The first thing that comes to mind when you think of deli salads is probably a plastic container of iceberg lettuce smothered with creamy dressing, but the range of deli salads available today is much more diverse and interesting than that. If you’re looking for something healthier, consider swapping out the mayo-laden option for one made with yogurt or cottage cheese. If you’re looking to reduce the impact on the environment, choose a container that’s not plastic and opt for biodegradable packaging when possible. Another alternative is to DIY your own salad at home by crafting a salad in a jar.
Here are our recommendations for the best fresh prepared deli salads currently on the market.
Our Editor’s Best Fresh Prepared Deli Salads Reviews
- Classic Cobb salad with iceberg and romaine lettuce, topped with chicken, bacon, hard-boiled egg, and a blue cheese dressing
- 14 grams of protein per serving; 340 calories per serving
- No high fructose corn syrup or synthetic colors
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Held to higher ingredient standards, so you can feel good about what you're buying (and eating)
- No hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup or added MSG
- All items from the Whole Foods Market Prepared Foods department are held to high ingredient standards, so you can feel good about what you’re buying (and eating); Here’s what you can count on with this selection:
- Spring mix, apples, roasted white meat chicken, blue cheese, candied walnuts and dried cranberries with sweet onion vinaigrette
- 9 grams of protein per serving; 250 calories per serving
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Our Fresh brand products are all about high-quality food that fits every budget, every day
- Held to higher ingredient standards, so you can feel good about what you're buying (and eating)
- No hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup or added MSG
- Romaine lettuce blend, swiss cheese, carrot, white meat chicken and ham with ranch dressing
- 15 grams of protein per serving; 320 calories per serving
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Our Fresh brand products are all about high-quality food that fits every budget, every day
- Ranch salad with romaine lettuce, roasted white meat chicken, shredded carrots, mild cheddar cheese, applewood-flavored bacon, red cabbage and a creamy ranch dressing
- 14 grams of protein per serving; 350 calories per serving
- No high fructose corn syrup or synthetic colors.
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, grilled white meat chicken, shredded parmesan cheese, and a rich, creamy dressing
- 17 grams of protein per serving; 320 calories per serving
- No high fructose corn syrup or synthetic colors
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Zesty salad with romaine lettuce, grilled chili-lime white meat chicken, roasted corn, four-cheese blend, tortilla chips, and a salsa ranch dressing
- 11 grams of protein per serving; 280 calories per serving
- No high fructose corn syrup or synthetic colors
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Spinach topped with cranberries, toasted almonds, Monterey Jack and Colby cheese blend, chow mein noodles, hard-boiled egg, and a sweet onion dressing
- 10 grams of protein per serving; 290 calories per serving
- No high fructose corn syrup or synthetic colors
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
Best Fresh Prepared Deli Salads Buying Guide
Before choosing the fresh prepared deli salads you should consider following options:
1. Tuna: Tuna is rich in protein and contains healthy fats that can keep you fuller for longer. It is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease. Choose a can that has reduced salt, or make your own fresh tuna salad with low-fat mayo, lemon juice, and diced celery.
2. Chicken Caesar: One of the most popular deli salads, chicken Caesar is great for boosting your protein intake. It also contains lemony Parmesan which can help to break down and absorb the protein in the chicken.
3. Greek: Whether it’s chicken or lamb, the freshness of the ingredients makes Greek salads almost feel like a healthy fast-food alternative. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
4. Roast beef: Roast beef, or any roast meat for that matter, is an excellent source of iron. This mineral plays a vital role in transporting oxygen around the body and helps to maintain energy levels.
5. Tossed: If you aren’t in the mood for a heavy protein-rich salad, simple mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or vinegar is a perfectly good option.
6. Egg: Eggs are a rich source of protein and contain healthy fats. They can also help keep you feeling fuller for longer.
7. Smoked salmon: Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease. They can also boost brain function and help maintain energy levels.
8. Chicken caesar: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to the classic chicken Caesar, try this fresh alternative. It’s full of flavor and still contains the protein-boosting healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer.
9. Roast beef and cheddar: This classic sandwich-turned-salad is a great way to get your protein fix.
10. Chopped Greek: This is a great option for those looking for a healthy lunch. The protein-rich Greek ingredients are great for keeping you fuller for longer.
11. Roasted vegetables: Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. Roasting them makes them deliciously caramelized and can make them more filling.
12. Tuna Nicoise: This is a deliciously classic option that contains a great combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
13. Egg mayo: Eggs are a rich source of protein, which can keep you feeling fuller for longer. Mayo can also help boost the absorption of the protein in the egg.
14. Chicken pesto: Pesto is a great way to add flavor to your greens. It also contains healthy fats that can keep you fuller for longer.
15. Chopped Mediterranean: This is a great option for those looking for a healthy lunch. The protein-rich Mediterranean ingredients are great for keeping you fuller for longer.
16. Roasted vegetable and hummus: Hummus is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Roasting the vegetables makes them deliciously caramelized and can make them more filling.
17. Roast beef and watercress: Watercress contains a unique combination of vitamins and minerals, which can help boost your energy and immunity.
18. Chicken Caesar with bacon: Bacon adds flavor and great fats to your salad.
19. Egg, bacon, and cheddar:
What else you should know about fresh prepared deli salads
1. How long do fresh prepared deli salads last?
A fresh prepared deli salad will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
2. How do you keep fresh prepared deli salads fresh?
Keep fresh prepared deli salads fresh by refrigerating them.
3. What is the best way to serve fresh prepared deli salads?
The best way to serve fresh prepared deli salads is to refrigerate them until they are ready to be served.
4. What are some popular fresh prepared deli salads?
Some popular fresh prepared deli salads include pasta salad, potato salad, egg salad, and tuna salad.
5. How do you make fresh prepared deli salads?
The best way to make fresh prepared deli salads is to use fresh ingredients and follow the recipe exactly.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fresh prepared deli salads. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fresh prepared deli salads will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.