Best salads

RALEIGH, N.C. — Sometimes we just want to eat a nice light lunch. Maybe it's because our jobs require so much eating!

Happy and Hale (Raleigh) - Since opening earlier this year, this has become a go-to place when I want a fresh salad and some fresh pressed juice. You can get the salad prepared fresh right in front of you. I like the Big Salad, which contains roasted sweet potatoes. If you don't see a salad on the menu, just build your own from their selection of ingredients. 

Irregardless (Raleigh) - Well-known for their vegetarian options, Irregardless is a great place to eat a salad. Over the summer their Shrimp & Citrus Salad, topped with raspberry vinaigrette, orange slices, strawberries and blackened shrimp, was a go-to for me. They also have a really good Warm Goat Cheese Salad. All of their dressings are homemade.

Neomonde (Raleigh and Morrisville) - I'm obsessed with their hummus and baklava, but I can't leave Neomonde without getting some of their prepared salad! I love their kale salad, which includes green apples and walnuts. The house salad is also really great take on the traditional Greek salad. 

The Refectory (Durham) - This restaurant offers plenty of choices from sweet potato or kelp noodle salad to an ultimate Cobb or Fried Chicken Salad. They also allow customizing from local produce or meat options on a bed of arugula.

The Q Shack (Durham and Raleigh) - Both locations offer their Q-Cobb salad, which is decadent with smoked turkey, beef brisket, avocado and the usual trappings. One can spice it up or dress it down as desired.

Lilly's Pizza (Raleigh and Durham)- Known for its pizza, this place also serves up tasty and fresh salads. We love their Thai salad and their House Salad served with roasted pecans.