Balo Vietnamese Green Papaya and Lemongrass Chicken Salad
Shredded unripened papaya is tossed with carrots, Thai basil and tender chicken in a sweet and salty fish sauce, making for a perfect summer salad. (1238 8 St. S.W., 587-353-3300)
Brava Bistro Prawn and Avocado Salad
A big bowl of this salad, made with chunks of ripe avocado, juicy prawns, cherry tomatoes and romaine served in a lime vinaigrette is the perfect thing to order while soaking up some sun on Brava’s little patio. (723 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-1854, bravabistro.com, @bravabistro)
Catch Albacore Tuna Salad
This Asian-inspired plate is made up of buckwheat noodles, spicy wasabi peas, radishes, pickled mushrooms and fresh tuna in a sesame soy dressing. (100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-206-0000, catchrestaurant.ca, @catchcalgary)
Cibo Caprese Salad
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Cibo’s combination of tender fior de latte cheese, sliced tomato and basil drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar is a refreshing plate to enjoy on the beautiful patio. (1012 17 Ave SW, 403-984-4755, cibocalgary.com, @cibocalgary)
MARKET Tomato Salad
Sweet Hotchkiss heirloom tomatoes are balanced out nicely by tatsoi – an Asian green similar to bok choy – housemade ricotta and brine-based salad dressing. (718 17 Ave. S.W., 403-474-4414, marketcalgary.ca, @market_calgary)
National 17 Roasted Beet and Arugula
Nothing says summer like a medley of roasted beets, orange, arugula and feta. Try it with one of the many fruit or wheat beers this gastro pub offers on tap. (550 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-0226; 341 10 Ave. S.W., 403-474-2739, ntnl.ca, @ntnl17)
Xocolat Lobster Langosta
The richness of the lobster and creaminess of avocados are balanced out nicely by the tart citrus dressing that covers the fresh bed of arugula, tomato and cilantro. (816 11 Ave. S.W., 403-264-6555, xocolat.ca, @xocolatyyc)
Yellow Door Bistro Dungeness Crab Salad
This layered salad made up of sliced green apples, butter lettuce, tender dungeness crab and grapefruit is tossed in a bright coconut lime vinaigrette. Summer on a plate! (119 12 Ave. S.W., 403-266-4611, yellowdoorbistro.ca, @yellowdooryyc)