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Restaurant of the Week: Salad Nation

Co-Owner Omar Solorzano of Salad Nation (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Restaurant of the Week: Salad Nation

Nov 20, 20242 min read

Each week, we highlight one of our favorite restaurants in Tucson!

If you think fast food is always unhealthy, Salad Nation is here to change the game.

Salad Nation (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

This family-owned business, which is located inside the Park Place Mall, offers healthy meals that cater to different tastes and preferences, with menu offerings like chicken sandwiches, paninis, fresh salads with housemade dressings, and much more. 

Also, the “salad bar with a twist” updates the menu often, and this time it’s something belly-warming for the season — menudo!

From now until Tuesday, December 31, Salad Nation is offering authentic Hispanic menudo for the holidays.

Menudo at Salad Nation (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

“We bring a lot of the Hispanic roots that come with Salad Nation from my dad,” said Omar Solorzano, co-owner of Salad Nation. “I was the one who kept trying to make this plant grow — get everything going — and then my mom jumped in. She runs a lot of the accounting and finances, and a lot of the color tones, the logo, everything was inspired by her. And then I’m the one who made all the gears, all of the little internal things that they couldn’t think of.”

You’ll also find Hispanic-inspired flavors in the dressings and traditional soups, like Caldo de Queso, Tortilla Soup, and Mexican Noodle Soup.

Tucson Foodie Insiders

Salad Nation is also a Restaurant Partner, meaning that Tucson Foodie Insiders can score $10 off their meal every month.

For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $5,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members. Learn more and join!

Salad Nation is located at 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., space 548. For more information, visit saladnationarizona.com.

Salad Nation (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
PAST RESTAURANTS OF THE WEEK:

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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GIVEAWAY!🌮🍹🎟️🌶️

We’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the 18th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at @hiltonelcon! 

Next Sunday, 40+ Southern Arizona restaurants, chefs and beverage creators will compete for your votes in three categories:
• Best salsa
• Best taco
• Best tequila cocktail

Plus, enjoy live mariachi, folklorico, art, wrestling and more!

💃 Sunday, September 6 | 6–8:30 PM | 21+ 
 
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Like this post
2. Follow @artstateaz, @hiltonelcon, and @tucsonfoodie 
3. Tag a friend! (Unlimited entries) 

Buying tickets? Use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off! Link in @artstateaz’s bio 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY!🌮🍹🎟️🌶️ We’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the 18th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at @hiltonelcon! Next Sunday, 40+ Southern Arizona restaurants, chefs and beverage creators will compete for your votes in three categories: • Best salsa • Best taco • Best tequila cocktail Plus, enjoy live mariachi, folklorico, art, wrestling and more! 💃 Sunday, September 6 | 6–8:30 PM | 21+ ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @artstateaz, @hiltonelcon, and @tucsonfoodie 3. Tag a friend! (Unlimited entries) Buying tickets? Use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off! Link in @artstateaz’s bio #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
Desert Magic is happening NOW🌵🫶✨

TONIGHT | NOW-10 PM
@tohonochul 
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations
🌞 20+ wellness practitioners
🎶 Live music + soundscapes
🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks

🎟️ in bio

🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte.

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

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❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

#tucsonevents #tucsonarizonaDesert Magic is happening NOW🌵🫶✨ TONIGHT | NOW-10 PM @tohonochul 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte 🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations 🌞 20+ wellness practitioners 🎶 Live music + soundscapes 🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks 🎟️ in bio 🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) ❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev #tucsonevents #tucsonarizona
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Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

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🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

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BEVERAGES
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SHOP LOCAL
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#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalNEXT WEEK! @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 September 5th from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @cutsandslabs.charcuterie @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @churrosinzunza @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @espressoul_cafe @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade Wrapido @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵

Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨

TONIGHT | 5–10 PM
@tohonochul 
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations
🌞 20+ wellness practitioners
🎶 Live music + soundscapes
🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks

🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte.

Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds.

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

#tucsonevents #tucsonarizona🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵 Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨ TONIGHT | 5–10 PM @tohonochul 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte 🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations 🌞 20+ wellness practitioners 🎶 Live music + soundscapes 🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks 🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte. Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) ❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev #tucsonevents #tucsonarizona