t’s finally happening. The air is losing its icy edge, the light is lingering in the afternoons just that little bit longer and we are almost ready to throw off the flannel PJ’s and keep it cool in cotton.

That’s right, spring is here and it’s about time. With the introduction of budding blooms and chirping birds comes a whole new batch of fresh spring produce and the crisp, clean flavours that define springtime fare.

With this in mind we’ve scoured the city for some of Melbourne’s best salads – an epic array of garden-fresh jewels to liven up your plate and leave you feeling good inside and out. With fresh beetroot, leeks, zucchini and green papaya at your disposal, you simply can’t go wrong with salad this spring.

Josie Bones
Zucchini Salad with fiore di barrata, toasted almonds, grapefruit and saffron pickled shallots.
98 Smith Street, Collingwood
(03) 9417 1878

Le Chien
Beetroot and feta salad with roasted pumpkin seeds and spinach.
5 Gamon Street, Seddon
(03) 9362 7333

Threefold
Broccoli, mixed green leaves, chilli and emmental.
381 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
(03) 9614 8194

Tom Phat
Coconut poached chicken salad with basil, coriander, mint and roasted chilli dressing.
184 Sydney Road, Brunswick
(03) 9381 2374

Silo by Joost
Young leek, hen egg yolk and mustard salad.
123 Hardware Street, Melbourne
(03) 9600 0588

Hercules Morse
Roasted beetroot salad with dehydrated feta, maple walnuts, rocket pesto.
283 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
(03) 9690 9402

Gardiner and Field
Soba noodles with sesame crusted chicken, carrot, snow peas, pickled ginger and soy dressing.
43 Union Street, Armadale

Two Birds One Stone
New season asparagus, heirloom radishes, cherry tomatoes, soft herbs, pea shoots and marinated Meredith feta.
12 Claremont Street, South Yarra
(03) 9827 1228

Hawk & Hunter
Grilled haloumi salad, pomegranate, orange & crisp turkish toast.
Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea
(03) 9523 0798

Fonda
Grilled chicken salad with quinoa, black beans, cabbage, coriander, smoked corn, baby peas, lemon vinaigrette.
248 Swan Street, Richmond
(03) 9429 0085