As a food writer, I get treated to plenty of rich, heavy meals with multiple courses of complex flavors laden with meat and sugar. I’m not complaining, but sometimes this girl just craves a salad. Sarasota is blessed with a plethora of options for creative, fresh and tasty salads and these are my personal favorites.

Horiatiki Salata (Traditional Greek Salad) at Blu Kouzina

This simple fresh salad (pictured) features tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, green pepper and crumbly feta cheese. It’s tossed in extra virgin olive and organic vinegar. I love that there’s no lettuce in this dish and that the tart and creamy flavors stand up to any of the heavier dishes on offer.

Blu Kouzina, 25 N. Blvd. of the Presidents, 941-388-2619

House Salad at Made

My mother has declared this the best house salad in Sarasota—and she’s tried them all. House blended greens with roasted beets, fennel, hard cheese and a maple balsamic vinaigrette make for a gluten free salad that feels thoughtful but has a little edge. It’s like the salad version of a Sia song.

Made, 1990 Main Street No. 112, 941-953-2900

Kale Caesar at Louies Modern

Everybody jumped on the Kale bandwagon and a Kale Caesar might seem uninspired, but Louies Modern has a deft touch when it comes to twisted classics and the Tuscan anchovy dressing, crushed focaccia croutons and bright lemon notes make this salad a standout. Plus, for the rest of the month you can enjoy it as part of the restaurant’s Savor Sarasota menu – Louies Modern has extended through June 30. 

Louies Modern, 1289 N. Palm Ave., 941-552-9688