In a city like Los Angeles, where health and hustle go hand-in-hand, lunch isn’t just a break — it’s a refueling opportunity. For those looking to eat clean, stay energized, and avoid a post-lunch crash, salads have become the go-to choice. But we’re not talking about the plain, uninspired kind. The lunch salads in Los Angeles are bold, nutritious, diverse, and endlessly customizable — offering something for every taste and dietary need.
From Downtown LA office workers to yoga-goers in Santa Monica and creatives in Silver Lake, Angelenos are embracing lunch salads like never before. With plenty of fast casual options, build-your-own bars, and vegan-friendly eateries, LA has solidified its reputation as the salad capital of the West Coast.
In this article, we’ll dive into why salads are the ultimate lunch solution, what to include for a perfectly balanced bowl, the best spots to grab a salad in LA (including Simply Salad), and how to build the perfect salad for your midday meal.
Why Salads Make the Perfect Lunch in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city on the move. Whether you’re bouncing between meetings, working from a café, or hitting a midday workout, your lunch needs to be quick, clean, and satisfying — and that’s exactly what a great salad offers.
- Health-Conscious City
LA is known for its fitness-forward mindset. Salads align with the city’s emphasis on wellness, helping people eat clean while getting plenty of nutrients. - Fast but Fresh
Unlike heavy lunches that can slow you down, salads are light yet filling — keeping you energized for the rest of your day. - Dietary Flexibility
Keto, vegan, low-carb, dairy-free, gluten-free — salads can easily be tailored to any dietary restriction or lifestyle goal. - Endless Variety
No two salads have to be the same. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, your lunch bowl can be different every day of the week.
What Makes a Great Lunch Salad?
To keep you full and satisfied until dinner, a lunch salad should be thoughtfully composed. A great salad includes:
A Fresh Base
Baby spinach, romaine, mixed greens, kale, arugula
Hearty Add-Ins
Quinoa, brown rice, farro, lentils
Lean Protein
Grilled chicken, tofu, salmon, black beans, boiled eggs, tempeh
Colorful Veggies
Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrots, shredded cabbage, bell peppers, roasted corn
Healthy Fats
Avocado, nuts, seeds, olives
Crunchy Toppings
Toasted chickpeas, seeds, gluten-free croutons, tortilla strips
Bold Dressings
Lemon tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, green goddess, chipotle ranch, olive oil & vinegar
The key is to mix textures (creamy + crunchy) and flavors (savory + tangy) for a complete and exciting lunch experience.
Simply Salad: The Best Lunch Salad Destination in Los Angeles
When it comes to lunch salads in Los Angeles, few places do it better than Simply Salad. With multiple locations across the city and a strong focus on freshness, speed, and personalization, Simply Salad has become a favorite among professionals, students, and health-conscious locals.
Why Simply Salad Is a Top Pick for Lunch
Build-Your-Own Bowls: Start from scratch or follow one of their signature combinations — you control what goes in your lunch.
Fast Service: Even during lunch rush, the team moves quickly without sacrificing quality.
Fresh, Local Ingredients: Everything is prepared fresh daily, from crunchy greens to house-made dressings.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly: With plenty of options clearly labeled, it’s easy to eat clean and stay safe.
Perfect Portion Sizes: Big enough to keep you satisfied but balanced enough to avoid the afternoon slump.
Popular Lunch Salad Combinations at Simply Salad
Need some inspiration? Here are a few of Simply Salad’s bestsellers and most-loved custom combinations — all great choices for a healthy lunch in LA:
- The Mediterranean Crunch
Romaine + spinach base
Grilled chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions
Kalamata olives, feta cheese
Lemon herb vinaigrette
- Southwest Protein Bowl
Kale + quinoa base
Black beans, corn, bell peppers
Grilled tofu, avocado, pumpkin seeds
Vegan chipotle dressing
- The Classic Cobb (Healthy Style)
Mixed greens base
Turkey breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado
Cherry tomatoes, carrots, sunflower seeds
Light balsamic vinaigrette
- Vegan Detox Bowl
Arugula + baby spinach base
Roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, carrots
Pickled onions, hummus scoop
Lemon tahini dressing
Each of these bowls is designed to be both flavorful and energizing — ideal for your busy LA lunch break.
Other Top Spots for Lunch Salads in Los Angeles
While Simply Salad shines for its customization and health-first approach, here are a few other local salad favorites worth checking out:
- Sweetgreen
A staple in LA’s salad scene, Sweetgreen is known for its seasonal ingredients and transparent sourcing. Many locations throughout the city offer pre-designed and customizable salads. - Tender Greens
Offers chef-curated lunch salads with quality proteins and organic greens. Ideal for those who want a slightly more elevated midday meal. - Mixt
Modern and clean, Mixt offers premium salad options with a refined approach to lunch. Lots of add-ins, grains, and vegan dressings available. - Lemonade
More than just salads, but their lunch bowls include bright, California-style ingredients that are fresh, affordable, and fast. - Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
Popular among professionals, Greenleaf offers great salads, wraps, and bowls with a focus on lean proteins and bold flavors.
Best Neighborhoods for a Healthy Lunch Salad in LA
Wherever you are in LA, you’re never far from a great salad spot. These neighborhoods are especially packed with options:
Downtown LA (DTLA): Ideal for office workers and students needing fast, healthy options.
Santa Monica: Great mix of vegan-friendly cafes and fast-casual salad chains near the beach.
West Hollywood: Stylish salad spots that cater to trendy eaters and clean diets.
Culver City: New fast casual concepts are thriving here, including build-your-own salad restaurants.
Silver Lake & Echo Park: Plant-forward and creative salads with local, farm-fresh ingredients.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Lunch Salad
Make your midday salad both enjoyable and effective with these simple tips:
- Don’t Skip the Protein
Protein helps keep you full until dinner and supports steady energy levels. Opt for tofu, beans, or grilled meat based on your dietary needs. - Add a Complex Carb
Including brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes helps you avoid hunger later in the day. - Choose Your Dressing Wisely
Go for olive oil-based or tahini dressings to avoid added sugar and preservatives. Always ask for dressing on the side if you’re watching calories. - Keep It Crunchy
Texture is everything. Adding nuts, seeds, or roasted chickpeas makes your salad more satisfying. - Hydrate!
Pair your salad with lemon water, iced tea, or a kombucha for a digestion-friendly, refreshing lunch.
The Future of Lunch Salads in LA
With health trends continuing to evolve and tech enhancing food delivery and personalization, the lunch salad game in LA is only getting better. Here’s what to expect:
Smart Salad Apps: Order by nutrition goal or macro count
Increased Sustainability: Compostable packaging and locally sourced ingredients
Functional Add-Ins: Adaptogens, probiotics, and superfoods like spirulina or hemp hearts
Expanded Delivery Services: More lightning-fast options for offices and home workers
Simply Salad and similar innovators are leading this new era of lunchtime wellness in LA — with every fresh, flavor-packed bowl.
Final Thoughts
In Los Angeles, lunch is more than just a break — it’s an opportunity to eat clean, fuel your body, and enjoy bold, healthy flavors. Whether you’re craving a hearty protein bowl, a light vegan mix, or something completely customized, lunch salads in Los Angeles deliver big on both nutrition and taste.
And when it comes to freshness, customization, and convenience, Simply Salad is your best bet. Designed for busy lifestyles and health-minded eaters, it’s where LA grabs a fast and flavorful bowl that fits perfectly into a busy day.
