I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting Salad and Go, a fast and charming drive-through eatery. The place promises quick, healthy options for those who are constantly on the move and what a delight it was! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, full to the brim with scrumptious salads and perfect house-made dressings, which really, aren't limited to just salads.
How it all Began...
Originating in sunny Gilbert, Arizona in 2013, Salad and Go was the brainchild of two innovative founders. They happened to cross paths with the internationally acclaimed executive chef, Daniel Patino, in an upscale restaurant. Safe to say, they were able to lure Chef Patino to jump on board the health-train with them as executive chef and co-founder, and what a match they made!
Oozing with international culinary prowess, Chef Patino combined his experiences from his time in some of America’s finest restaurants to create a unique yet straightforward brilliant menu. The trio had a shared vision of rewriting the fast food story to reflect a healthier approach. And thus, Salad and Go became the catalyst of the "Drive Through Revolution," serving affordable, prompt food without compromising on health or nutrition.
With two well-oiled production facilities rooted in Arizona and Texas, Salad and Go ensures that each outlet is fed with fresh, nutritious, and whole ingredients. Another facility in the pipeline aims to commence operations by 2025. These facilities are the heart of Salad and Go, carefully crafting their recipes to serve sumptuous salads, wraps, burritos, and so much more, that are not just pocket-friendly but also super quick to whip up. For more on their journey, check out their website at www.saladandgo.com.
What Sets Salad and Go Apart?
Well, for starters, they offer healthy options in a fast-food, drive-through style. So for anyone like me who struggles to weave through the chaos of a busy life but also prefers a healthier diet, Salad and Go is a blessing! Even during peak hours, when the lines can be intimidating, they are super quick in whipping up their salads - all under 15 seconds. Pretty unbelievable, right?
But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to serve fresh, wholesome, and whenever possible, organic food. Luxuriating in the richness of locally sourced ingredients, seasonal offerings, and unrivalled freshness, Salad and Go's offerings go beyond just healthy and affordable - they're a culinary comfort in a bowl! Plus, having an award-winning executive chef ensures that no compromises are made on the flavor.
A Closer Look at the Salads
The Salad and Go menu is as simple as it gets. You get to pick a salad, choose your protein and finish off with your favorite house-made dressing. You get the same options in wraps too, and they are all customizable. For an extra charge, you can add a variety of toppings or swap ingredients as per your liking.
Some of my Favorites
- Roasted Autumn Salad
- Cobb Salad
- BBQ Ranch
- Greek Salad
For protein, you can choose between chicken, tofu, or steak (which comes with an additional cost). Their dressings are all made in-house and oh boy, are they delectable! From creamy blue cheese to Thai peanut, they have quite a variety.
And of course, their salads can also be made into wraps. You get your chosen salad ingredients served in a warm pita wrap - so delicious, it’d warm your soul. They also have a limited edition soup on the menu - The Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
For those with a penchant for breakfast burritos, fret not! They're served with eggs and homemade salsa and the drink options on the menu includes hand-crafted lemonades, cold brew coffee, and tea – all too heavenly to pass!
Dietary Preferences
While they don’t really have a designated vegan menu, you can tweak your salad just as you like it. Getting creative with your food was never this easy. Plus, they do a neat little Kid's Salad, absolutely perfect for your precious little ones. It's a delightful mixture of carrots, cucumbers, Romaine, and croutons - a wholesome mini meal for them!
Delivery or Dine-in?
By now you might be thinking, "Can I get this deliciousness delivered to my doorstep?" Well, the bad news is that they don’t offer delivery services. They do, however, have drive-through and pick up options available at their outlets. But in all honestly, I didn't mind this at all. It actually goes in sync with their concept – you grab your salad and go!
One extra cherry on top is their operating hours– they’re open from early morning till late at night. So next time you feel snugly in your PJs but also have an unignorable hankering for a healthy meal, you know Salad and Go has got you covered!
The Highs and Lows
Pros:
- Freshness of the ingredients
- Catering to dietary and healthy preferences
- Quick, nutritious home-like meal
- Customizable menu
- Affordable prices
- Healthy options for kids
Cons:
- No in-house delivery option
- No seating available
- Limited protein choices
In conclusion, Salad and Go has been a delightful experience, offering culinary excellence with a punch of health. Despite minor hiccups, I would definitely recommend giving it a 'go' for a refreshing change from the traditional fast food culture!