Where are the best salads in Volusia-Flagler counties? Here are my favorites

When it comes to eating healthy, the options aren’t always as appealing as something deep-fried, slow-roasted or gravy-smothered. I have to give it to the local restaurant scene that surrounds me, however, because recently, that assumption has been challenged by the extensive array of layered, fresh and flavorful salads that I’ve gotten to try over the last few weeks.

While some kept it light and summery with fruit-topped greens and a honeyed dressing, others layered their dishes with meats, cheeses, candied nuts and everything in between. Who knew a plate of greens could look so good?

After trying my fair share of fruit-topped, meat layered, balsamic drizzled salads, I’ve discovered several stand-out dishes that I not only loved during my research, but returned for after the fact. So for those craving something a little greener, here are a few of my top picks for my favorite salads in Volusia and Flagler County so far.

Inspections: Rodent and roach activity temporarily closes Daytona Beach restaurant

Next Door Beach Bistro

509 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-338-3506, nextdoorbeachbistro.com

One of the first places I tried when I was only visiting the area several months ago was Next Door Beach Bistro. The Flagler Beach eatery stuck with me not only for its charming, French-inspired aesthetic and beachfront views, but for the impeccable plate of salad that I both licked clean and craved the entire plane ride back to Jersey.

While the salad menu isn’t particularly large in comparison to other spots I’ve been to, it’s well worth a try. Sometimes simpler IS better. Back like I never left, I ordered the roasted beet and goat cheese salad.

This sweet and savory masterpiece is something I’ll return for time and time again, combining panko-crusted, warm goat cheese with roasted beets, red onion, candied pecans, frisée lettuce – which is similar to endive lettuce – and a delicious house vinaigrette. The sweet dish perfectly combines an array of textures and fresh components, pairing the crispy, yet creamy goat cheese with soft beets and the crunch of each candied nut. The house dressing only elevates the dish, inevitably landing it a spot in my favorites.

With the addition of grilled chicken for some added protein, this sizeable salad fills me up and always keeps me wanting more.

Bistro 424

424 Luna Bella Lane, Suite 111, New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-4657, bistro424.com

After one swift glance of the salad offerings at Bistro 424, I knew my hopes were high and, boy, did it deliver. Located in the Venetian Bay Town Center, this New Smyrna Beach eatery combines a charming, classic ambiance with waterfront views and delicious food. The scenic restaurant updates its menu as the seasons unfold, preparing new selections twice a year, once in the fall and winter and again in the spring and summer.

Describing itself as a “scratch kitchen,” the local eatery makes every dish fresh, using mainly locally sourced ingredients. When it came down to my order, I immediately had my sights set on the classic Greek, alongside the salmon pecan salad.

A crisp, savory and crumbly work of art, the Greek was truly love at first bite. The flavor-packed dish was doused in balsamic and combined finely chopped salami and ham with tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, feta cheese crumbles and a dash of oregano.

If that didn’t already do the trick, the salmon pecan salad surely did. Topped with fresh, flaky salmon and an addicting honey-Dijon glaze for a sweet spin, the dinner dish decorated fresh field greens with crisp bacon, smooth goat cheese, golden raisins and candied pecans. The salmon was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the honey-Dijon dressing – a combo I’ll be back for.

CorkScrew Bar & Grille

235 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-3955, corkscrewbarandgrille.com

They often say that looks reel you in, but personality is what keeps you, and the same goes for restaurants – at least in my experience. CorkScrew’s inviting atmosphere, decked out in rustic brick, ambient lighting and twinkling foliage, reeled me in alright, but it’s top-notch menu and personable staff is what kept me as a customer.

Having heard several rave reviews regarding the bar and grille’s larger-than-life salads, I knew I was in for a treat. After some deliberation, I decided on the steakhouse salad, and although the pricier option of the bunch at $20, it was well worth it.

The savory dish was a delicious medley of fresh field greens, grilled filet tips and sautéed mushrooms and onions, sprinkled with blue cheese crumbles, crispy onion straws and a house made balsamic vinaigrette to tie it all together.

The flavorful filet tips were juicy, tender and cooked to perfection – clearly, the star of the salad – while the crispy onions’ subtle crunch, sautéed additions and blue cheese’s bold, rich flavor added a bit more texture and depth to the dish. While the salad was exactly what I was hoping for, the cozy yet casual eatery offers an array of tempting dishes – like the Swamp Pasta, seared salmon and sweet potato maple cheesecake – that I’ll certainly be returning for on a romantic date night or afternoon lunch in the near future.

Dominic’s Deli

1307 A Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach; 386-256-7338, dominicsdeli.com

For those of you who often choose to skip over the salad menu, opting for a more filling option, this Daytona Beach eatery is about to make you rethink your decision.

Dominic’s Deli, a family-owned and operated, fast-casual restaurant serves everything from breakfast burritos and stacked sandwiches to wraps, soups and paninis. I decided it was only right to order two of the deli’s most crave-able options, one on the healthier side and one smothered in chili and chips – balance, right?

I started with the mandarin salad, and let me just warn you, the local deli certainly does not skimp on portion sizes.

“You weren’t ready for that, huh?” a staff member called out to me as my wide eyes watched the salad approach.

She was right. I was not.

Filled to brim with grilled chicken, toasted almonds, pineapple, mandarin oranges and crispy chow mein noodles, this was the perfect summer salad in my book. I had to know more about the delicious Asian dressing that coated my salad, and luckily my server had just what I needed, describing it to be a mandarin orange, sesame ginger dressing, seamlessly tying together the sweet and savory dish.

However, the absolute must-have menu item was the club taco salad. This flavor-rich, juicy selection featured your typical bed of greens, decorated in crispy tortilla chips, mild chili, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, sliced avocado and a side of salsa. As the name suggests, it was everything I adore in a well-garnished, mouth-watering taco, under the guise of refreshing salad – not to mention it lasted me for lunch and dinner. After finishing two massive salads for $24, I knew this would be one of my new go-to spots for a fresh bite.

Wrap It Up

101 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 101, DeLand; 386-279-7653, Facebook.com/wrapitupofdeland

Located amid the hustle and bustle of downtown DeLand, this local eatery is everything you hope for when stopping for a quick bite— fast, friendly service paired with fresh ingredients and a quality meal for your lunch break.

Known for its variety of wraps, salads and smoothies, Wrap It Up promises quality meats, scratch-made dressings and fresh ingredients, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get. The fast-casual eatery’s menu offers a range of delicious quick bites, from the Blazin’ Buffalo wrap and Mediterranean turkey wrap to the Tex-Mex salad and chocolate peanut butter smoothie – not to mention several vegan wrap options.

I opted for the Mad Hatter salad for an easy mid-week lunch, and knew I’d be returning to try out the rest of the menu after the first bite.

The refreshing bowl was comprised of mixed greens, layered with oven-roasted chicken, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, hard boiled eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes and a sweet honey-mustard dressing. Not only was everything extremely fresh and flavorful, but the chicken, bacon and honeyed dressing combo will simply never fail.

Priced at just under $10 for a small, I really couldn’t find a complaint, and will certainly be back soon for a wrap.

Wild Rabbit Bistro

48 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach; 386-256-7998, wildrabbitbistro.com

Known for its deliciously fresh and locally sourced ingredients, it was only a matter of time before I stopped into Wild Rabbit Bistro for a salad. The quaint Ormond Beach eatery is perfect for a weekend lunch with family and friends, displaying an open, welcoming atmosphere for a casual afternoon bite. The eatery promises fresh meals, and it certainly makes good on its word, using all non-GMO, organic and mostly locally sourced ingredients.

Although a few options caught my eye, I decided on the Mediterranean bowl, a flavorful combination of mixed greens, hummus, cucumber, roasted turkey – which I added for $4 – feta cheese, red onion, olives, sliced tomatoes and dolmas − stuffed grape leaves − topped with a delicious lemon garlic dressing.

I hate to be dramatic and call this the freshest salad I’ve ever had − but I’m going to do just that; this was truly the most vibrant, fresh and flavorful bowl that I’ve enjoyed so far. The lemon garlic dressing tied the dish together, bringing out the unexpectedly wonderful flavor combination of the roasted turkey and hummus.

When craving a refreshing, healthy bite, I’ll certainly be returning for more of this local eatery’s hearty bowls and tempting brunch specials.

Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at hperray@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Best salads in Daytona Beach, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach and more