Finding healthy lunch that you actually crave isn’t easy. Sometimes a salad just doesn’t sound as good as something sweet and/or savory.
I love to eat out a couple times a week for lunch but I try to keep it at least somewhat healthy (most of the time). Here are my favorite 5 places I like to have lunch at in the area.
- 1. 407 Cafe
- I love a good panini and 407 Cafe makes some really good ones. Granted, you could easily stray off the healthy path with their crepes (also delicious) and gelato but if you just stick with the entrees, you’ll be in good shape (pun intended).
- https://www.407cafe.com
407 Cafe is located at 9161 Narcoossee Rd Suite 108, Orlando, FL 32827
2. Taino’s Bakery
I know, I know, you’re probably thinking “bakery? that doesn’t sound very healthy” and you’re 100% right but hear me out. I lived in Puerto Rico for over 6 years and I LOVE Puerto Rican food and Taino’s has a great (and delicious) authentic menu that I have definitely indulged in (especially the quesitos). I also love that I can practice my Spanish with them. However, what I also discovered is that they make a great grilled chicken salad (ensalada con pollo grilled). They give you dressing on the side but honestly, the salad itself has so much flavor, you don’t even need it. Best of all, the salad is big enough for two people to share plus it costs less than $7!
Taino’s Bakery is located at 9161 Narcoossee Rd suite 106-b, Orlando, FL 32827
3. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
I love smoothies and crave them quite often so I love that I can also grab a quick & healthy lunch from Tropical Smoothie Cafe while I’m there. I usually go for the wraps as they feel a little lighter than a flatbread. It’s a great healthy option that won’t have you feeling sluggish when you get back to work.
https://www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is located at 12278 Narcoossee Rd Suite 102, Orlando, FL 32832
4. Bolay
These last two are my personal favorite lunch spots and I frequent them most often.
If you’ve never been to Bolay you are definitely missing out on some healthy goodness. The bowls are absolutely fantastic. They start you off with a base of either greens (kale salad or spinach salad), white or black rice, cilantro noodles or sweet potato noodles (my personal favorite). Then your choice of two vegetables, a protein (chicken, pork, steak, shrimp or miso glazed tofu) and a sauce if you want it. I also usually add sliced avocado and cilantro for a small upcharge. I highly recommend Bolay if you’re looking for a great healthy meal! You won’t be disappointed.
Bolay is located at 12711 Narcoossee Rd #120, Orlando, FL 32832
5. Chicken Salad Chick
I love some good chicken salad and Chicken Salad Chick, by far, makes the best chicken salad I’ve ever had. With 12 different flavors of chicken salad from classic to savory, sweet or spicy, there’s something for every palette. They don’t use much mayo in their recipe either, which is great. My personal favorite is the Cranberry Kelli! You can get it as a sandwich or just the scoop if you want to avoid the extra carbs and calories. The Chick meal comes with a side (I usually get soup or the grape salad) plus they give you a small buttercream cookie and I gotta tell ya, the cookies are sooo good. I have a sweet tooth and the cookie they give you with the meal is small enough to cure my sweet craving but not so big that I feel like I over-indulged.
https://www.chickensaladchick.com
Chicken Salad Chick is located at 9470 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32827
So there you go. Those are my personal top 5 favorite (somewhat healthy) lunch spots. These are all located in Lake Nona and are right on Narcoossee Road. Give them a try then come back here and leave us a comment on what you thought. Also, feel free to drop your recommendations for lunch in the comments as well.
Enjoy or as we say in Puerto Rico, buen provecho!
