Best Spring Salads In San Francisco

(credit: mixtgreens.com)

The winter weather in San Francisco might not be as wicked as the true bleak and frozen weather out East, but even long bouts of rain and cold can send us into sedation, while packing on a few pounds. The spring flowers will add zip and the spring weather will increase your energy, but eating light and fresh is what many will be looking to do once our weather turns heavenly. Akin to CBS's recent article: Consumer Watch: Stretching Your Dollar at the Salad Bar, here are five of the best places to get a fresh salad in San Francisco.

Finding a healthy, fresh lunch on the go is sometimes hard to achieve – unless you've discovered Mixt Greens, one of the most environmentally conscious businesses in the city. The possibilities are endless in the various salads that are offered on the menu. Keeping in mind your waistline, many of the dressings are also fat free and low calorie. Many places take pride in serving produce that is locally grown and organic, but Mixt Greens goes well above and beyond to remain a green leader and environmentally friendly. It not only sells organic, but this Eco-Gourmet restaurant uses 100-percent compostable packaging, and is part of the Certified Bay Area Green Business, one of only five restaurants within this distinction.

Put a 'spring' in your step and try some of the tastiest, most talked-about salads in San Francisco. As the name implies, The Salad Place offers the freshest bowls and platters of homemade goodness. Salad platters are delivered in large portions to salad lovers who order, consisting of tomato basil, pesto ravioli, quinoa, beet macaroni, potato, orzo, chicken, egg, fruit, Thai noodle, tuna, cucumber and broccoli salads. Many additional salads are made to order, and fit even the thriftiest of budgets. This place is a standout amongst the other so-so eateries, mostly because you will get the freshest ingredients when you order from The SP's menu. All ingredients are organic and grown local.

Order from the menu or make your own – the choice is yours at the Blue Barn. If you're looking to shed some pounds from the winter months and sink your teeth into fresh and light flavors of the spring season, look no further. The detox salad is a great option, with chicory, kale, carrot, celery, apple, dried cranberries, super seed mix and acai-lemon "Master Cleanse" vinaigrette. Top this off with fresh salmon and you'll be in spring salad heaven. Another widely recommended salad to try is the spicy tuna salad. The menu varies depending upon product season and availability. Beer and wine are also sold.

If Darwin was still around and created an additional law, it might be to eat at Darwin Café if you want to realize true deliciousness in a freshly made salad. The lines get long at this café simply because it has become one of the most popular places in the neighborhood. The salad that wins the gold at Darwin's is the kale salad, made with radicchio, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon and aged balsamic vinaigrette and topped with crispy prosciutto.

Tasty, low-calorie salads are a sure bet at Fleur De Sel. Springy, light and full of flavor, the salads are sure to tantalize each of the taste buds. Fresh, simple, fast and easy, the food is prepared with tender loving care. The quinoa salads are packed with flavor and nutrients to give you an extra kick to the day. The baby spinach salad is another trip down a lane of deliciousness. If you're looking for a bargain salad, one tip to the wise: Fleur De Sel sells leftovers from the lunch crowd on Fridays for 50-percent off after 4 p.m.

Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.