Garden to Table: Montrio’s Organic Commitment and Seasonal Greens

Late July marks National Salad Week, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than in Monterey, where the coast meets farmland and the ingredients speak for themselves. At Montrio, salad is anything but an afterthought. It’s a reflection of the restaurant’s deeper commitment to sustainability, organic produce, and thoughtful preparation.

Incorporating over 40% organic ingredients across the menu, Montrio builds each dish around quality and care. That dedication shines especially bright in the seasonal salads—vibrant, nourishing, and perfectly suited for a summer lunch on the patio or as a crisp, refreshing start to dinner.

A Fresh Take on Sustainability

What Organic Means at Montrio

Montrio’s commitment to organic ingredients goes far beyond buzzwords. With nearly half of the ingredients sourced organically, the menu reflects a deeper philosophy—one that values environmental responsibility, better soil health, cleaner waterways, and food that simply tastes better.

Every time organic produce is chosen, it supports farming practices that reduce synthetic pesticides and chemicals, protecting both the planet and the people enjoying each meal. That’s the kind of integrity that’s tasted in every bite.

From Local Farms to the Table

Salads at Montrio are composed with intention, built from greens, herbs, fruits, and vegetables that come from nearby farms whenever possible. Using local sources means better freshness, a smaller carbon footprint, and ingredients that reflect the season. That’s how the menu stays connected to the rhythms of California’s central coast—especially in the summertime when produce is at its peak.

Salads That Make a Statement

Montrio House Salad

This isn’t your everyday house salad. Built on an artisanal blend of local greens, it balances the peppery and sweet, crisp and tender. Then comes a sprinkle of candied pistachios, providing a satisfying crunch and a hint of caramelized richness. Strawberries and pickled apples add tart-sweet brightness, while Cambazola cheese brings a soft, creamy texture that ties it all together.

Finished with a drizzle of maple balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is layered, thoughtful, and perfectly seasonal—designed to be both elegant and familiar.

Caesar Salad with a Twist

The classic Caesar gets a coastal California update. Montrio’s version adds tri-colored quinoa tabbouleh, infusing the dish with nutty texture and a protein boost. The Caesar dressing is rich but balanced, coating each bite without overpowering it. Garlic breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a white anchovy garnish give it the traditional flavor profile with added dimension.

It’s a hearty yet refreshing option that pairs beautifully with chilled white wine or a light sparkling rosé—ideal for those long summer evenings.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

For diners craving peak-season produce, the Heirloom Tomato Salad is a standout. Featuring burrata as its creamy base and topped with basil pistachio pesto and Villa Mandori balsamic vinegar, this dish highlights tomatoes at their ripest and most flavorful.

The addition of puffed quinoa offers a playful crunch, making this salad feel indulgent while staying light. It’s the kind of dish that could only exist in the heart of a California summer—colorful, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

Salads as a Starting Point or a Meal of Their Own

Light, Satisfying, and Customizable

While Montrio’s salads make an excellent beginning to a multi-course experience, they also stand strong on their own for a lighter lunch or dinner. Each one can be enjoyed solo or paired with a selection of sides like grilled asparagus, sautéed garlic spinach, or fresh herbed risotto to round out the plate.

Guests who want to add a protein can easily build a more substantial meal by pairing a salad with seafood or one of Montrio’s grilled Angus or Wagyu beef offerings. That flexibility makes these salads ideal for diners seeking something health-forward without sacrificing flavor or variety.

The Bigger Picture: Near-Zero Waste and Eco-Conscious Operations

Sustainability That Goes Beyond the Menu

Montrio doesn’t stop at organic ingredients when it comes to sustainability. Every part of the restaurant’s operation is built around responsible practices—from composting and full recycling to using renewable energy credits and in-house reusables.

This dedication helps reduce food and material waste and creates an experience that guests can feel good about. Dining out becomes an opportunity to support systems that care for both people and planet—a refreshing change in an industry often marked by excess.

Seasonal Dining as a Philosophy

Salads are the perfect example of how Montrio aligns flavor with responsibility. Seasonal dining allows the kitchen to use what’s freshest, avoid waste, and craft dishes that change naturally over time. This keeps the menu exciting, reduces the need for out-of-season imports, and celebrates what the region has to offer right now.

In July, that means stone fruit, berries, arugula, and heirloom tomatoes. In fall, it might shift to roasted root vegetables and warm grain-based bowls. The connection to the seasons is part of the joy of dining here—and it all begins with a commitment to the garden.

Refreshing Pairings for Salad Season

Wines and Cocktails That Complement the Garden

Salads pair well with crisp, refreshing wines and bright, herbal cocktails. The Massican White Blend offers a citrus-forward, mineral-driven profile that’s excellent with tomato-based dishes or vinaigrette-tossed greens. The Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc brings tropical fruit notes and clean acidity, perfect alongside the House or Caesar salads.

For a spritz-style pairing, the Montrio Spritz mocktail (made with Lyre’s Italian Orange and mint) delivers all the refreshment without the alcohol. Guests looking for something more indulgent might enjoy the Clarified Colada, with coconut and pineapple flavors that contrast nicely with savory salad components.

Whether wine, beer, cocktail, or mocktail, each pairing is designed to enhance the meal without overshadowing the produce-forward flavors of the dish.

A Week to Celebrate, A Season to Savor

National Salad Week offers a chance to recognize dishes that are often overlooked but deserve the spotlight. At Montrio, salads are crafted with as much care and creativity as any entrée. They’re a vibrant expression of summer, a celebration of the garden, and a testament to sustainable, flavorful dining.

Visit Montrio this July and enjoy the season’s best ingredients in every bite.

Reserve your table today by calling 831.648.8880 or join us in downtown Monterey, CA.