Dallas has long been known for its hearty comfort foods, but the city’s culinary scene is evolving. A growing number of restaurants now cater to health-conscious diners seeking nutritious and delicious meals. These establishments offer a variety of options, from plant-based dishes to low-carb fare and gluten-free choices.
Dallas boasts a diverse array of healthy restaurants that prove eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking to incorporate more wholesome foods into your routine, the city’s healthy dining scene has something to offer. From cozy neighborhood spots to trendy downtown eateries, Dallas’s health-focused restaurants are redefining what it means to eat out while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
1) Sweet Green
Sweet Green is a popular fast-casual salad chain known for its focus on healthy, sustainable food options. Founded by Georgetown University students, the restaurant has grown to over 140 locations across 13 states.
The menu features customizable salads and grain bowls made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Sweet Green emphasizes plant-based options and uses whole produce delivered daily to ensure quality and freshness.
Nutritionists praise Sweet Green for offering nutritious meal choices. Their salads and bowls typically include a mix of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. Popular items include the Chicken Avocado Ranch and Harvest Bowl.
Sweet Green caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The restaurant also provides detailed nutritional information for its menu items, allowing customers to make informed choices.
Contact details:
Website: www.sweetgreen.com
Locations vary by city and state. Check the website for specific addresses and phone numbers.
2) True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen offers a health-focused dining experience with locations across the United States. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid, emphasizing lean proteins, whole grains, seafood, and plenty of vegetables.
Seasonal ingredients take center stage at True Food Kitchen, with the menu changing to reflect the freshest produce available. Diners can enjoy a variety of options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, all crafted to be both nutritious and delicious.
The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. Their commitment to health extends beyond the plate, with a selection of handcrafted drinks and cocktails made with fresh juices and natural ingredients.
True Food Kitchen’s expansion plans include doubling their locations, with the backing of media mogul Oprah Winfrey as an investor. This growth aims to bring their wholesome dining concept to more cities across the country.
For those looking to recreate the experience at home, True Food Kitchen shares heart-healthy recipes on their website. They also offer online ordering for delivery and takeout options.
True Food Kitchen
Website: www.truefoodkitchen.com
(Check website for specific location details and contact information)
3) Just Salad
Just Salad is a health-focused chain restaurant that has gained popularity for its nutritious offerings. The company operates over 70 locations, making it easy for customers to find a nearby outlet.
The menu at Just Salad features a variety of chef-designed salads packed with fresh ingredients and nutrients. Customers can choose from seasonal options that change throughout the year.
In addition to salads, Just Salad offers bowls, wraps, and other health-conscious items. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Just Salad stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The chain uses reusable bowls as part of its efforts to reduce environmental impact.
The restaurant’s focus on plant-centric meals aligns with current health trends. Just Salad provides a convenient option for those seeking quick, nutritious meals without compromising on flavor.
Just Salad
Website: www.justsalad.com
Locations: Over 70 stores across multiple states (check website for specific locations)
4) Honeygrow
Honeygrow offers a fresh take on fast-casual dining with its focus on wholesome ingredients and customizable options. The restaurant specializes in stir-fries, salads, and honeybar desserts.
Their menu emphasizes locally-sourced produce and high-quality proteins. Customers can create their own dishes or choose from chef-designed options.
Popular choices include the White Bean Tuna Salad, which provides a balanced mix of nutrients at 500 calories. The stir-fries allow for creative combinations of noodles, vegetables, and proteins.
Honeygrow caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections. Their commitment to transparency extends to providing detailed nutritional information for menu items.
While some dishes can be high in sodium or calories, mindful choices can result in a nutritious meal. The ability to customize portions and ingredients gives diners control over their nutritional intake.
Honeygrow
Website: www.honeygrow.com
Multiple locations across the United States
5) Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Chopt Creative Salad Co. has made a name for itself in the world of healthy fast-casual dining. Founded in 2001 in New York City, this chain specializes in customizable salads and bowls.
Chopt prides itself on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and offering a wide variety of toppings and dressings. Their menu features both classic and innovative salad combinations, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
One of their popular choices is the Greek salad, which includes feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and pita chips. For those seeking a warm option, the Chicken Tinga Bowl provides a flavorful alternative.
Chopt also emphasizes sustainability and quality in its sourcing practices. They work directly with farmers and artisans to ensure the best ingredients for their customers.
The restaurant chain has seen significant growth, with revenue increasing by 34.6% in 2017 according to industry reports. This success demonstrates the growing demand for healthier dining options.
Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Website: www.choptsalad.com
Multiple locations across the United States
6) Tender Greens
Tender Greens is a California-based restaurant chain known for its commitment to healthy, chef-driven cuisine. The company focuses on serving seasonal and responsibly-sourced food to improve everyday eating habits.
Each Tender Greens location is run by its own executive chef, ensuring high-quality standards and distinctive menu offerings. The chefs explore local markets and experiment with ingredients to create unique, flavorful dishes.
The menu at Tender Greens features a variety of options, including salads, bowls, sandwiches, and plates. One standout item is the Longevity Bowl, made with slow-cooked black lentils, fennel, dried pears, cauliflower, purple potatoes, and arugula salad with pecorino cheese.
Tender Greens sources its products from local ranchers, farmers, artisans, wineries, breweries, and coffee roasters. This commitment to local sourcing supports the community and ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients.
With over 20 locations throughout Southern California, the Bay Area, and Orange County, Tender Greens continues to expand its reach. The chain offers a balance of nutrition, flavor, and convenience for health-conscious diners.
Website: www.tendergreens.com
7) Dig Inn
Dig Inn offers a fresh take on fast-casual dining with its focus on seasonal, healthy meals. The restaurant chain prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to create nutritious and flavorful dishes.
Customers can build their own bowls by selecting from a variety of bases, proteins, and market sides. Popular options include grilled chicken, roasted salmon, and tofu for proteins, paired with wholesome sides like roasted sweet potatoes or charred broccoli.
Dig Inn’s menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal produce. This commitment to freshness ensures that diners always have access to high-quality, in-season ingredients.
The restaurant’s farm-to-counter approach extends beyond just sourcing. Dig Inn operates its own farm in upstate New York, further strengthening its connection to the food it serves.
With its emphasis on whole ingredients and scratch cooking, Dig Inn provides a healthier alternative to traditional fast food without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Website: www.diginn.com
Multiple locations across New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia
8) B. Good
B. Good is a fast-casual restaurant chain that focuses on serving healthy, farm-to-table meals. They prioritize using locally sourced ingredients and offer a menu filled with nutritious options.
Their dishes include salads, grain bowls, and burgers made with responsibly raised meats. Vegetarian and vegan choices are also available, catering to various dietary preferences.
B. Good’s commitment to transparency is evident in their open kitchens and detailed ingredient lists. Customers can see their food being prepared and know exactly what goes into each meal.
The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally to take advantage of fresh, in-season produce. This approach ensures that diners always have access to flavorful, nutrient-rich meals.
B. Good’s dedication to health extends beyond just food. They also offer a selection of smoothies and cold-pressed juices, providing additional ways for customers to boost their nutrition.
Contact Information:
Website: www.bgood.com
Locations: Multiple locations across the United States (check website for specific addresses)
9) Cava
Cava offers a fresh take on Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual dining. The restaurant chain provides customizable bowls, salads, and pitas with an array of nutritious ingredients.
Cava’s menu emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Customers can build their meals by selecting bases like greens, grains, or a combination of both.
Protein options include falafel, grilled chicken, and spicy lamb meatballs. A variety of vegetable toppings and house-made dressings allow for further personalization.
Many of Cava’s dips and spreads, such as hummus and tzatziki, are made with healthy fats from olive oil and tahini. The restaurant also offers seasonal ingredients to keep the menu dynamic and interesting.
Cava’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes it a solid choice for health-conscious diners seeking quick, flavorful meals.
Address: Multiple locations across the United States
Website: www.cava.com
10) Panera Bread
Panera Bread offers a wide array of healthier fast-casual dining options. The chain is known for its freshly baked artisan breads, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Panera’s menu features numerous nutritious choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Health-conscious diners can find options like whole grain bread, lean proteins, and vegetable-packed salads.
The restaurant provides nutritional information for all menu items, allowing customers to make informed decisions. Many dishes can be customized to fit specific dietary needs or preferences.
Some of Panera’s healthier offerings include the Mediterranean Bowl, Greek Salad, and Turkey Chili. The chain also offers fruit cups and cucumber tomato salads as lighter side options.
Panera Bread emphasizes quality ingredients and “clean” food, avoiding artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and flavors in many of its products. This commitment to ingredient transparency sets it apart from many fast-food competitors.
Contact:
Website: www.panerabread.com
Locations: Over 2,000 across the United States
Benefits of Choosing Healthy Restaurants
Selecting health-focused eateries offers numerous advantages for diners. These establishments prioritize nutritious ingredients and sustainable practices, benefiting both personal well-being and the local community.
Nutritional Advantages
Healthy restaurants typically provide nutrient-dense meals with balanced macronutrients. They often use whole grains, lean proteins, and abundant vegetables in their dishes. Many offer calorie information and detailed ingredient lists, empowering customers to make informed choices.
These eateries frequently accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Gluten-free, vegan, and low-sodium options are more readily available. Portion sizes tend to be appropriate, helping diners avoid overeating.
Healthy restaurants often minimize the use of processed ingredients and added sugars. They may employ cooking methods that preserve nutrients, such as steaming or grilling instead of deep-frying.
Supporting Local Farmers
Health-conscious restaurants often prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. This practice supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.
Seasonal menus are common in these establishments, reflecting the availability of fresh, local produce. This approach ensures peak flavor and nutritional value in dishes.
By partnering with local farmers, healthy restaurants can offer transparency about their ingredient sources. Diners can feel confident knowing the origin and quality of their food.
These relationships between restaurants and farmers can lead to the cultivation of diverse crop varieties. This practice promotes biodiversity and helps preserve heirloom plant species.
How to Spot a Healthy Restaurant
Identifying a health-focused restaurant requires attention to menu offerings, ingredient quality, and preparation methods. Look for establishments that prioritize fresh, whole foods and provide balanced meal options.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Fresh produce is a hallmark of healthy restaurants. Seek menus featuring a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat should be prominent. Lean proteins such as grilled chicken, fish, and plant-based options are essential.
Quality fats from sources like olive oil, avocado, and nuts indicate nutritional awareness. Minimal processed foods and refined sugars are positive signs. Restaurants using organic, locally-sourced ingredients often prioritize health and sustainability.
Understanding Menu Labels
Menu descriptors offer insight into a restaurant’s health focus. “Grilled,” “steamed,” and “baked” indicate lighter cooking methods. “Raw” or “fresh” suggest minimal processing.
“Gluten-free” options cater to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. “Low-sodium” dishes support heart health. “Vegetarian” and “vegan” labels highlight plant-based choices.
Be cautious of terms like “crispy” or “creamy,” which may indicate higher fat content. Ask about preparation methods and ingredient substitutions if unclear. Many health-conscious restaurants provide detailed nutritional information upon request.