Build Your Own Salad on Oahu: How to Choose Your Greens, Toppings, and Dressing
· Aloha Salads
Some days, you know exactly what you want in your salad. Maybe it's something crisp with cucumbers and tomatoes, or a combination of fruit, cheese, and a dressing with a little sweetness.
At Aloha Salads, you don't have to settle for a combination someone else picked.
Our Design Your Own Salad option lets you build your own salad on Oahu, starting with your preferred lettuce and adding ingredients that suit your taste.
The process is simple: choose your lettuce, select four regular toppings, add one cheese, and finish with one dressing. Want to include more ingredients? Additional items cost extra.
Whether you're ordering lunch between errands or picking up dinner on your way home, here's how to put together a salad you'll look forward to eating.
How Does the “Design Your Own Salad” Work?
You don't need to know the perfect ingredient combination before ordering. Start with the flavors you enjoy, then build from there.
Your salad, your choices
| Step | What's included |
|---|---|
| 1. Lettuce | Your choice of lettuce |
| 2. Toppings | Four regular toppings |
| 3. Cheese | One cheese |
| 4. Dressing | One dressing |
| 5. Extras | Additional ingredients cost more |
Every salad also comes with pita bread. Check the ordering menu for current ingredient selections and any additional charges.
The beauty of customization is that you can keep your salad simple or experiment with different flavors each time you visit.
Step 1: Start With Your Greens
Your lettuce is the foundation of your salad. It influences the texture of every bite and how the other ingredients come together.
Two greens you'll recognize from our signature salad menu are romaine and mixed greens.
| Greens | Texture and flavor | Pairs well with |
|---|---|---|
| Romaine | Crisp, crunchy, and mild | Tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, creamy dressings |
| Mixed greens | Tender leaves with varied flavors | Fruit, nuts, cheese, vinaigrettes |
These are examples from our signature salads. Confirm the current lettuce selections in the Design Your Own ordering menu.
A helpful tip: If you enjoy a salad with plenty of crunch, romaine is a good starting point. If you prefer softer leaves with a mix of flavors, consider mixed greens.
Step 2: Choose Four Toppings That Work Together
With four regular toppings included, you have room to create an interesting combination without making the salad overly complicated.
Instead of choosing ingredients at random, think about balancing textures and flavors.
A simple approach is to combine something crunchy, something juicy, and ingredients that bring sweetness or a savory note.
Salad topping combinations to inspire you
The following combinations use ingredients found in Aloha Salads' existing signature salads. They are inspiration rather than a confirmed list of eligible regular toppings.
| Flavor preference | Four ingredients to consider | Why they work together |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp and refreshing | Cucumbers, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion | Crunchy vegetables with a little sharpness |
| Sweet and fruity | Apples, red grapes, cranberries, candied walnuts | Juicy fruit with chewy and crunchy textures |
| Southwest-inspired | Corn, black beans, jicama, grape tomatoes | A mix of sweetness, crunch, and savory flavor |
| Mediterranean-inspired | Cucumbers, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, garbanzo beans | Fresh vegetables balanced by briny olives |
| Tropical-inspired | Mango, strawberries, coconut, bean sprouts | Fruity flavors with contrasting textures |
Ingredient categories and any topping surcharges should be confirmed in the current ordering menu. Some ingredients shown above may not qualify as regular toppings.
How to avoid a salad that feels too busy
You don't need every ingredient you like in one bowl. Try selecting a few ingredients that share a flavor direction.
For example, if you're choosing mango and strawberries, a lighter vinaigrette may complement the fruit better than a strongly savory dressing.
If you're using olives and red onion, a Mediterranean-style dressing may bring those flavors together.
The goal isn't to follow a recipe. It's to make the choices feel intentional.
Step 3: Add a Cheese That Complements Your Toppings
Cheese can bring creaminess, saltiness, or a richer flavor to your salad.
Our signature menu features several cheese varieties, including feta, blue cheese, cheddar, parmesan, and fresh mozzarella.
| Cheese | Flavor profile | Good pairing ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Feta | Tangy and salty | Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives |
| Blue cheese | Bold and creamy | Apples, grapes, walnuts |
| Cheddar | Rich and savory | Corn, black beans, romaine |
| Parmesan | Salty and savory | Romaine, tomatoes |
| Fresh mozzarella | Mild and creamy | Tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinaigrette |
These are cheeses used across our menu, not a guarantee that every variety is offered in the Design Your Own Salad builder.
If you're trying a new combination, start with the cheese that matches your favorite ingredients. Feta pairs naturally with Mediterranean flavors, while blue cheese creates an interesting contrast with sweet fruit.
Step 4: Finish With a Dressing That Brings It All Together
Find your flavor
Dressing can change the entire character of a salad.
A bowl with romaine, tomatoes, and cheese will taste different with herb ranch than it will with balsamic vinaigrette.
Our menu includes several dressing styles, from creamy choices to lighter vinaigrettes.
| Dressing | Flavor direction | Try it with |
|---|---|---|
| Passion Orange Vinaigrette | Fruity and tangy | Fruit-forward combinations |
| Herb Ranch | Creamy and herby | Romaine, tomatoes, savory toppings |
| Asian Ginger | Ginger-forward | Carrots, green onions, crunchy ingredients |
| Mediterranean | Savory and tangy | Cucumbers, olives, feta |
| BBQ Ranch | Creamy with barbecue flavor | Corn, black beans, cheddar |
| Balsamic Vinaigrette | Tangy with a touch of sweetness | Tomatoes, basil, mozzarella |
| Goddess Dressing | Herby and savory | Greens and vegetable-forward combinations |
Most of our dressings are made in-house in small batches throughout the week, while others are sourced separately.
If you're unsure which dressing to choose, think about the strongest flavor in your salad. Sweet ingredients often pair nicely with a tangy vinaigrette, while savory toppings can work well with a creamy dressing.
You can explore more of our ingredient approach on the Aloha Salads website.
Three Custom Salad Ideas Worth Trying
Need a little inspiration before placing your order? These combinations borrow flavors from our existing menu without simply recreating a signature salad.
1. The Crisp Mediterranean
Romaine with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, garbanzo beans, feta, and Mediterranean dressing.
A good starting point if you enjoy savory flavors and crunchy vegetables.
2. The Sweet and Crunchy
Mixed greens with apples, red grapes, cranberries, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and a fruity vinaigrette.
Ideal inspiration for someone who likes a little sweetness in every bite.
3. The Savory Southwest
Romaine with corn, black beans, jicama, grape tomatoes, cheddar, and BBQ ranch.
A combination inspired by the savory flavors of our Paniolo salad.
Illustrative recipe previews, not verified Aloha Salads product photographs. The combinations are suggestions only; topping eligibility and additional charges require confirmation.
Can You Add Extra Toppings or Protein?
Yes, the Design Your Own Salad allows additional ingredients for an extra charge.
The standard configuration includes four regular toppings, one cheese, and one dressing. Adding more ingredients changes the price.
Protein is also a paid addition rather than an automatically included component of the custom salad.
Before completing your order, review the available extras and the updated total. This is especially helpful when adding ingredients beyond the standard selection.
A few tips before ordering
- Start with the included choices. Four toppings can create plenty of variety.
- Choose a flavor direction. Sweet, savory, creamy, or tangy are useful starting points.
- Review additional charges. Extra ingredients and protein can increase the price.
- Check the selected restaurant. Menu availability may differ by location.
- Remember the pita. Our salads are served with pita bread.
Prefer a Signature Salad? Explore These Aloha Salads Favorites
Not everyone wants to decide on every ingredient. If you'd rather order a combination that's already been put together, our signature salads offer plenty of choices.
Aloha Passion Salad
Mixed greens, mango, apples, red grapes, cranberries, blue cheese, candied walnuts, and passion orange vinaigrette.
A fruit-forward choice with contrasting textures.
Kamuela Cobb
Mixed greens, avocado, grape tomatoes, egg, bacon, blue cheese, chicken, and herb ranch.
A savory combination with plenty of familiar Cobb salad ingredients.
Ono Island Ahi
Mixed greens, ahi tuna, mango, avocado, coconut, strawberries, green onions, bean sprouts, and passion orange vinaigrette.
An option for anyone who enjoys fresh local ahi alongside tropical flavors.
Image previews require replacement with verified Aloha Salads photography before publication.
Not in the Mood for Salad? There's More on Our Menu
Sometimes you're ordering with someone who would rather have a wrap, sandwich, or something warm. We've got options for that, too.
Here are a few other Aloha Salads menu favorites worth exploring:
- Grilled Steak Wrap: Grilled steak, mushrooms, red onion, provolone, romaine, sundried tomatoes, and goddess dressing. A hearty option with savory flavors.
- Curried Chicken Wrap: Curried chicken, mango chutney, carrots, cranberries, grapes, coconut, and romaine in pita. A combination of sweet fruit and curry flavors.
- Chicken Pesto Sandwich: Grilled chicken, pesto, basil, mixed greens, tomatoes, and mayo, served with a choice of bread.
- Fresh Island Ahi Wrap: Ahi, grape tomatoes, red onion, mixed greens, capers, and champagne dressing in pita. A seafood option with tangy flavors.
- Grilled Cheese Soup Combo: Havarti, cheddar, and fresh mozzarella on sourdough, paired with a 6-ounce tomato bisque.
Explore More Aloha Salads Favorites
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Frequently Asked Questions About Building Your Own Salad
How many toppings come with the Design Your Own Salad?
You can choose four regular toppings, along with your choice of lettuce, one cheese, and one dressing.
Can I add more than four toppings?
Yes. Additional ingredients cost extra. Review the ordering menu for the available options and charges.
Does the custom salad include protein?
Protein is a paid add-on rather than a standard included component. Check the ordering menu for current protein selections.
Does my salad come with bread?
Yes. Our salads are served with pita bread.
Can I order a Design Your Own Salad for pickup?
Yes. Choose your preferred Aloha Salads restaurant and use its pickup ordering link.
Are the same toppings available at every location?
Menu availability can differ between restaurants. Check your selected location's ordering menu for the current choices.
Ready to Create Your Own Salad?
Your perfect salad doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
Start with your favorite lettuce, choose four toppings, pick a cheese, and finish with the dressing that sounds good to you.
Whether you prefer a crisp vegetable combination or something with fruit and a tangy vinaigrette, our Design Your Own Salad gives you a way to make lunch or dinner your own.
Your Salad. Your Favorite Ingredients.
Explore the Aloha Salads menu and choose your neighborhood restaurant to get started.
