The best salads in Buenos Aires

Historically, steakhouses didn’t pay much attention to their salads. In the collective imagination, the salad at Sunday barbecues was used as a refresher or break from all the meat. That’s changing, and it’s noticeable at new steakhouses.

This is the case with Corte Comedor, which has a salad menu that may surprise you even more than its meats. While their famous "window roast" or any of the cuts they offer are great, these are familiar flavors for the average diner, just improved. But here we want to highlight the combination they achieve with their salads. They are unique. The must-try is the kale cavolo nero, yogurt, tahini, and fried hazelnut salad. Freshness, crunchiness, textures, personality—all in a “simple” salad.

Tip: Watch out for salads with heirloom tomatoes. The high season for this gastronomic gem is starting.

Where: Av. Olazábal 1391, Nuñez.

Located in a wine bar with a kitchen (or vice versa), the project of sommeliers and friends Mariana Achava and Lorena Papasergio, perhaps unintentionally, stands out for its salads. Well-thought-out, aesthetic, and fresh. Always combining a protein, meticulously worked vegetables, and some fruit. The search is between Mediterranean and Buenos Aires flavors.

You’ll need to check Alegra's seasonal menu, but at this time of year, they feature a conservative—but well-thought-out—burratina salad with tomato and basil aguachile, and green olive powder. Perfect for the first warmth of early summer. For those who prefer a protein-rich option, the solution is the roast chicken, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, pickled onion, and green leaves salad.

Tip: Also try the smoked trout salad with strawberry carpaccio, arugula, fennel, and citrus vinaigrette.

Where: Olleros 3891, Chacarita.

Away from the central and Palermo bustle, in the heart of the technological hub of Parque Patricios, lies this quaint place, a blend of bodega and restaurant. It has a major advantage: you can park in the area.

At Citadino, the menu is simple, catering to breakfast, lunch, and even afternoon tea. The café has a strong specialty coffee vibe, thanks to Agustina Román, one of the owners. It’s the perfect place to find a reimagined classic Caesar salad. The dish has the simplicity and right combination of its elements: green leaves, sautéed peas, grilled chicken, Sbrinz cheese, croutons, and homemade Caesar dressing.

Tip: The midday menu changes, so be sure to check their Instagram account to see what other dishes you’ll find that week. And definitely don’t miss out on the specialty coffee.

Where: Atuel 608, Parque Patricios.

This list couldn’t leave out the best-kept secret of the Caballito locals. Inside the generous Mercado del Progreso, there’s a small shop dedicated to potatoes, charcoal, and firewood. Recently, they’ve added more options, related to their main product: potatoes.

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They prepare a very traditional Russian salad. No frills, no weird ingredients. Economical and delicious. The secret they refuse to reveal is the mayonnaise-based dressing, smooth and flavorful. It has the perfect imperfection of a homemade salad made by someone who knows how to make it. Good quality potatoes, fresh carrots, and just the right amount of peas. Watch out for the hours, as the market has an old-fashioned schedule.

Tip: It’s not easy to find Enrique's shop—you’ll need to head to the back through the rear door. By market rules, they can only sell products made with potatoes, charcoal, and firewood.

Where: Av. Rivadavia 5430, back stall.

It’s well-known that Ximena Sáenz’s cuisine at her house is very fresh, always highlighting seasonal flavors. It’s no surprise that among her small dishes, proteins, and sides, there’s one salad that stands out in the city.

It starts as a normal potato and egg salad but quickly becomes a twist, as all of Ximena’s recipes do. "Live cooking," as she likes to say. A base of baby potatoes, soft-boiled egg, red onions, sometimes green beans, dill, and a mustard-based dressing. It’s a side dish, but it could easily be a main.

Tip: On these hot days, it’s ideal to start with this salad and a tereré lemonade with yerba mate. It has an herbal touch that makes it fresh and healthy.

Where: Echeverría 2102, Belgrano; República Árabe Siria 3001, Palermo.

With summer’s arrival, the official salad season begins. In this category, it’s impossible not to note Julieta Oriolo’s Sicilian version at La Alacena, one of the 21 Buenos Aires restaurants on our best price-quality list. An aromatic journey to the Mediterranean, where sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly. This recipe combines southern Italy, Greece, and Arab heritage—an absolute treat for the soul.

Base of blood oranges sliced into rounds, a sprinkle of thinly sliced red onion and black olives, coarsely chopped feta cheese on top, and finished with mint and capers. The vinaigrette is made with lemon and olive oil. If this doesn’t tempt you, we don’t know what will.

Tip: Don’t miss the deli section at the front of the Pastificio. Anchovies could be the perfect accompaniment to this salad.

Where: Cabrera 4002, Palermo.

If we go back to the early days of "Chacagiales," we’ll find a precursor to the change that is the cozy Loreto Garden. A classic of the area, with its picturesque house that organically fits into the neighborhood vibe. Known for veggie cuisine, they always offer a fresh and easy-to-remember menu.

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However, for this article, we chose one of their dishes with animal protein. The Loretense salad is a winner. Lettuce, arugula, red cabbage, carrots, avocado, corn, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, sardo cheese, and their signature grilled organic chicken. The key is the dressing: a mustard and honey vinaigrette. It should be paired with a pomelada.

Tip: The alternative to this salad is another gem on the menu: burrata, cherry tomatoes, arugula, fennel, asparagus, and a reduction of balsamic, almonds, and pears.

Where: Virrey Loreto 2912, Colegiales.

A salad list in Buenos Aires wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the iconic Hierbabuena. We’ve already covered Palermo, Nuñez, Colegiales, and Caballito. Now it’s time to stop by San Telmo and give this place its due. This historic vegetarian restaurant reigns on Avenida Caseros in Buenos Aires.

The Caesar Kale Salad is a classic and almost completely reimagines the original version created in Tijuana, which became famous in the U.S. Kale replaces lettuce, marinated tofu replaces chicken, cashew parmesan replaces regular cheese, and the vegan dressing takes the place of anchovy dressing.

Tip: Pay attention to the Mocktail menu at this place. They’re perfect for pairing with a salad if you’re looking for an alcohol-free lunch.

Where: Av. Caseros 454, San Telmo.

Pasta as an ingredient in a salad is something one discovers as an adult and wonders why they didn’t eat it as a child. Cosi Mi Piace understood it all and turned its salads into an ode to pasta.

The Insalata di Pasta comes with penne, fried capers, fior di latte, grilled zucchini, black olives, pesto, and walnuts. A poem that seems to be recited at a table in Puglia with a good white wine.

Tip: Also recommend the La Salata di Pollo with greens, black olives, parmesan, and cherry tomatoes. And the Insalata di bresaola with figs or pears, roasted eggplant, radicchio, gorgonzola, walnuts, and kale.

Where: El Salvador 4622, Palermo.