Where to find the best salads at Walt Disney World

I’ve got Disney on the brain.  I know what you’re thinking: what else is new?  Besides the fact that I recently returned from another trip, I have good reason to have Disney on the brain.  Tomorrow I will be getting up bright and early (so early that it will actually be dark and early, in fact) to drive to Phoenix for the Disney Social Media Moms on the Road Celebration.  I’ve never been to one of these events but I can assure you that it promises to be seriously fun stuff.

Since I’ve got Disney on my mind, I thought I’d share a post that I got the idea to write during my most recent trip.  We were several days into Disney dining and I was feeling rather, well, gluttonous if you must know.  Disney most assuredly does not suffer a shortage of sweet and salty treats to snack on.  A girl can only indulge in that sort of thing so much before she needs to feast on something fresh.  Something with vegetables.  With a serious craving for crunch, I set out to find the best salads in all of Walt Disney World.  And find them I did.

Fresh Mediterranean Market at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Fresh knows how to do salads because, well, salads are all they do.  No, really; the only thing Fresh serves during lunch are salads.  They have a standard menu with a limited offering of ready-made salads, but my choice is the “Create your own option.”  During this visit, my husband and I were presented with a checklist style menu.  We were directed to choose one lettuce, one protein, one style of crouton, one dressing, one cheese and five selections from the “Vegetables & More” category.  It was kind of like a full-service salad bar.  I especially loved that organic greens were one of the options for lettuce.  Here is what my salad looked like.

And this is what my husband ordered:

When the server delivered the salads to our table, he also brought a yummy basket of warm bread.

Are you ready for the best part?  Fresh offers a lunch dessert buffet and it’s included with the price of your salad.  Girl math states that any calories saved by eating greens for lunch are set aside for dessert, right?  I thought so.  Here are the dessert selections that were offered on the day of our visit.

Guests looking for a quiet dining experience with organic options for their salads should definitely consider a visit to Fresh.

Wolfgang Puck Express at Downtown Disney Marketplace

My second dining choice for satisfying a salad craving at Walt Disney World is Wolfgang Puck Express.  I’ve tried every salad on their menu and I can tell you that none of them disappoint.  The only caveat I have is that if calories are a concern, you may want to ask for your dressing on the side because the salads at this location do tend to be heavily dressed.  That’s probably partly why they’re so tasty!

During my most recent visit, I snapped a photo of the Chinois Chicken salad.  This one is my personal favorite.  It’s Asian-inspired and offers a red cabbage crunch, a bit of a ginger kick and roasted cashews on top.  It’s delicious.

On a separate visit to Wolfgang Puck Express during the same trip, I ordered this fantastic Greek salad.  Unfortunately I only had my iPhone on hand to snap a quick picture, so please excuse the photo quality.  This salad started with a bed of butter lettuce and was topped with roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, feta and cucumber.  The Greek dressing was light, tangy and flavorful.  So yummy!
Having tried all of them myself, I can honestly tell you that you can’t go wrong ordering any of the salads off the Wolfgang Puck Express menu.

Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Last but certainly not least is the Classic Cobb salad Hollywood Brown Derby is famous for.  I love how finely everything is chopped; it makes for easy eating.  Not to worry, though; taste does not go by the wayside.  Bits of boiled egg, bacon and blue cheese come together in this super satisfying salad.  Even the lunch portion will leave most guests happily stuffed.

Photo credit with thanks to: Disney Food Blog

The Hollywood Brown Derby is my choice for top in-park salad offering.

So there you have it, my recommendations on where to find the most fresh and flavorful salads at Walt Disney World.  I know the Mickey bars are way more fun to eat, but when you’ve had your fill of those and are in search of a lighter meal, do give one of these restaurants a try.

What are your favorite locations to feast on greens in Disney parks?