During my recent trip to Washington, DC, I stumbled upon Sweetgreen, a popular joint serving salads, soups, and hot grain bowls. I learned that it all started in 2007 by three freshly graduated college mates who sensed a craving in the fast food market: the need for healthier options.
These buddies initially aimed to develop a concept of delivering fresh local produce and salads to offices. However, they pivoted and found that their idea would kick off exceptionally well in restaurants. Today, I found out Sweetgreen has graced most major U.S. cities and is gearing up to serve fresh greens in London and Abu Dhabi. Interesting, right?
What Sets Sweetgreen Apart?
The uniqueness of Sweetgreen isn't just their eco-conscious menu, freshly prepared salads, and delicious dressings. It's their foundation and purpose; three college kids wanting to create a healthy food haven that not only fills bellies but does so without being a financial burden.
In a surprisingly short time, their brilliant idea caught on, and now Sweetgreen's gourmet salad bowls are served nationwide. What's their secret? Well, their menu changes according to the harvest calendar; this means you'll always get the freshest ingredients, making each bite a flavor-filled experience.
There's not a trace of those typical mundane salads here. Every menu item is vibrant, fresh, and loaded with produce directly sourced from American farms. Oh, and their in-house dressings; they're made from all-natural ingredients.
The Healthiest Dressing Options
Want the healthiest dressing options? Their Greek yogurt tzatziki packs in the lowest sodium and calories. The lemon tahini dressing closely follows, with the Mexican Goddess hanging around the same number.
Vegan-Friendly Awesome Sauce
Are you a vegan? Don’t sweat; Sweetgreen’s got plenty of vegan options too. Their vegan dressings aren’t just for salads; they work amazing as dipping sauces for several salad ingredients. The garlic dressing has made the most fans. And if you have a preference for creamy dressings, you’ll love their kale Caesar and citrus ranch dressing. A hint of strawberries or pineapple-pomegranate might tickle your fancy if you prefer mildly sweet dressings. They even offer honey mustard dressing for anyone craving robust tangy flavor.
The Farm-fresh Factor
A significant contributor to the flavor in Sweetgreen’s salads comes from their lettuce, supplied by a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, California Earthbound Farm (EB). EB delivers organic baby spinach, romaine lettuce, and mesclun mix to all Sweetgreen locations, sourced within 500 miles to ensure optimal freshness and taste.
Fun Fact About Their Bread
Did you know that the scrumptious bread at Sweetgreen comes from Clark Street Bread? They accommodate various dietary needs with options such as vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Plus they have organic and whole wheat options too.
Olive Oiled Goodness
All the dressings, sauces, and dips are prepared using extra virgin olive oil that's packed with antioxidants, and yes, it's fresh olives only. No compromises on quality here!
That's Some Safe Cheese
I was glad to know Sweetgreen ensures safety and quality even in the smallest of ingredients like their cheese, made from safely pasteurized milk.
Vegan Punch with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinaigrette seemed like the perfect pick for all the fellow vegan eaters. Try mixing it up with other dressings or enjoy it straight up, you won't regret it!
A Slice of Sustainability
While enjoying my meal, I wondered if the bowl from Sweetgreen is recyclable. Its plastic lining suggested otherwise, yet I learned it's possible if your city has a specialized plastic recycling program, which I found to be quite thoughtful.
To Tip or Not to Tip?
I noticed they don't accept cash at many Sweetgreen locations. Although they have table service, gratuities are personally managed online via the kiosk or app. So tipping isn't quite the hassle I imagined.
Salad Dressing: On or Off?
One question that gave me food for thought: should the dressing be on the salad or on the side? If you're aiming for a perfect balance between soaked and dry, oil-based dressings go well drizzled over the top, while the creamy ones are excellent when served on the side.
Pros:
- Commitment to fresh and locally sourced ingredients
- Vibrant, delicious menu items
- Promotes healthy food choices
- Environmentally mindful sourcing
- Plenty of options for various dietary preferences
Cons:
- Prices can be a bit steep compared to similar salad places
- Recyclability of the bowls might not be possible everywhere
- No cash payments in many locations
- No set answer on where the dressing is placed