If you’ve been reading AlmostVegGirlie for awhile, you’ll know that I have an unhealthy obsession with the Whole Foods salad bar. I first discovered it in July 2011–even though there’s been a Whole Foods in my city for years, I had never ventured to the salad bar side of the store. I fell in love at first bite, and the rest is history. Actually, after my first time trying it, I didn’t get it again for 7 months. But once this summer hit, I’ve been getting my salad bar fix on the reg (probably once or twice a month) and each box is totally worth it.
Dear Whole Foods Salad Bar,
When I first met you, I had high expectations
I hoped you’d be delicious, and you were.
We didn’t meet again for many months
And I missed you every day
But now we’re reunited
And I won’t forget about you again.
I love your variety, your tasty flavors
You always have plenty of vegan options
You’re my favorite place to eat.
You have my old favorites
But there’s always something new to discover
And that’s why I love you…
Even though you cost 5 or 6 bucks
It’s a love affair that’s worth every cent
Boy was that cheesy or what 😉 Obviously I have a scary addiction to it, but there are definitely worse things to be addicted to.
Other than that lame poem (that didn’t even rhyme), I wanted to share some of my tips for Whole Foods salad bar picking and some of my favorites.
Tips
- If you want to save money, only put one or two heavier items in your box. They charge by pound (the bars by me charge $7.99 per pound) so you’ll want to load up on lighter weight items if you’re going for a cheaper meal.
- Read the ingredients. If you have an allergy, intolerance or dietary preference, the salad bar will be your savior. They have cards out above each item listing all the ingredients in it, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
- Try new things. I have a few favorites I always get, but when I see something new and interesting, I usually put a little of it in my box. That way, if it isn’t great, I won’t have wasted valuable box space. But if it is good, then you’ll have a new favorite!
- Go to different Whole Foods. If you have more than one in your area, I would highly recommend trying out different stores to see which one has the best salad bar variety. The Whole Foods I shop the most at at home has the best salad bar options, while the one in my college town is more hit-or-miss. And go on different days, too, since they usually switch up items a lot from day to day or week to week.
Favorites
- Maple glazed sweet potato chunks. I can’t remember the exact name of these, but it’s big chunks of sweet potatoes in a lightly sweet sauce with bell peppers and currants. It’s one of my “heavy item” splurges.
- Homemade wheat tortilla chips. I generally don’t eat wheat products on a daily basis because I feel better without it, but these chips are definitely worth it. They’re so fresh and thick and salty and delicious.
- Guacamole. Whole Foods makes the best guac, period.
- Coconut curry tofu. They also make the best tofu. This version is great, creamy without the dairy and a bit spicy.
- Superfood salad. This combines so many superfoods in one–kale, cashews, blueberries and acai dressing.
- California quinoa salad. I have yet to recreate this one but I really need to. It’s red quinoa, edamame, flaked coconut, mango and bell pepper in a really good light dressing.
- Marinated artichokes. I love artichoke hearts anyway, but these are totally craveable.
Have you ever eaten the Whole Foods salad bars? What’s your favorite item there?
There’s a brand new WF that opened up near my school, and I’ve been their twice to buy a bar and artic zero’s seasonal pumpkin flavor. The salad bar didn’t look that big to me when I went, but since you obviously love it so much, I’ll have to give it a try sometime. I also want to try their vegan doughnuts!
You do need to try it, or at least just check out their options! I’ve also had one of their vegan donuts and they’re really good, I love how they offer so many cool flavors. I really want to try their French toast donut!
I just can’t go there when I am paying, somehow I end up just spending too much so I rarely go there unless the rents are involved… haha
Haha I feel ya, I usually go when my parents are paying for it…or I only get a small amount!
I need a Whole Foods so badly! And how can an obsession with a salad bar be bad?
You do need a Whole Foods, it’s such an amazing store!
OK, so I REALLY need to go get a Whole Foods salad over Christmas break sometime!!:) I can’t believe I have never been there, seeing as we have a Whole Foods so close to us…But it IS rather pricey, so that has definitely been a factor. Still, I definitely want to try it out!
It can be kinda expensive, so I try not to go too often but I love it too much to give it up completely. Plus I almost never eat out otherwise, so that’s where I splurge!