Introduction
Just Salad is a new restaurant to the area, having opened this past July. This added to the growing number of fast and healthy food options in Oviedo, like Cava or Bolay. While they do not offer “just” salads, they have become a top option for healthy eaters as well as high schoolers.
Due to its popularity, I decided to see if the food was really worth it.
At the restaurant, I tried four different food platters, each of which I rated on a scale of one to 10. I will express my opinion and observations on the service as well, along with the price and atmosphere.
Overview of restaurant
Before I even stepped foot into the restaurant, I checked it out online. On the restaurant’s website, there was a mission statement written repeatedly.
Just Salad aims to serve healthy and high quality salads. Additionally, they try to make their food and packaging reusable, recyclable and compostable, allowing for a cleaner, more stable environment.
The inside of the restaurant matches that vibe, with reminders of the mission statement throughout.
Menu Items
Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl– 9/10
The first entree, while not technically a salad, had an amazing flavor–the taste of corn, avocado and chicken mixing perfectly in each bite. The chicken was seasoned well, and was definitely the best part of the dish. I could not get enough of it.
The rice added a great crunch to the dish and when combined with the kale and chicken, it was hard to put down. Truly a great dish.
I would say, though, as someone who does not enjoy onions, there were too many in the dish. If I were to eat this again, I would take them off.
Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap– 3/10
I have never tried a salad wrap before, and I will say that I was surprised how it all came together. I truly love a good salad, but this salad-turned-wrap, I would not recommend.
The flavor is all over the place, and not in a good way. Eating it was confusing, and I honestly was not sure what to feel or think. It was as if each bite clashed with the other, one part of it sweet, the other salty, savory and plain.
I was hoping for a big punch from the vinaigrette dressing or the chicken, but the only thing I got was a bitter aftertaste that lasted longer than I would have liked. It was a big disappointment.
Chicken Faijita Plate– 5/10
I have had many fajitas in my life, mostly because my family loves them. Though I have never been the biggest fan, they have always been enjoyable.
This dish was very unlike the others I had before.
The guacamole was very flavorful, but had way too much lime—something I do not enjoy in my guac.
The tomato pico de gallo and the fajita vegetables felt out of place, and I could not find a way for them to taste okay with the chicken and guacamole. Really, everything felt out of place.
I will say, though, the chicken was amazing. It had a truly wonderful flavor and smooth texture, and was the best part of the dish by far.
Balsamic Chicken Avocado Salad– 9/10
If you’re looking for a basic salad that is sure to be healthy and taste good, this dish is perfect.
This salad includes lettuce, avocado, chicken and tomatoes, all of which come together quite nicely. I did get the buttermilk ranch instead of the balsamic dressing, which I would say adds a nice touch of creaminess.
The only thing I would recommend is to get a different lettuce. Some bites would send a chill down my spine because of the crunch of the romaine. So, instead, I would go with the spinach, as the smoothness of it would fit in nicely with the dressing. But the fault of the lettuce was made up in the end with the mix of chicken and avocado.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie–9.5/10
I have always loved smoothies of all kinds, especially strawberry banana. So, to no one’s surprise, I immediately fell in love with this smoothie. The flavor is sweet, but not too sweet. The consistency is not too heavy, and the flavor is clearly made with natural sugars. It is a perfect drink, and I would 100 percent recommend it.
It is watered down a lot, but after you get over that, it is a great drink. Next time I go, this will be the first thing I order.
Service
The service at Just Salad is better than any other restaurant I have been to in Oviedo. Just like the website promised, the employees were kind and always eager to help. My family and I must have changed our orders dozens of times, but they stayed patient and made sure we got what we wanted.
Plus, each person I talked to had a direct answer that had all of my confusion cured.
Each salad and dish was made quickly and efficiently.
Just Salad has many employees ready to help, so when you go, don’t hesitate to ask a question, as you will always get answered by a smiling face and welcoming words.
Price and value
The overall price for a dish at Just Salad is $12, and I would say it is more than a fair price for how high quality their ingredients are. Additionally, the sizes are generous for the low price, as each bowl, salad or plate was more than I could eat alone.
If you are looking for a high quality, good place to eat, I would recommend this place. Though the prices might seem a little high, when you finish your dish, it will be completely worth it.
Overall impression
Just Salad is a great restaurant. Almost every dish was a hit, and I will definitely plan on going back again soon. Not only are the dishes delicious, but the service is more than I could have ever asked for.
It is a truly worthwhile restaurant–9/10
