Clever chefs are gussying up traditional chopped salads with luscious, irresistible ingredients, like fried garlic, frog legs and creamy feta. Here, five of the best plates in the city.
Stephen Gouzopoulos’ mountainous chop at <strong>Museum Tavern</strong> is a medley of comfort ingredients. Blistered corn kernels, aged cheddar, crispy lardons and a hard-boiled egg are tossed in a creamy ranch dressing and topped with micro-greens—their slight bitterness balances the luxurious whole. $19. <em>208 Bloor St. W., 2nd flr., 416-920-0110.</em>
Fusion mastermind Tom Thai of <strong>Foxley</strong> livens sweet blue crab meat with puckery lime juice, crispy fried garlic, chili powder–spiced sesame seeds, heaps of fresh cilantro and fish sauce. He serves the salad in a buttery halved avocado with a zigzag of Sriracha. $12. <em>207 Ossington Ave., 416-534-8520.</em>
Yes, kale is everywhere, but Matt Robertson’s take at <strong>Montecito</strong> is the city’s best. He finely chops purple, green and black leaves, then tosses them with house-made garlic bread crumbs, pecorino and an anchovy-tinged dressing. $12. <em>299 Adelaide St. W., 416-599-0299.</em>
Homely napa cabbage, avocado and iceberg lettuce are primped and gilded in <strong>America’</strong>s cobb-inspired salad. Fried frog legs add meaty bites, and succulent cactus shards—with a flavour somewhere between melon and pickle—cut through the richness of smoked blue cheese. $18. <em>325 Bay St., 31st flr., 416-637-5550.</em>
At <strong>Rasa,</strong> Adrian Niman tosses together kale, cabbage, bell peppers, quinoa, and deep-fried harissa-dusted chickpeas for crunch, plus grapes and feta for a salty-sweet kick. He smears jalapeño and feta cream on the side of the bowl for DIY distribution. $13. <em>196 Robert St., 647-350-8221.</em>
Wow, feta, in a salad. That is new and innovative.