I don't want any more frozen yogurt shops in my neighborhood. They are taking up valuable retail space that could be gentrified into a delicious, organic salad bar like Mrs. Winston's.

I've had the fortune of working at two different office buildings which were both within steps from a Mrs. Winston's Salad Bar. Like a Whole Foods or City Bakery salad bar, they will rob your pocketbook. Unlike the aforementioned their selection is consistently stellar. My favorite aspect that sets Winston's on top is every cup of delight on the salad bar is finely chopped. No more messy cherry tomatoes. No more ginormous cucumber slices invading your lunchtime delight. And there are vegan options galore. I constantly crave the dairy free pasta salad choices, of which there are normally at least 4 varieties. Even if you go the omnivore route that's all the comfort with none of the guilt from mayo or processed animal bi-products.

After some time on the Winston's weekly fix and wearing out just about every possibility I stand by two original recipes. Start with the three compartment to-go container. Go in order on the salad bar line. Add a scoop of each ingredient.

Sunshine Salad
1. Mixed greens (that's your salad's base)
2. Dandelion greens
3. Cilantro
4. Shelled snap peas
5. Finely chopped cauliflower-broccoli mix
6. Broccoli sprouts
7. Shredded carrots
8. Corn kernels
9. Golden beets
dressing: Mustard Flax Oil
sides: Classic or dairy-free potato salad, Smoked vegan chicken pasta salad

I Heart Asian Salad
1. Romaine mix base
2. little spinach leaves
3. Purple basil leaves
4. Chopped red kale
5. Soy sprouts
6. Golden beets
7. Red beets
8. Hearts of palm
9. Cubed chicken pieces
dressing: Ginger Sesame
sides: Wasabi ramen noodles, Sugar snap peas

Items that make any salad better:
a. Purple basil
b. Finely chopped cauliflower-broccoli mix
c. noodles - crunchy or pasta
d. Tabasco (really!)


Mrs. Winston's Green Grocery only at these 3 Westside locations:

2901 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, 90405

Water Garden office food court
2450 Colorado Ave.
Santa Monica, 90404

Century Towers office food court
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Century City, 90067

Just who is Mrs. Winston? I have yet to find out. All I know is she is one dedicated lady to providing all the flavorful healthy stuff. No stale brown rice cakes on her shelf! Still not organic-converted? Check out a song written by one very happy customer on Yelp.

Labels: DIY, food, reviews