Affordable Eats: This N.J. Salad House will keep you healthy for less

Salad House founder Joey Cioffi grew up working at his father‘s deli in Springfield, Cioffi’s Deli.

“My father came to the United States from Italy with $20 in his pocket and with the hopes of achieving the American Dream.” Joey Cioffi said. “As a kid, I can remember doing everything at our deli, from washing dishes, working the cash register, cooking food, and fulfilling large catering orders. The concept for The Salad House was born from my passion of providing high-quality food to our community.”

The Salad House, with 16 locations across New Jersey, serves up a plethora of healthy dishes in a timely fashion. And since we are nearing the hot summer months, what’s better than a cool salad or a grain bowl as the temperature outside gets toasty?

Here goes the taste test!

The Salad House had lovely salad options on the menu, but I opted to create my own ($12). My salad included spinach, romaine lettuce, beets, olives, tomatoes, avocados, mozzarella, cucumber, chickpeas, black beans, edamame, grilled shrimp and pickled onions. I took the first bite, and I was sold! It was fresh and cool. The lovely veggies were fresh and crisp, the grilled shrimp was tasty, and the pickled onions provided a nice acidity that balanced the dish.

Next, I tried the harvest grain bowl ($12.99), with brown rice, arugula, brussels sprouts, chickpeas, crispy chickpeas, almonds, butternut squash, red onions and craisins or dried cranberries. This bowl was super delicious with crunchy veggies and a deep, earthy flavor from the crispy chickpeas and almonds. The craisins added sweetness that brightened up the bowl.

Lastly, I tried the sweet potato fries ($5.49). You hear all about the health benefits of sweet potatoes, and these did not disappoint. They were crisp and flavorful.

Also popular on the menu are a few sides ($5 to $11) like the zucchini sticks coated with Italian cheeses and lightly seasoned breadcrumbs, breaded cauliflower bites tossed in a Thai chili sauce, falafel served with tzatziki dipping sauce, and the white cheddar mac and cheese. Hey, why not calorie-splurge on a side when you’re having a salad for the main course?

In a hurry? The Salad House serves up smoothies ($6.25), like the peanut butter cup with chocolate protein, cocoa powder, peanut butter, banana and almond milk; the green giant with spinach, kale, pineapple, banana and coconut milk; and the very berry with strawberry, blueberry, banana and almond milk.

As the temps rise and we pay more attention to our health, The Salad House may be just what you need.

Stories by Karim Shamsi-Basha

Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.

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