448\
Website: Visit Website
3. Tender Greens
When I walked into Tender Greens in Pasadena, it felt bright and modern. The setup is cafeteria-style, so I could see the team preparing fresh ingredients right in front of me. It made ordering simple, and I liked being able to choose exactly what I wanted.
I tried the Fall Harvest Chicken Salad, which had salt and pepper chicken, delicata squash, pickled grapes, and goat cheese. The mix of flavors was balanced and not overwhelming. There were crunchy pepita seeds and a bed of fresh greens like baby kale and watercress.
They also had a Longevity Bowl. It was made with slow-cooked black lentils, fennel, baby kale salad, and cauliflower. I picked the roasted maitake mushrooms as my protein, and everything was cooked just right. The ingredients tasted clean and healthy.
Tender Greens stands out because the salads taste fresh and are filling enough for a meal. I noticed a lot of people come here for a quick lunch, but it’s also nice for a simple dinner. There’s usually a steady crowd, but I never felt rushed or crowded.
Rating: 4.4 (772 reviews)\
Location: 621 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101\
Contact: (626) 405-1511\
Website: Visit Website
4. Mendocino Farms
I recently stopped by Mendocino Farms in Pasadena to try their salads. The menu stood out right away because they offer unique flavor combinations and use seasonal ingredients. I noticed that many people came in just for the salads, and the staff answered my questions about different options.
I tried the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada. The mix of fresh greens, roasted veggies, and tangy dressing tasted fresh and balanced. They have plenty of vegetarian choices, but you can also add proteins like chicken or vegan “chicken” for variety.
The space felt clean and welcoming, with lots of natural light. I liked how easy it was to order, and my food came out quickly. The restaurant has parking behind the building, and the first 90 minutes are free, which helped make my visit easy.
If you want more than salad, Mendocino Farms also serves sandwiches, soups, and local craft beer or wine. I appreciated that they’re flexible, with options for both quick pickup and delivery if I don’t have time to eat in.
Rating: 4.6 (561 reviews)\
Location: 238 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101\
Contact: (626) 773-3140\
Website: Visit Website
5. Green Street Restaurant
I visited Green Street Restaurant on a weekday afternoon and found it comfortable and friendly. The space feels relaxed, and I liked the option to sit on the patio. The vibe was casual, and there were plenty of people enjoying lunch, but it wasn’t too loud.
I tried their popular Green Street Chicken Salad. It came piled high with fresh greens, grilled chicken, and their house dressing, which was tangy and just a bit sweet. Each bite tasted crisp and balanced. The portions here are generous, but not overwhelming.
During happy hour, I noticed several kinds of salads and small bites on the menu alongside the chicken salad. The staff was quick to offer suggestions, and service was attentive without feeling rushed. Green Street feels like a spot that locals keep returning to for a reason.
Rating: 4.5 (1107 reviews)\
Location: 146 Shoppers Ln, Pasadena, CA 91101\
Contact: (626) 577-7170\
Website: Visit Website
6. Holy Saints!
I stopped by Holy Saints! recently after hearing about their menu from friends who live nearby. The space was clean and inviting, and staff greeted me right away. The music was quiet, which made it easy to chat and relax while I looked over the menu.
Their salad options stood out to me for being fresh and creative. My order arrived quickly, and the ingredients were crisp and full of flavor. I noticed generous portions and thoughtful toppings that balanced textures and tastes.
I appreciated that the menu had both classic and new flavors, so there was something for everyone. The attention to detail made the experience feel special and well thought out.
Rating: 4.7 (37 reviews)\
Location: 21 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103\
Contact: (626) 627-9515\
Website: Visit Website
7. sweetgreen
I recently stopped by sweetgreen, and honestly, everything tasted super fresh. The ingredients looked bright and crisp—like someone actually cared about putting together each bowl and salad. The menu leans healthy, with loads of vegetarian and vegan picks if that’s your thing.
I just ordered at the counter, and even with a crowd, the staff kept the line moving. I grabbed one of their popular Harvest Bowls. Roasted chicken, fresh apples, sweet potatoes—somehow it managed to be filling without feeling heavy. Oh, and they’ve got some quirky stuff too, like Ripple Fries (plant-based and air-fried, which is kind of fun).
Other folks seemed into the Kale Caesar and Chicken Pesto Parm. I like that the restaurant tries to use local and organic ingredients when they can. Tons of people were grabbing salads to go, and you can order delivery, takeout, or even catering if you’re feeding a crowd.
Rating: 4.4 (184 reviews)\
Location: 600 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101\
Contact: (626) 727-9440\
Website: Visit Website
