March 13, 2025
Food & Drink, Feature, Food & Drink Feature, Eat, Guides, Features, Featured,
Looking for something light and fresh to enjoy this season? Nashville has so many great options for healthy eating. From salads to bowls, lettuce suggest a few crave-worthy offerings in Music City.
AVO
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This vegan dining destination is known for its tasty plant-based fare, which includes everything from spring rolls and udon to lentil burgers and salads. Swing by to try the spot’s tempting Wild Nashville salad, which combines hydroponic greens, avocado, carrot, cabbage, cucumber and miso-glazed sweet potato—with a drizzle of lemon ginger vinaigrette to top it all off. 4 City Blvd., Ste. 104
Calypso Cafe
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This cult favorite cafe has garnered a loyal following for Cuban-inspired cuisine, buzzy island-themed setting and crave-worthy small bites, salads and sandwiches. The eatery’s black bean salad is a can’t-miss, made with green leaf lettuce and tortilla chips topped with black beans, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, red onions and the choice of chicken, beef or rice. The salad is served with a 4-ounce serving of barbecue sauce on the side, and guests can add white meat or pulled barbecue chicken as an add-on. 700 Thompson Lane
Cava
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The beloved salad chain first brought its customizable concoctions to Nashville in 2020. Now, with five Nashville (and Nashville-adjacent) locations, it’s a go-to for healthy diners on the go. Create your own salad, pita or grain bowl or put your spin on one of Cava’s signatures, like the Tahini Caesar or the Steak Mezze. Multiple locations
Crisp & Green
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The nationally-known Crisp & Green isn’t just dedicated to nurturing bellies with fresh, clean ingredients and inventive flavors; it’s committed to fostering and improving communities nationwide through partnerships and programs as exciting and inclusive as its menu. 1020 Church St., Ste. A100
Chopt Creative Salad Co.
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This counter-serve joint is the place to go for indulgent salads, wraps and warm bowls crafted with ingredients like chipotle chicken, cotija cheese, Southwest steak, pickled red onions and more. Visitors can create their own custom salad or opt for hearty selections like the Sweet Apple Orchard salad, complete with seasonal apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, roasted almonds, romaine and Chopt’s signature lettuce blend. 2126 Abbott Martin Road
The Food Company
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This cozy counter-serve dining destination serves seasonal soups, sandwiches and salads, with an ample assortment of grab-and-go meals to boot. Dig into The Goddess salad, a delectable combination of toasted pumpkin seeds, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shaved parmesan, carrots, sunflower sprouts and fresh herb croutons layered over baby spinach with a generous helping of Green Goddess dressing. 2211 Bandywood Drive
Graze Nashville
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This Rolling Acres neighborhood spot offers tempting salads, craft cocktails and tasty vegan brunch and lunch fare. While you’re there, sample the creamy and delicious kale Caesar salad (topped with sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin seeds and cashew parm) or opt for the zesty Szechuan salad with kale, grilled tofu, edamame, walnuts, cabbage, carrots and green onions. 1888 Eastland Ave.
Greenery Co.
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The delicious idea of sisters Caroline Gaston and Whitney Abblitt, Greenery Co., has quickly become a Hillsboro Village staple since opening in 2020. With a belief that "goodness starts from the inside out,” this sweet salad spot offers up healthy options in a chic and welcoming cafe environment--whether you opt for a signature salad (the Tennessee Thai is a favorite), a bowl like the Music City Med or create your own concoction with fresh, often local ingredients. 1705 21st Ave. S
Radish Kitchen
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Founded by Nashvillian chef and recipe developer Amanda Frederickson, Radish is a fast-casual healthy restaurant serving salads, grain bowls and wraps. Each of their tasty, healthy options is sustainably sourced and crafted from ingredients made in-house at one of their two local locations. From seasonal specials like the Spring Strawberry to customizable takes on classics like the Chicken Caesar, there’s a fresh favorite for every taste. 4101 Charlotte Ave. Building G, Ste. 10
Upbeet
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This Atlanta-based spot boasts "good vibes only,” and the food has the same positive philosophy. Established with the mission of serving clean, healthful food for those who don’t want to sacrifice nutrition for convenience, Upbeet’s customizable salads and grain bowls are filled with organic veggies, grass-fed animal proteins and non-GMO vegan proteins, and housemade dressings made with clean oils. The same goes for their organic smoothies, smoothie bowls, yogurt bowls, superfood lattes and toast. 341 11th Ave. S
See also: 7 Vegan Restaurants to Try in Nashville
Photography by: Seasonal Strawberries & Champagne Salad by Greenery Co.