Starting 2025 Fresh with the Freshest, Healthiest Salads on Martha’s Vineyard
With January almost behind us and February just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to embrace the calm, restorative energy of winter on the island. While the summer months are synonymous with sun-soaked beaches and bustling towns, winter offers a serene charm. It’s the ideal season to focus on self-care, tackle creative projects, and nourish your body with wholesome meals.
When it comes to nourishing yourself on Martha’s Vineyard, even in the winter season, the island’s culinary scene delivers. Local restaurants have stepped up to offer vibrant, delicious salads that provide a refreshing taste of summer even in the depths of winter. Here are some must-try salads from a selection of island eateries open this time of year.
Black Dog Tavern
Black Dog Tavern (Pictured Above) offers two standout salads. The Italian Chop Salad delivers all the flavors of a classic Italian sandwich in salad form, with mixed greens serving as the base. For something different, try their Asian Noodle Salad, featuring chilled soba noodles tossed in sesame ginger dressing, accompanied by red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, edamame, and broccoli. Both options showcase a creative approach to incorporating fresh ingredients in your daily diet!
The Barn, Bowl and Bistro
A classic Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser, and The Barn, Bowl & Bistro serves up a standout version. Crisp romaine or baby kale forms the base, topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. For a heartier option, add grilled chicken, blackened shrimp, steak, or anchovies. Opting for baby kale adds an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing choice.
The Wharf Pub
Cozy up at The Wharf Pub with a Pear Salad that’s perfect for a winter evening. Featuring mixed greens, juicy pears, crumbled blue cheese, candied pecans, and shaved onions, this salad is finished with a tangy white balsamic dressing. It’s a comforting yet refreshing dish that pairs well with the pub’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Pair with a nice bowl of clam chowder and you’ve got the coziest meal to enjoy!
Rockfish
Rockfish’s Cobb Salad is a hearty option for a weekend lunch date. Packed with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese crumbles, avocado, and black olives, this salad is both satisfying and protein-rich. It’s an excellent choice to fuel your winter adventures on the island.
Town Bar and Grill
For beet lovers, Town Bar & Grill offers a Beet Salad that’s as delightful as it is flavorful. This dish combines roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, shaved almonds, and fresh mixed greens, all drizzled with a tarragon dressing. The combination of earthy beets and creamy goat cheese is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress.
The Attic
The Attic in Vineyard Haven offers a winter-inspired salad that’s as indulgent as it is healthy. Their signature salad features mixed greens, candied walnuts, apples, pomegranate, and fried goat cheese, all dressed with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Pair it with a bowl of French onion soup for a cozy, satisfying meal!
9 Craft Kitchen
For something unique, try one of the salads at Nine Craft Kitchen. One particular creation includes arugula, cucumber, radishes, julienned red onion, and lemon aioli, topped with cashew-crusted tuna. Light and refreshing, it’s an ideal option for a midweek meal or a light appetizer.
Waterside Market
Waterside Market’s Kale Chicken Caesar Salad is a modern twist on a classic. Adding kale to the mix brings a boost of vitamins A, B6, and C, along with a delightful crunch. This salad combines all the traditional Caesar ingredients with a nutritious upgrade.
Offshore Ale Co.
While Offshore Ale Co. is known for its wood-fired pizzas, their Power Bowl Salad is a lighter option worth trying. This hearty salad features mixed greens, poblano-farro salad, artichoke hearts, roasted red beets, garbanzo beans, edamame, grape tomatoes, pickled onions, and carrot-ginger dressing. It’s a nutrient-packed choice, ideal after a weekend workout.
Embrace the Flavor of Winter
Martha’s Vineyard is more than just a summer destination. Its winter months offer a unique opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and savor the island’s culinary offerings. From classic Caesar salads to creative beet and kale creations, these dishes prove that nourishing your body can be both delicious and exciting. So, as you start 2025, take the time to enjoy the freshest, healthiest salads Martha’s Vineyard has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these winter salads are a treat for the soul and the senses.
