As the temps rise in the Capital City, so do our cravings for cooling meals like light sandwiches, sushi and all. the. salads. Check out our roundup below of some of favorite meals in Columbia SC, guaranteed to fill you up + cool you down on even the hottest of summer days. Enjoy!
Cobb Salad | Bone-In BBQ
Arguably one of the most Instagram-worthy plates on the list, the Carolina Cobb at Bone-In BBQ is beautifully arranged with romaine, grape tomatoes, pickled okra, fresh cucumber, smoked succotash, blue cheese and creamy lime dressing -- with your choice of pulled pork, smoked brisket, fried chicken or BBQ chicken.
Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocado Salad | Spotted Salamander
Grab a spot on Spotted Salamander's adorable patio + order up this unforgettable salad - classic shrimp salad stuffed inside a whole avocado and placed on top a bed of greens with red wine vinaigrette. Deviled egg appetizer not optional.
Fresh Roll | Bodhi Thai
Bodhi Thai in Lexington is the ultimate spot for an authentic Thai cuisine experience. Start your epic meal with a fresh roll from the appetizer list. Fresh, light and paired with sweet chili dipping sauce, so you can't really go wrong.
Lettuce Wrap Tacos | Publico
All the deliciousness of Publico tacos, but lightened up and presented in a lettuce wrapping. We are here for it.
Sushi | Camon
Any sushi roll on the menu at Camon is the perfect light summer meal. Unless you order 10 rolls like we do, but... YOLO, right?
One, One and One Plate | The Gourmet Shop
Egg salad... chicken salad... green salad... pasta salad... the options are truly endless at The Gourmet Shop, so good luck choosing just three.
Pasta Salad | Immaculate Consumption
The pasta salad at Immaculate Consumption is a beloved local secret. We're not really sure what makes it so addicting, but we've been trying to recreate for years to no avail. Try it for yourself and see what we mean.
Chopped Salad | Halls Chophouse
The chopped salad at Halls Chophouse is magical, to say the least. Not your Mother's chopped salad, this game changer is made with black eyes peas, cucumber, peppers, bacon, feta, tomatoes, celery and a green peppercorn-buttermilk dressing. YUM.
Lexington Summer Plate | Momma Rabbit's
Rotating weekly, the Lexington Summer Plate at Momma Rabbit's consists of southern summer favorites like black eyed peas, fried okra, sliced heirloom tomatoes and more.
Caprese Salad | Il Giorgione
What says summer more than perfectly in-season tomatoes, house-made (!!!!) fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. So simple and so perfect. Thank you for being you, Il Giorgione.
Beet Salad | Julia's Stammtisch
Julia’s German Stammtisch is a hidden gem, serving up classic German delicacies like Schnitzel and delicious homemade desserts. Don't overlook the German salad, though - a generous portion of pickled beets, green beans and shredded cabbage.
BLT | Mathia's Sandwich Shop
A summer classic to say the least. The BLT at Mathia's Sandwich Shop is at peak deliciousness during summer months when the tomatoes are better-than-ever.
Pla Tuna | Kao Thai
Ahi Tuna is the perfect light summer bite and Kao Thai in The Vista does it up with elegance and perfection.
Avocado Toast | BLD
Smashed avocado on toast with a poached egg is ideal for fueling your warm-day activities. Get one of the best at BLD in Trenholm plaza.
Looking for more delicious bites + sips in Columbia SC? Check out our restaurants page.