Photos by Michelle Gillan Larkin
An amazing “big” salad—described by Seinfeld’s Elaine as, “a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it”—is a no brainer at places like The Cheesecake Factory or City Limits, but there are actually a bunch of to-die-for, Insta-worthy big (HUGE, even) entrée salads lurking in the most unexpected venues all across the county.
Here are a handful of our favorite hidden green gems.
Crab Salad at Pas-Tina’s Ristorante
155 S Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.997.7900
The specialty at this upscale, welcoming Italian is eggplant parm that resembles a snow-covered mountain, so it’s a near shock to the system to discover a salad of rich, baby spinach topped with an eye-popping pile of tender, juicy, jumbo lump crab alongside creamy avocado slices, Mandarin orange, grilled Bermuda onions, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette.
Landlubbers enjoy the equally surprising salad of pan-roasted chicken and mango with romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, fontina cheese, and a sweet mango dressing. Curbside pickup available, and three socially distant tables have been set up outside for walk ins.
Vietnamese Salad at Haiku Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
56 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.337.5601
1 Cross River Rd, Cross River; 914.763.9120
717 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale;914.722.4200
149 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.644.8887
Nowhere is it written that a salad must have leaves in it to be a salad, and at this Pan-Asian crowd pleaser lettuce is so last year. Julienned jicama and sweet mango make up the base of this exotic, refreshing dish, along with juicy kiwi, shaved raw carrots, crushed peanuts, and crispy cellophane noodles.
The dressing of vinegar and fresh-squeezed orange is light yet lip smacking with every bite. Curbside pickup and delivery available after 4 p.m. (Scarsdale location temporarily closed due to kitchen fire.)
Panzanella at Il Bacio Trattoria
1 Park Place, Bronxville; 914.337.4100
In this bustling, neighborhood haven of pizza, pasta, and every Italian specialty under the Tuscan sun, this divine offering is also senza leafy greens, with chunky tomatoes, sliced avocado, red onion, and cucumbers dancing a tasty tarantella with a wealth of cubed, aged pecorino cheese and hunks of crisp Italian bread that gently soak up the delicate but zippy vinaigrette.
Curbside pickup is available and socially distant outdoor dining on a first-come, first-served basis is up and running on the sidewalk café.
BBQ Ranch or Classic Cobb at Smashburger
49 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains; 914.328.3880
448 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.777.3370
3025 E Main Street, Cortlandt Manor; 914.236.5202
Quietly tossing alongside the beef and buns of this better burger chain are two leafy concoctions (served in oversized white ceramic bowls when not under quarantine restrictions) packed with fresh greens, sharp cheddar, Applewood-smoked bacon, and tomatoes, with haystack onions on the BBQ ranch and fried egg and blue cheese crumbles on the classic cobb.
Protein choices are grilled or crispy chicken, a burger, or a black bean veggie “burger,” with creamy ranch dressing. Take out and curbside pickup available (no curbside at WP location).
