Dinner in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
For a long time now, the popularity of ‘food culture’ has been on a steady rise throughout the United Arab Emirates. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular, this food culture has taken many forms in the past decade. The luxury of five-star dining is no longer the only way to enjoy late lunches or decadent dinners. There are now plenty of boutique options and cafes, as well as the ability to order food online from the city’s best restaurants.
This shift in focus from fine dining has also allowed the food culture in the Middle East to widen its palette. Various foreign cuisines such as Japanese and Italian food have become favourites amongst the UAE’s diners. With more types of food now on offer than ever before, the ‘food culture’ is also benefitting from a change in the way the UAE’s diners are looking at what they eat. Many Dubai cafes are now catering to this new need by offering healthier foods.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi cafes are now offering more nutritionally-conscious options. Restaurants and cafes that serve great quality food now offer delivery services that encourage staying in for dinner rather than going out. This is mainly due to the availability of top quality cuisine that can be freshly prepared and delivered to your door. This means you no longer have to head out to enjoy a satisfying yet healthy dinner with your family and friends.
So whatever your choice of healthy dinner in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you are now much more likely to find exactly what you want. The only downside to having so much choice is that it can be harder to know what to eat. Well, we at Circle Café have made it a bit easier for you with our list of 16 of the best healthy salad options for dinner.
Here is our list of 16 Healthy Salads for Dinner in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
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Lentil Salad
First on our list is a great all-round salad which is based on and built around lentils. The ingredients of a Lentil Salad are of course Lentils, Cherry Tomato, Grilled Zucchini, Mint, Feta Cheese, Roasted Capsicum, Raisins and Mixed Lettuce. This mix of these ingredients creates a unique flavour that you’ll absolutely enjoy. This salad boasts not only its light but hearty nature due to the Lentils, but also the creamy texture of the Feta Cheese and the fragrant Mint and refreshing cherry tomato. There is indeed a great balance of flavours and textures. Lentils are a great source of key nutrients such as minerals, fibre, proteins and vitamins; plus, they have the added bonus of being low in calories and having almost no fat. Try the Circle Café’s take on the Lentil salad if you want to enjoy a decent sized portion of great quality and very healthy salad.
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Kale, Caramelized Pecan Nut and Goats Cheese Salad
Here at the Circle Café, we pride ourselves on being able to offer a great and varied vegetarian menu. An excellent example of this is the Kale, Caramelized Pecan Nut and Goats Cheese Salad. This delicious and vegetarian salad is made using only the freshest Shredded Kale, Baby Spinach, Rocca, Beetroot, Goats Cheese and Caramelized Pecan Nuts Served with an Italian Dressing. The Crunch of the Pecan nuts perfectly highlights the soft Goats Cheese while the Beetroot serves as a natural palate cleanser. This robust and filling salad has all that is needed in a balanced Vegetarian meal. A perfect salad for anyone looking for a Vegetarian option that is both nutritious and tasty.
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Pumpkin Salad
Another option from our Vegetarian selection here at Circle Café is the Pumpkin Salad. While it is widely known that the consumption of Pumpkin is great for the heart due to its high levels of vitamin C, potassium and fibre, it appears less frequently in salads or healthy options in the UAE as you might think. At Circle Café, we have recognised this by offering this great Pumpkin Salad. With Quinoa, Roasted Pumpkin, Cherry Tomato, Pine Nuts, Beetroot, Feta Cheese and Baby Spinach, this is a salad that is full of nutritional goodness. This salad is also another great example of well-balanced textures and tastes and proves that Vegetarian options do not have to be boring in the slightest.
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Goats Cheese Salad
Goats Cheese is a staple of most Vegetarian diets as it is extremely high in good fats and proteins, that and it is also very tasty. The popularity of Goats Cheese amongst Vegetarians and non-Vegetarians alike led to the creation of one of the region’s well-loved salads – the Goat Cheese Salad. It’s made up of Goat’s Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Walnuts, Mixed Lettuce, Rocca and Pesto, and then served with a Balsamic Reduction; it is certainly an expression of all that can be done with simple and fresh ingredients. And all while remaining Vegetarian. Even if you are a proud meat-lover, why not try this great tasting and amazingly healthy salad from the Circle Café today.
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Halloumi Salad
The Halloumi Salad receives a complete revamp as it hits the Vegetarian section of our Salad menu here at Circle Café. Realising that Halloumi is a great source of proteins and much needed calcium has allowed it to become a regular feature amongst Vegetarian menus. One classic means of serving this great cheese is in a salad form. While the original Halloumi salad may see large slabs of Halloumi laid atop green leaves, the Circle Café have done things a little differently. By using small pieces of Grilled Halloumi as the main ingredient of a Quinoa Tabbouleh and adding pomegranate seeds, and an Apple Za’atar Dressing, this new updated version of the classic Vegetarian favourite has been re-invented. This salad is a must-try for any diner in search of a new taste experience.
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Falafel Salad
A classic choice for almost every vegetarian diet is the Falafel. Another great source of protein and nutrients, the Falafel is made almost entirely of Chickpeas with flavours coming from various ‘heart-healthy’ herbs and spices as well as onion and garlic. When added to other ingredients such as Mixed Lettuce, Rocca, Pickles, Cherry Tomato and served with Tahini dressing it becomes an even healthier option for dinner in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The various health benefits of a Falafel Salad are only equalled by its taste which sees the crunchy texture of Falafel; crisp Lettuce meet the salty Pickle and the Tahini dressing to create an amazing salad. Falafel Salad is amongst the best-selling salads on Circle Café’s healthy delivery options.
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Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
When it comes to the competition for best salad in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this one is a definite front-runner. The Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad is a simple combination of Quinoa, Cherry Tomato, Parsley, Spring Onion and Pomegranate Seeds. Quinoa is by far one of the most popular choices for Vegans and Vegetarians alike as it offers a wide variety of nutritional benefits. When added to the anti-oxidising qualities of pomegranate seeds and the sweet tang of the Cherry Tomatoes and Spring Onion, this becomes more than a salad. It becomes a taste extravaganza which not only refreshes and revitalises but takes care of your hunger as well. Try our much loved Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad today.
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Mexican Chicken Salad
If you are looking for a salad that serves as a healthy and light dinner option but also an extremely filling one, then look no further. Although many restaurants and cafes make their own Mexican Chicken Salad, none make them quite like we do. At Circle Café our Mexican Chicken Salad contains Chopped Iceberg Lettuce, Cajun Grilled Chicken, Fresh Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Black Beans, Edamame Beans, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Tomato Salsa and Spiced Bagel Chips served with a Dijonette Dressing. A great source of protein with relatively low calorie content, our Mexican Chicken Salad is a great choice for the health conscious diner.
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Crunchy Noodle Chicken Salad
Another healthy yet filling option on our list of 16 Healthy salads for dinner is the Crunchy Noodle Chicken Salad. Again, featuring Chicken as a fairly low calorie source of protein, this salad has the added nutrition that Crunchy Noodles, Sesame Seeds, Chopped Red and Chinese Cabbage, Sunflower Seeds and Toasted Almonds bring to the mix. And the whole salad is served with a Honey Soya Dressing. While this is not a vegetarian choice, it is still a great healthy and filling option from our salad menu.
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Italian Salad
The simple but delicious Italian Salad is a masterclass in what can be done with just a few ingredients that complement each other perfectly. This salad is a combination of Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Mixed Lettuce, Sliced Almonds, Tomatoes and olives served with an Italian Dressing. The protein from the Grilled Chicken comes at a low calorific cost while the healthy fats from the Avocado and the vitamins from the Almonds only serve to add to the list of nutritional benefits. The fresh taste of the olives and the crunchy texture of the almonds against the lettuce and tomatoes make this salad one that must be tried. This salad is a favourite amongst diners who while focussed on health also require a filling, fresh and tasty salad for dinner in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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Family Salad
Staying with the more protein filled salads, the Family Salad is stacked full of good fats and proteins while remaining low in calories. Ingredients of our Family Salad include Mixed Lettuce, Grilled Chicken, Roast Pumpkin, Cherry Tomato, Beetroot and Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella. While the Chicken offers high levels of protein, the Mozzarella is a great source of good fats and the Pumpkin, Beetroot and Cherry Tomatoes offer freshness that completes it. A great choice for those sharing a salad as part of a meal.
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Steak Salad
Another great salad option for dinner from Circle Café comes in the form of the Steak Salad. This hearty and filling salad is comprised of Romaine Lettuce, Rocca, Grilled Marinated Steak, Capsicum, Potato, and Cherry Tomato and served with a Blue Cheese Dressing. If you want a salad that feels more like a main course, then this is a great option. The tender strips of Steak are marinated before they are grilled and when added to the crisp Romaine Lettuce and juicy Cherry Tomatoes, the taste is incredible. While this salad is a great option both taste and portion wise, it is also a wise choice for the health conscious diner. Steak is a great source of protein and the potato offers yet more while the fresh raw vegetables add to the nutritional benefits on offer.
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Salmon Sashimi Salad
With the popularity of Japanese Food at an all-time high in the UAE, it is no wonder that we are beginning to see it everywhere. Even in the world of salads, we find that Japanese cuisine offers us some interesting variations on the salads we know and love. Salmon Sashimi may not technically fall under the term ‘salad’ but it throws together fresh and tasty ingredients in much the same way. The ingredients of the Salmon Sashimi available at Circle Café are Fresh Salmon Sashimi, Edamame Beans, Pickled Ginger, Hijiki Cucumber, Avocado, Black and White Sesame Seeds and Iceberg Lettuce with Sesame Honey Soya Dressing. The joining of Avocado for its good fats and fresh fish for its oils and protein is a favourite amongst Japanese dishes. That combination lends itself all the full and rich flavours to this wonderful dish.
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Tuna Poke
If you are looking for something a little bit lighter but still packed full of nutritional goodness, then the Tuna Poke Bowl is a great choice. Borrowed from the world of Japanese Cuisine, the Tuna Poke is a salad that combines the high protein levels of fresh Tuna with all the healthy fats and minerals that the Avocado has. Both ingredients in the famous California Roll, there is a very good reason that they appear so frequently in Sushi menus everywhere. When combined, Tuna and Avocado offer most of the protein and good fats that the body needs. The Tuna Poke at the Circle Café is the perfect blend of Fresh Tuna Sashimi, Mixed Lettuce, Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Quinoa, Coriander, Basil and Asian Dressing. And the best thing about this salad is that not only is it full of what the body needs, it tastes amazing as well.
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Tuna Salad
Also featuring Tuna with all of its amazing proteins and fish oils is the Circle Café’s Tuna Salad. This salad utilises Tuna in a slightly different way than the Tuna Poke does and is a somewhat lighter option. The ingredients of our Tuna Salad are Preserved Tuna, Iceberg Lettuce, Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber. The Tuna Salad does not have a heavy sauce served with it and consists of just five simple and fresh ingredients. The cool cucumber and fresh tomatoes adding to the healthy fats of the avocado and the protein filled Tuna to create a light salad option with all the nutritional benefits and all of the taste.
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Caesar Salad
While the classic Caesar Salad has been a favourite on menus all over the world, some would choose to believe that it is a bit outdated. Circle Café has somewhat re-worked it so you can enjoy a Caesar Salad with a difference. Replacing the Chicken with Maple Turkey Bacon and adding Shaved Parmesan and Bagel Chips to the familiar Romaine Lettuce has allowed this version of the classic to become something new. The tang of the Parmesan and the crisp Lettuce really helped to set the tone for the amazing Maple Turkey Bacon. So if you are looking for a something new, fresh and great tasting, yet still familiar dinner option in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then look no further than the Circle Café’s Caesar Salad.
Choosing the Healthier Option for Dinner in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
As you can see, there are a number of choices to make when deciding on a salad for dinner. Some salads will be healthier than others, some will be lighter and others more filling and then some will contain the precise nutritional values that you need. We hope that this list has made it easier for you to know which salad will suit your dining needs best.
And once you’ve chosen your Salad, why not order today from one of the UAE’s best places to order food online. At Circle Café, you can order any and all of the salads featured on the list above. You can even order from a long list of added extras which range from Bagel Chips to Beetroot Hummus. We have something to suit everyone’s taste with Vegetarian and Vegan options to choose from as well as a wide variety of sides and other dishes. Order your salad for your dinner in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from a diner that is passionate about delivering quality and taste like no other. Visit Circle Café or order online today.