THIS WEEK: OUR FAVORITE SALADS

It’s been a long time since the word “salad” was synonymous with a chunk of iceberg lettuce, a tomato wedge and a layer of fatty dressing. Take a peek into the bright future of roughage.

TENDER GREENS

Tender Greens gets most of its produce from a farm in Oxnard and, as the name implies, specializes primarily in fresh salads. Try a simple butter lettuce salad with Dijon vinaigrette, or get crazy with a chipotle barbecue chicken salad with avocado queso fresco. For hard-core health fanatics or would-be hard-core health fanatics, Tender Greens offers a “salad in the raw.” 9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City, (310) 842-8300.

MRS. WINSTON’S

GREEN GROCERY

Something of a World’s Fair of salad bars, Mrs. Winston’s will all but paralyze the fruits-and-nuts crowd with a huge array of exotic greens, vegan mock meats and every crunchy accouterment that keeps Ted Nugent up at night. 2450 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 315-2777.

FIGARO CAFE

This pricey but charming curbside French cafe nestled in the cloyingly hip heart of Los Feliz offers a seriously tasty Nicoise salad on its lunch menu: mixed greens, ahi tuna, hard-boiled egg, green beans and potatoes in a tangy mustard dressing. 1802 N. Vermont Ave., (323) 662-1587.

JACOPO’S

The Beverly Hills staple recently changed locations but kept its signature chopped salad. Perfect for a hearty appetite, this monster meal consists of a jumble of cold cuts, pepperoncinis, garbanzo beans, Roma tomatoes and provolone cheese, all dressed up in a zesty house Italian. 326 S. Beverly Drive, (310) 858-6446.

GREEN STREET RESTAURANT

Sure, there are other menu items besides the cornucopia salad -- with chicken breast, avocado, raisins and mandarin oranges in blue cheese vinaigrette -- at this Pasadena comfort-food standby, but in a city full of healthy dining options, Green Street is lucky to have such a convincing calling card. 146 Shoppers Lane, Pasadena, (626) 577-7170.

-- Jessica.Gelt@latimes.com