We’re lucky to have access to beautiful fruits and vegetables in Whatcom County, so it makes sense that we have a bounty of salad options when going out to eat.
When I began my quest for the best salads, I decided to ask my friends for their favorites, and they delivered! From hearty salad meals to crunchy sides, our restaurants are showing off fresh eats in major ways.
1. Bayou on Bay
If you’re not in the mood for Cajun classics like jambalaya or etouffe, you can still find fresh, crunchy options downtown at Bayou on Bay. Their Steak Salad is full of field greens, grilled onions, blue cheese, croutons, topped with flank steak, and dressed in buttermilk blue cheese dressing. Want to take it to the next level? One friend recommends you try it with a fried egg on top.
Bayou on Bay
1300 Bay St
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-752-2968
www.bayouonbay.com
2. Casa Que Pasa
Salad may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think downtown’s Casa Que Pasa staple known for their potato burritos, but their house salad is a must-try thanks to the hearty crunch from jicama and roasted pumpkin seeds. Add that to the lettuce, cabbage, red peppers, corn crisps, and crumbled cotija cheese, and you’ve got a winner for less than $6!
Pro-tip: Add chicken to make it a meal ($2), and both Lime Thyme and Tomato Cilantro dressings for no extra charge. Fresh, filling, and satisfyingly crunchy!
Casa Que Pasa
1415 Railroad Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-756-8226
www.casaquepasarocks.com
3. Community Food Co-Op
If you like to get a little of this and a little of that for lunch, The Community Food Co-Op offers a robust salad bar and 3-salad sampler to meet your needs. With two locations boasting delis — downtown and Cordata — you can grab fresh, quick salads when you’re out and about in Bellingham. If you’re picking up a salad sampler, try the Puget Sound Artichoke (kale, feta, olives, carrots, Greek dressing), Basil Parmesan Turkey, and the Shepherd’s Salad (with currants and feta) for starters.
Cordata
315 Westerly Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-734-8158
www.communityfood.coop
Downtown
1220 N. Forest St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-734-8158
www.communityfood.coop
4. Fiamma Burger & La Fiamma
The Green Salad at La Fiamma and Fiamma Burger is a fresh alternative (or addition) to fries and onion rings. You can get it with their smoked sun-dried tomato vinaigrette or house “Sudden Valley” ranch. Fun fact: At Fiamma Burger you can turn any burger into a salad by choosing the Burger in a Bowl option.
Bonus tip: Brandywine Kitchen will also turn any of their sandwiches into a tasty salad. I recommend the Mediterranean with pan-fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and tomato.
Fiamma Burger
1309 Railroad Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-7374
www.fiammaburger.com
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza
200 E. Chestnut
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-647-0060
www.lafiamma.com
5. Goat Mountain Pizza
You may know Goat Mountain Pizza for their fluffy-yet-crispy crust and high-quality toppings, but their salad is nothing to sneeze at. The salad can vary slightly with the season, but the mixed greens, shredded carrot, millet, pickled red onion, candied walnut, asiago cheese, and house-made balsamic vinaigrette make it a crunchy, fresh accompaniment to any slice.
Goat Mountain Pizza
215 West Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-510-6336
6. Leaf & Ladle
Ask someone where you should get a salad downtown and you will, undoubtedly, be sent to Leaf & Ladle. Owner Linda Melim is beloved, and her healthy, home-style food is raved about. Next time you’re downtown, try the Asian Chicken Salad (mixed greens, chicken, Thai basil, cilantro, cabbage, cucumbers, red peppers, with a sesame peanut dressing), a rotating seasonal salad, or their tasty Southwest Salad (mixed greens, quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado crema).
Leaf & Ladle
1113 N State St
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-319-9718
www.facebook.com/LeafandLadle
