If you’re trying to eat healthy, dining away from home can derail even the best of intentions. Luckily, Wichita has plenty of options for those wanting to find light, flavorful food.
During summer months, a crisp, fresh salad is the perfect way to refuel without feeling weighed down — whether you’re exploring local attractions, strolling through museums or catching an outdoor concert. From farm-to-table spots that highlight local produce to trendy cafes serving nutritious grain bowls and creative salads, Wichita makes it easy to enjoy a refreshing, satisfying meal that keeps you energized for all your adventures in the Heart of the Country.
Fattoush or Mediterranean Salad at Meddys (Downtown, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest)
Meddys offers fresh, fast and authentic Mediterranean flavors, including their fattoush and Mediterranean salads that can be topped with salmon, chicken, beef or lamb. The fattoush includes romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and radishes flavored with sumac spice, parsley and mint. Their Mediterranean has mixed greens with garbanzo beans, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, onions, za’atar and feta cheese dressed with balsamic vinegar.
Chicken & Berry Salad at The Sandbox (Derby and Goddard)
If you're looking for a fresh, flavorful lunch or dinner after spiking volleyballs or battling on the pickleball courts at either of The Sandbox's two locations, their Chicken & Berry Salad is a game-changer. This tasty mix starts with a crisp fresh salad blend, topped with perfectly grilled seasoned chicken, juicy assorted fresh berries, crunchy candied walnuts and feta cheese, all dressed with a house-made raspberry vinaigrette for a delightful sweet-tart finish.
Lottē
At Lottē, the ICT Farmer's Salad stands out as a rotating seasonal salad featuring produce sourced directly from RISE Farms, the rooftop garden growing fresh produce right above the restaurant. Crisp and vibrant, the salad varies by week but always highlights local greens, radishes and herbs harvested just steps away - a delicious example of Wichita’s farm-to-table movement in action.
Seasonal salads at HomeGrown Wichita (West, Downtown, Bradley Fair)
You can always count on the chefs at HomeGrown Wichita to serve up fresh, inventive salads that showcase the best local ingredients. A fan favorite year-round is the Power BLT Salad, a satisfying twist on the classic sandwich featuring crisp greens piled with smoked bacon, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheddar and a hard-boiled egg, all drizzled with a tangy house vinaigrette. During the warmer months, don’t miss their Summer Market Salad, a bright and refreshing mix that highlights peak-season produce for a delicious bite of summer on a plate.
Chef Salad at Mokas Cafe
The diverse menu at Mokas Cafe includes fresh salad and wrap options, and the Chef Salad is a standout choice. This hearty classic is made with crisp Romaine lettuce piled high with tender slices of turkey and ham, shredded cheddar cheese, a perfectly hard-boiled egg and juicy diced tomatoes. It’s a satisfying, well-balanced option that pairs well with any of Mokas’ house-made dressings — from a classic ranch to a tangy vinaigrette. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between meetings or fueling up for a day of exploring the Heart of the Country, this salad delivers a delicious combination of protein and crunch to keep you going.
Pan-Asian Noodle Salad at Redrock Canyon Grill
Redrock Canyon Grill in Wichita has long been a favorite for hearty American dishes, and their menu includes six tempting salads for guests looking for something fresh and satisfying. One standout is the Pan-Asian Noodle Salad, a vibrant dish tossed with avocado, sweet mango, crunchy chopped peanuts, spicy Fresno chiles and fresh mint. Guests can customize it by adding seared Wagyu, roasted chicken or North Coast salmon for a protein-packed meal that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Italian Salad at Ziggy’s Pizza (Northeast, Clifton Square, West and Auburn Hills) and Chef Salad at The Depot
Famous for their homemade pizzas, Ziggy's Pizza is also a go-to spot when you’re craving something lighter but still satisfying. Their menu features four fresh salads. The Italian Salad is a hearty option is made with crisp romaine lettuce, zesty banana peppers, black olives, savory pepperoni, diced tomatoes, sliced onion and crumbled feta cheese — all tossed in a classic Italian dressing. It’s the perfect choice if you want the bold, satisfying taste of Ziggy’s in a lighter dish that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. The same great food can be found at The Depot in downtown Wichita. Try their Chef Salad (pictured above), which comes loaded with crisp greens piled high with sliced turkey and ham, shredded cheddar cheese, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, a hard-boiled egg and crunchy croutons.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad at Nortons Brewing Co.
Nortons Brewing Co. may be known for its fun, over-the-top comfort food like Bacon Crack and funnel cakes, but they also serve up lighter bites worth trying. Their Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad is a fresh, satisfying option featuring their signature cilantro lime dressing mixed greens topped with tender marinated chicken, tomatoes, creamy avocado, zesty corn relish and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s the perfect balance when you want something refreshing alongside your favorite craft brew.
Photo credit: Sara Ayesh
Grilled Salmon Salad at First Mile Kitchen
First Mile Kitchen puts a spotlight on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors, making it a must-visit for fresh, inspired salads. Beet and feta cheese fans can't go wrong with the Beet Salad. Or go for the Grilled Salmon Salad, a flavorful mix of field greens, roasted beets, goat cheese, asparagus, apple butter, and roasted sunflower seeds, all tied together with a bright lemon vinaigrette — a satisfying balance of hearty and refreshing.
Grain Salad at Public
If you are craving a fresh, seasonal salad, head to Public. The options change with each season's bounty, so your taste buds are always in for a treat. Want something a little unexpected? Try their Grain Salad, which comes with quinoa, sweet potatoes, kale, chickpeas and pickled red onions topped with a Tahini vinaigrette.
Cleopatra or Ella from Tanya’s Soup Kitchen
Tanya’s Soup Kitchen is a local gem known for its comforting, small-batch soups, but the fresh salads here deserve just as much praise — especially for vegans and vegetarians. The menu features a variety of salads made with locally sourced ingredients and plenty of satisfying flavor. The Ella is a go-to for chicken salad fans, while the Cleopatra combines sliced chicken breast, tangy apricot chutney, feta cheese, tomatoes and crisp cucumber atop a bed of fresh mesclun greens.
Smoked Salmon Salad at Monarch
Exploring the Delano District, along with nearby Museums on the River, can work up quite an appetite. Because the Monarch specializes in smoking its proteins, you don’t have to miss out if you order a salad. Their Smoked Salmon Salad features chilled smoked salmon topped with a creamy dill sauce. The dish also has candied pecans, Granny Smith apples, red onion and romaine tossed in a sweet lime vinaigrette. Enjoy it al fresco on their inviting patio and take in the Delano vibes.
Thai Peanut Salad at Larcher's Market
You can’t go wrong with the Thai Peanut Salad at Larcher's Market. It’s a crave-worthy combo of crisp greens, fresh cucumbers, shredded cabbage, cilantro leaves, crunchy peanuts, crispy wontons, green onions and toasted sesame seeds, all tossed in a savory peanut dressing that hits just the right note. If you’re in the mood for something different, try their Brussel and Kale Salad. And just steps away, salad fans will find even more to savor at The Belmont. Their dinner service features five salad varieties such as Mediterranean and Pear & Fennel, which pair perfectly with a glass of wine on a warm Wichita evening.
Grilled Salmon Niçoise at Larkspur Bistro & Bar
Larkspur Bistro & Bar is a go-to spot for fresh, satisfying salads with a gourmet touch. Enjoy a taste of the coast with their Grilled Salmon Niçoise, featuring mixed greens topped with green beans, grape tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, cucumbers, Greek olives, artichokes and capers, all tossed in a bright lemon oregano vinaigrette. Craving something classic? The Kansas Wedge Salad is a local favorite. For bold, fresh flavors, try the Island Tuna — sesame-crusted Ahi paired with crunchy veggies and an orange miso vinaigrette. Or stick with a timeless Cobb Salad, loaded with crispy bacon, tomato, bleu cheese, hard-boiled egg, grilled chicken, cucumber, sweet corn and red onion tossed in creamy ranch — or upgrade with a fillet of salmon.
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad at The Kitchen and Express Kitchen
The Kitchen, with two convenient Wichita locations — one in east Wichita and Express Kitchen in downtown — is known for serving fresh, made-from-scratch food that’s easy to feel good about. Their menu features six crave-worthy salads, from classic cobb and hearty chopped varieties to bright, seasonal berry salads. Each can be customized with add-ons like chicken, salmon, shrimp, beef filet, bacon, avocado or a hard-boiled egg. One standout is the BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, piled high with fresh greens, grilled chicken, corn-black bean salsa, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, barbecue ranch dressing and crispy tortilla strips for just the right crunch.
The Vermont at AVI Seabar & Chophouse
If you are staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, make sure to enjoy a meal at AVI Seabar & Chophouse – the full service restaurant attached to the hotel. They have several mouthwatering salads, like the California Cobb and Grilled Caesar, but the Vermont is especially tasty. It consists of fresh field greens, Vermont cheddar, dried cranberries, Granny Smith apples, candy-spiced walnuts and a maple-cranberry vinaigrette.
If you like salad served alongside a bowl of soup, find lots of options in this guide, and explore our website to learn about more about Wichita’s 1,200+ restaurants.
