Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling can be a challenge, but the Salinas and Monterey Peninsula offer a diverse array of options for health-conscious individuals. From organic cafes to restaurants featuring plant-based dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate while keeping your wellness goals on track. This guide highlights some of the best healthy food choices in the region.
Salad Shoppe: A Customizable Salad Experience
For over 36 years, Salad Shoppe has been a premier choice in Salinas for salads, soups, and sandwiches. Offering the largest self-serve salad bar in Monterey County, with over 60 items to choose from, Salad Shoppe provides a customizable and healthy dining experience. They also offer a selection of fresh pre-packed salads and three soup options. If you're not in the mood for a salad, try one of their delicious deli sandwiches or wraps, such as the Caesar, Thai, or Greek wrap. Salad Shoppe offers dine-in, take-out, and online ordering with pick-up options, as well as delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats. They also offer deli boards for small gatherings or events.
Restaurants with Healthy Options
Several restaurants in the area are committed to providing healthy and nutritious meals. Aki Fresh Mex, owned by Chef Isabel Escorcia, offers a variety of plant-based dishes from a Blue Zones Inspired menu. The Fountain Court, located inside Community Hospital, features Blue Zones Inspired dishes such as a Veggie Hummus Sandwich and a Cowboy Caviar Salad with vegan chipotle cashew cream. Googie, a neighborhood eatery established by Jack Hakim and his daughters, offers fresh and delicious comfort food with a modern twist, including cauliflower ceviche and a Tiffany Burrito bowl.
Perfectly Pressed: Cold-Pressed Juices and Healthy Snacks
Located near the historic Cooper Molera Adobe and Alta Bakery, Perfectly Pressed specializes in cold-pressed juice made from local, organic produce grown in the nearby Salinas Valley. They offer juices, cleanses, smoothies, and snacks, all raw, handcrafted, and free from sugar or preservatives. Perfectly Pressed allows you to enjoy the best of seasonal produce in a convenient and healthy way.
Carmel Berry: Elderberry-Based Immunity Boosters
Carmel Berry elevates Monterey County’s wild elderberries and elderflowers into nutritious syrups, cordials, and supplements. These products are crafted by a local mom seeking a better way to boost her family’s natural immunity. Look for Carmel Berry products in local specialty grocery stores and gift shops like Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market or Carmel Belle in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Wild Plum Cafe: Organic Breakfast and Lunch
Wild Plum Cafe, a short walk outside downtown Monterey, offers an organic option for breakfast and lunch. This quaint cafe serves local and organic produce, hormone-free turkey and grass-fed beef, and local, organic coffee. For breakfast, try their fluffy egg steamers or unique Morning Salad, complete with poached eggs and tomato jam.
Terra Superfoods: Smoothie, Acai, and Grain Bowls
Terra Superfoods is a local mini-chain serving healthy favorites in a bowl. Check out their smoothie, acai, or grain bowls, filled with superfoods like goji berries, chia seeds, flax, and chickpeas. If a plate is more your style, Terra Superfoods also serves wraps and toasts using bread from Ad Astra Bakery. Explore your creative side with the build-your-own smoothie option.
Happy Girl Kitchen Co.: Preserving Local Food Culture
Located a short drive from downtown on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, Happy Girl Kitchen Co. is housed in a former sardine cannery. Today, instead of sardines, you’ll find homemade kombucha on-tap, along with jams and pickles made from locally sourced ingredients. Happy Girl Kitchen Co. is dedicated to simple, delicious, and farm-driven foods, preserving produce for seasons to come in their cannery and serving whole foods in their cafe. They also host parties, recipe swaps, pop-up dinners, and workshops to enrich the local food community. Their Blue Zones inspired cookbook features recipes from community members and local chefs at Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants in Monterey County.
Other Notable Options
Angelina’s Bakery Deli & Café is a local and family-owned bakery with a mission to provide quality service. Café Mia Brew Bar and Café in Marina is a local coffee shop offering healthy bites to go. Cocina 1932 Cali-Mex BBQ fuses smoky BBQ with bold Mexican flavors, offering tender meats, tacos, and veggie-friendly Power Bowls. Del Monte Café in Monterey is a family-owned and run restaurant that offers delicious homemade breakfast and lunch. Eagle restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine. Emma's Bakery and Cafe offers cuisine that can be enjoyed in their restaurant or at home. The Farm Stand is located in Carmel Valley, near Earthbound Farm’s original farm. A historic neighborhood spot in Monterey serving chai, locally roasted organic coffee, teas, & Eastern goodies. Fresh Mexican Homemade Cooking.
Maintaining Healthy Habits While Dining Out
Restaurant meals can sometimes derail healthy eating plans. The typical entrée in an American restaurant can contain a high amount of calories. Eating out just once a week can contribute to weight gain over time. By choosing restaurants that prioritize fresh, local, and plant-based ingredients, and by making mindful choices about portion sizes and menu selections, you can enjoy dining out while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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