8 Best Louisville Restaurants for Take Out Salads

8 Best Louisville Restaurants for Take Out Salads

All I want is a GOOD freakin salad, and I want it delivered. But… actually. The struggle was so real when we moved here from DC. I went to having healthy fast casual GOOD restaurants on every corner to basically zero options for quick, clean takeout. Hence why I started cooking more and getting really into creating easy, healthy meals!

But… during postpartum and COVID it became unsustainable to be preparing myself quick healthy meals all the time. I have had to start relying on more takeout. Thankfully I have discovered more options over the years, while Louisville has also grown and evolved to have more options. Here is a round up of all my favorite places to get take out salads! I say favorite places and not favorite salads because since many of these restaurants change their menus seasonally, by the time you read this, they may have a different, just as tasty menu item! At the time of this blog post, all of these restaurants currently do either curbside/contactless pick up or delivery.

Naive is unlike anywhere else in Louisville, KY and is my number 1 pick for take out salads

Naive is unlike anywhere else in Louisville, KY and is my number 1 pick for take out salads

Naive

Duh… I mean this is the obvious choice, right? You all know this is my go to and always has multiple salad options on the menu. My current favorite is this Berry Salad with arugula, pistachios, feta, strawberries, blackberries, honey-lime vinaigrette. I like to add salmon or chicken and get a side of either the hummus or sweet potato fries. Click here to join me at Naive for an Outdoor Happy Hour Flow every Tuesday!

A dreamy catering order of Blue Dog’s Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with marcona almonds

A dreamy catering order of Blue Dog’s Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with marcona almonds

Bluedog Bakery and Cafe

Where should you go in Louisville if you’re craving the perfect Cobb? Bluedog… I know you don’t necessarily think of them for their salads since they’re famous for their bread, but their salads are equally delicious. Lately their Cobb Salad sub tuna salad for chicken salad (their spicy tuna salad is so good!) is my order. I also love the Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with a side of smoked salmon.

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    This is my newest favorite to the Louisville salad scene. Who would of thought a BBQ spot would make such a gorgeous salad?

    This is my newest favorite to the Louisville salad scene. Who would of thought a BBQ spot would make such a gorgeous salad?

    Noche Mexican BBQ

    What, Mexican BBQ doesn’t make you immediately think salads? It took me a couple tries before I figured out that yet another Mexican restaurant, was actually the home of a Unicorn status gorgeous and delicious salad. Their menu has changed twice since I discovered this hidden gem of a “salad spot” and all pass the test. I like to add carne asada or shrimp and an app of their poblano guac. The salad pictured here is the Queso de Cabra with mixed greens, spicy balsamic grilled peaches, fresh berries, red onion, heirloom cherry tomatoes, raspberry serrano vinaigrette, homemade goat cheese fritter.

    Mayan Cafe

    This may be my all time favorite restaurant in Louisville. I was devastated when they had to temporarily close and am so glad they have been able to reopen! They used to only have one salad at a time but currently have two that both make me droooool thinking about: Spicy Jicama Salad and Kale Salad. Can’t not order a side of their famous Lima Beans and I’m also obsessed with their Sikil Pak (pumpkin seed dip).

    If you don’t know about the Wiltshire Hippie Bowl, now you do. You’re welcome.

    If you don’t know about the Wiltshire Hippie Bowl, now you do. You’re welcome.

    Wiltshire Pantry Bakery and Cafe

    Wiltshire just makes my heart happy. The owner, Susan is an absolute gem and beam of light in this city. Their freshly baked breads, daily soup specials and creative pastries make them the quintessential bakery/cafe meets innovative restaurant. I can never decide what to get at Wiltshire, so I’m glad that they cater towards indecisive food decision makers like me and have half soup/half salad and half sandwich/half salad options. Their menu is always changing, but there’s always several locally sourced salad options and a “Hippie Bowl” which is a vegan bowl with some sort of grains/legumes and veggies. Here is a Hippie Bowl with quinoa, hummus, beets, pistachios and local greens. I added on salmon.

    Galaxie

    The salads may get overshadowed by their “Wakatakas” (their take on flatbread meets taco), but they are one of our go-to spots for greens! I am all about the Avocado Chicken Salad, but love the sound of the Strawberry Grain Salad and Black Bean Bowl. I can’t go there an not order a side of chips and Wakamole (their chips are hands down the best in town).

    Caffe Classico

    This place is so underrated! I had been forever ago and forgot about it, but recently it’s become a staple in our house! Fist of all… their salads come with Blue Dog bread… so there’s a win already! The actual salad bases are pretty basic, BUT I love that their salmon is super tasty which you can add on. It also is the perfect spot to do salad and pizza because they have tasty pizzas as well! Okay, one more thing- their empanadas are good too! It’s the perfect place that has something for everyone- simple, straightforward and everything always tastes good.

    Taco Luchador on a rare dine in day… usually eaten on my couch with chips + guac

    Taco Luchador on a rare dine in day… usually eaten on my couch with chips + guac

    Taco Luchador

    Louisville is still missing a lot in the food scene (umm sushi where art thou??) but one thing we are not lacking is good and quick Mexican. This place has several locations that I frequent and is my perfect dream come true taco salad. The Crunchy Mexican Ensalada has roasted cherry tomatoes, pickled red cabbage, carrots, onion, avocado, cilantro, beets, lime-cilantro Agave vinaigrette, arugula, queso fresco, crispy tortilla strips, radish and pumpkin seeds. I get it without the cheese and use their mild hot sauce as my dressing! I also add their carne asada or grilled chicken and a side of chips/guac (obviously).

    Want even more healthy Louisville restaurant and product recs?

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    An Insider's Guide to Derby City

    Louisville's charm reaches far past Churchill Downs

    Louisville's charm reaches far past Churchill Downs

    Derby season has officially arrived and the buzz in Louisville, KY just got REAL.

    When they're not staking their bets at Churchill Downs, typically tourists fill their stay with plans of hitting the distilleries on the Bourbon Trail. Though those well known highlights are not to be missed, the true local gems may be the eclectic and unique restaurants, bars and cafes. 

    Regardless of the weekend's itinerary, choosing 21c Museum Hotel as home base is a no brainer for taking in the eccentric culture of the city. These local favorites showcase the character and creativity Louisville, KY has to offer. 

    Friday

    Superfood smoothies from Lifebar

    Superfood smoothies from Lifebar

    Smoothies at Lifebar make the perfect start to the morning. Located inside Louisville's organic grocery Rainbow Blossom, this vegan cafe is known for unique blends like the Chocomaca Bowl and CBD Matcha Maca smoothie. 

    Creative cocktails to pair with local charcuterie from Red Hog Butcher

    Creative cocktails to pair with local charcuterie from Red Hog Butcher

    Equally beautiful and delicious vegan arepas from Naive in Butchertown

    Equally beautiful and delicious vegan arepas from Naive in Butchertown

    Lunch at Blue Dog Bakery and Cafe is a an absolute must. Don't leave without trying the breakfast pizza and gorgeous macaroons. Head down the street to their butcher and sister restaurant Red Hog for cocktails and charcuterie to start the evening. 

    Find local ingredients that are almost too beautiful to eat at Butchertown's latest gem Naive for dinner. Don't miss the (shockingly) vegan nachos while sipping your cocktail out of a coconut.

    Continue the evening at Lola, the lounge above Butchertown Grocery, a short walk away from Naive. The perfect nightcap? Beignets and bourbon. "Happiness Doesn't Wait," will give you the chance to sample both Makers Mark bourbon and Copper & Kings (across the street!) absinthe. 

    Saturday

    Coffee, juice or matcha? Luckily the Nulu neighborhood has all your AM liquid needs covered. Grab a breakfast burrito at the Quills firehouse, where you’ll find the best coffee in town. Fresh cold pressed juices and hot superfood tonics are just around the corner on Market Street at The Weekly Juicery

    If the eccentric local boutiques and galleries in Nulu aren't enough reason to stick around, the sugary treats will be. Head over to Please and Thank You for a chocolate chip Derby Bar for now, and BIY (Bake-It-Yourself) box to take home for later. 

    Proof on Main, the funky yet polished restaurant in 21c Hotel and Museum is the perfect place to start a sophisticated Saturday night downtown. Grab a drink at the bar and check out the thought-provoking, contemporary art exhibits. Dine on regional cuisine like smoked catfish dip and the famous locally raised bison burger. 

    The real fun happens behind Whiskey Row at Hell or Highwater Bar

    The real fun happens behind Whiskey Row at Hell or Highwater Bar

    While most head to Whiskey Row, few will find the real magic, which happens behind it. Hell or Highwater is the move after dinner at Proof... if you can find it. This well hidden speakeasy on Washington St. showcases the intersection of classic old school and new innovative Louisville. Find a spot on the plush red velvet couches to sip an old fashioned while listening to classic 1920s-era radios. Still got a sweet tooth? Order local favorites like a scoop of Louisville Cream ice cream or sampling of Cellar Door Chocolates

    Sunday

    Start your morning with provisions from Wiltshire Pantry Bakery and Cafe. Choose from an assortment of freshly baked pastries including some vegan friendly options. A start to a good day is when the biggest decision is kouign-amann or twice baked almond croissant.

    Find what biscuit dreams are made of at Grale Haus

    Find what biscuit dreams are made of at Grale Haus

    End the weekend with brunch at Grale Haus, a classic Highlands Victorian home turned coffee house and cafe. Try an interesting twist on a locally roasted coffee with the Turmeric Latte or an oat milk Matcha Latte for tea drinkers. The last meal of the weekend oozes southern comfort with pimento cheese biscuits, cheddar grits and country ham crepes on the menu. Lighter options like the "Haus" granola, veggie hash or black eyed pea salad will not disappoint either. 

    For more local recs reference my instagram page @alltheverdure. Feel free to comment below or send me a message with any questions or more advice about Louisville, KY!

     

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