CREATE YOUR OWN SALAD

Create Your Own Salad Catering

New York City has always demanded more from its catering services—more nuance, more adaptability, more attention to detail. Salad catering, often overlooked in the world of gourmet events, has taken on new life when approached with the right sensibility. At Gotham Catering and Events, we offer a create-your-own salad catering experience rooted in seasonality, customization, and elegant presentation. Whether it’s a corporate drop-off or an intimate celebration, each menu is crafted with intention and executed with precision.

We begin with the ingredients. Gotham’s culinary team sources from local purveyors and markets, selecting seasonal greens, herbs, grains, and produce to ensure that every bite is both flavorful and timely. There’s no reliance on bulk-prepped kits or generic toppings. Instead, we offer leafy foundations such as wild arugula, red leaf, and kale, supported by rotating grains like barley, quinoa, and black rice.

Proteins are selected with equal care—herb-roasted chicken, tamari-glazed tofu, and citrus-cured salmon are just a few options that allow guests to build something satisfying and memorable. Our dressings, made in-house, feature balanced emulsions crafted from local ingredients like cold-pressed oils, shallot vinaigrette, and seasonal citrus.

These menus are not locked to a fixed format. Instead, they adapt to the season and the client’s vision. Whether the request is for lighter fare in spring or heartier options in autumn, our corporate catering team aligns every order with the best available ingredients at the time.

Creating a salad bar for a catering event can be a great way to offer a healthy and customizable option for your guests. Here are some tips on how to set up your own salad bar catering

Minimum 20 Guests
$29.95 PER GUEST

Healthy salad bar. Whether Its Corporate meeting or events Grain Bowl is suitable for your healthy diet. try it with Gotham catering

STEP 1: Choose Your Greens (3)
Mixed Greens	Baby Spinach	Baby Arugula	Baby Kale
Iceberg Lettuce	Romaine
STEP 2: Choose Your Proteins (3)
Fresh Turkey Breast	Smoked turkey	Jerk Chicken	Pesto Chicken
Grilled Balsamic Chicken	Mexicali Chicken	Panko Breaded Chicken	Grilled Rosemary Chicken
Tandoori Chicken	Blackened Cajun Chicken	Thai Lemongrass Chicken	Hoisin Chicken
Teriyaki & Cilantro Chicken	Grilled Lemon Dill Chicken	Five Spiced Chicken	Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad	Lemon Dijon Chicken	Tzatziki Chicken Salad	Sesame Crusted Soy Ahi Tuna
Citrus Herb Salmon	Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon	Dijon Parmesan Salmon	Korean Salmon Bulgogi
Grilled Citrus Herb Salmon	Tamari Glazed Salmon	Flaked Plain Tuna	Low Fat Italian Tuna Salad
Solid White Tuna Salad	Large Poached Shrimp	Orange Thyme Shrimp	Soy Ginger Sirloin
Chimichurri Steak	Falafel Balls	Boiled Eggs	Bacon
Portobello	Teriyaki Tofu

STEP 3: Choose Your Cheeses (2)
Greek Feta	Baby Mozzarella	Parmesan cheese	Gorgonzola
Cheddar	Swiss	Blue Cheese
STEP 4: Choose Your Vegetables (6)
Dried Cranberries	Candied Walnut	Peanuts	Pecan
Crunchy Sesame Noodles	Raisins	Sliced Almonds	Sunflower Seeds
Tortilla strips	Roasted Cauliflower	Roasted Artichoke Hearts	Roasted Beets
Roasted Brussels sprouts	Roasted Corn	Roasted Peppers	Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes
Sautéed Ginger Bock Choy	Grilled Eggplant	Grilled Zucchini	Asparagus
Avocado	Bell Peppers	Broccoli	Cucumber
Diced Celery	Grape Tomatoes	Hearts of Palm	Sundried Tomatoes Tomatoes
Shredded Carrots	Balsamic Carrots	Jalapeños	Kalamata olives
Pasta	Quinoa	Red Onions	Roasted Sweet potato
Sliced Mushrooms	Sprout	String Beans	Stuffed grape leaves
Pineapple	Apples	Mandarin Oranges	Grapes
Black Beans	Chick Peas	Edamame	Green Peas
Kidney beans

Step 5: Dressing (3)
Rosemary Balsamic	Balsamic Vinaigrette	Pineapple Chipotle	Honey-Herb Dijon	Far East Mandarin
Cranberry Dijon	Lemon Basil vinaigrette	Lime-Chipotle Ranch	Pomegranate Vinaigrette	Shallot Vinaigrette
Honey Dijon	Caesar	Blue Cheese	Russian	Ranch
Red wine vinegar	Balsamic Vinegar	French	Olive Oil	Fresh lemon juice
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette	Tomato Basil Vinaigrette	Red Wine Vinaigrette	Asian Sesame Vinaigrette	Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
Raspberry Vinaigrette	Honey balsamic vinaigrette	Italian Vinaigrette	Sesame ginger Vinaigrette	Strawberry Poppy Vinaigrette

Complementary Scallions and Croutons

Create Your Own Salad Catering For Office Lunch

Are you tired of the same old lunch options at your corporate office? Look no further than Gotham’s create-your-own salad catering service. Our innovative approach to office catering allows your employees to build their own salads, ensuring that everyone’s dietary needs and preferences are met.

The importance of a healthy and satisfying lunch

At Gotham Catering, we understand the importance of a healthy and satisfying lunch break. That’s why we offer a diverse create your own salad menu, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Your employees can choose from a variety of leafy greens, colorful vegetables, lean proteins, and flavorful dressings to create salads that are as unique as they are.

Flexibility in catering services

One of the best things about our create your own salad catering is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re looking for a one-time event or a recurring office lunch solution, we’ve got you covered. We can work with you to create a salad menu that fits your company’s needs and budget.

Promoting a sense of community and creativity

Not only does our build your own salad catering promote healthy eating habits, but it also fosters a sense of community and creativity in the workplace. Imagine your employees bonding over their custom salad creations, sharing recipe ideas, and discovering new flavor combinations. It’s a fun and interactive way to break up the workday and boost morale.

Don’t settle for bland, uninspired office lunches any longer. Enjoy your meal with Gotham’s create your own salad catering. Your guests will thank you for the delicious, nutritious, and customizable lunch options, and your company will reap the benefits of a happier, healthier workforce. Contact us today to learn more about how we can revolutionize your office’s lunch experience.

Designed for Seamless Drop-Off and High-End Events

Our create-your-own salad offerings are versatile enough for both casual gatherings and formal occasions. For corporate clients, salad bars are often structured as part of a broader midday drop-off. Each item is labeled clearly, arranged to enhance visual flow, and delivered in containers designed for both function and presentation.

For events requiring more presence or complexity, our team is able to staff and style stations in line with the overall design scheme. From tablescapes and platters to color coordination and signage, salad bars become part of the visual narrative rather than an afterthought. This approach has made Gotham a preferred vendor for offices, agencies, and institutions looking to elevate their internal dining without sacrificing practicality.

Clients who choose our NYC corporate catering service often want to combine wellness, aesthetics, and culinary sophistication. We make it easy to achieve that balance with our build-your-own format—whether delivered as a standalone offering or paired with other menu elements.

Customization That Reflects Guest Needs

Salad customization shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why our planners offer curated suggestions based on the guest profile, dietary restrictions, and theme of the event. A financial firm’s lunch may prioritize lean proteins and high-energy grains, while a creative agency might want playful toppings and colorful vegetable varieties. We guide clients through thoughtful combinations, often beginning with selections from our corporate catering menu before tailoring the build-your-own station.

Each component—greens, grains, proteins, toppings, dressings—is prepared in separate trays or vessels, allowing guests to personalize without disrupting flow. This structure is ideal for wellness-focused events and supports dietary flexibility, from gluten-free to dairy-free to kosher-style preferences.

Flexible Formats for Different Event Sizes

Our salad catering program supports multiple presentation styles. For smaller office settings, we offer individually boxed salad kits, paired with house-baked bread and seasonal fruit. For larger gatherings, such as brand activations or conference catering, we set up buffet-style layouts where guests can build at their own pace.

Some events require quiet sophistication—where food must be accessible but never intrusive. In these cases, our room temperature menus are a popular choice, designed to hold beautifully without intervention. Salads maintain their structure and flavor over time, making them suitable for gallery spaces, rooftops, or loft venues without kitchen access.

Lunch-Focused Service That Travels Well

For midday events, our salad options integrate seamlessly with our lunch box catering service. These curated kits include a composed salad, side item, and dessert—all selected to complement each other and serve well in a casual or professional setting. Delivery is handled by our internal logistics team to ensure everything arrives at proper temperature and in correct order.

These drop-offs are not just efficient—they’re refined. Many clients find that even without a full-service setup, the quality of packaging, labeling, and ingredient prep meets the elevated expectations of their brand or workplace.

While our salad catering is designed to stand on its own, many clients appreciate adding other elements to round out their menus. We frequently pair these offerings with specialty breads and mains, like our heroes by the foot, which can be sliced to order or delivered pre-cut for easy service. These hearty additions help bridge the gap between light and filling, making them ideal for longer events or diverse guest lists. For formal occasions, salad stations often open the event, with heavier items brought in later. Our dinner buffet menus are easily coordinated with salad offerings to create an arc across the meal, from crisp and fresh to warm and satisfying.

Creative clients sometimes opt for salad stations that double as focal points. Using our themed dinner menus as inspiration, we’ve built stations styled after Mediterranean mezze bars, rustic Italian farm tables, and modern vegan concepts. These are more than meals—they’re conversation pieces that support the event’s atmosphere.

Creative Pairings That Elevate the Experience

Guests rarely expect a salad to be the most memorable part of a meal. That’s why we design each component not in isolation, but as part of a larger flavor story. When clients want a more robust offering, our team recommends incorporating salads alongside curated specialty pairings. One frequently requested option is our sandwich and side salad menu, which balances fresh greens with gourmet handhelds—ideal for group lunches, media previews, and team-building sessions.

For multi-course events or longer timelines, salad-first service transitions naturally into heartier courses. Our planners work closely with you to design a progression, starting with light and seasonal, building toward warmth, texture, and richness. The goal is never just to serve—it’s to guide the dining experience in a way that feels considered and complete.

Dietary Considerations Without Compromise

Accommodating a range of dietary needs is not just a courtesy—it’s a core aspect of modern hospitality. We routinely design salad stations that are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or kosher-style, without relying on last-minute substitutions. Instead, these restrictions are folded into the planning process early, allowing for thoughtful combinations and flavorful results.

Our catering policies outline clear expectations around allergen handling, cross-contamination procedures, and labeling. Whether you’re hosting a large-scale corporate event or a boutique private dinner, these standards ensure peace of mind for all your guests—without sacrificing flavor or aesthetic integrity. Gotham’s dessert team offers refined sweet options that pair naturally with salad-based menus. Many clients request light closures such as citrus tarts, dairy-free chocolate bites, or fruit-forward miniatures. These are part of our broader dessert catering menu, designed to complement rather than overwhelm, particularly for daytime or wellness-oriented events.

Global Influence with Local Sourcing

For those seeking something bold and colorful, Gotham builds themed salad experiences with global culinary influence. A prime example is our Mexican fajita bar catering, which integrates vibrant produce, charred proteins, and smoky vinaigrettes into customizable bowl formats. These concepts are not off-the-shelf—they’re rooted in authenticity, built with fresh local ingredients, and styled to fit the aesthetic of your event.

In fall and winter, salads often serve as a refreshing contrast to warm, slow-cooked dishes. We often receive requests to pair seasonal greens with offerings from our catering soup menu. These include puréed root vegetables, spiced lentil broths, or clear consommés served in small vessels—ideal for a welcome course or as part of a standing reception. Each pairing is designed for both flavor balance and logistical ease.

Boxed and Buffet Options for Flexibility

Some events demand individual packaging; others benefit from self-serve flexibility. For those seeking the former, our lunch packages provide neatly boxed combinations that include salad, an artisanal sandwich, and a sweet bite. This format is especially popular in legal and finance sectors, where clients prioritize order, clarity, and timing.

Alternatively, buffet-style salad bars can be scaled to serve 30 to 300 guests with minimal friction. For longer service windows or hybrid events, we often recommend pairing salad bars with our hot Italian pasta dishes, offering the best of both texture and temperature across the menu. One of the advantages of a build-your-own salad format is its adaptability to spaces without kitchen access. Our room temperature menus are designed to hold flavor and texture throughout your event timeline. Salads are dressed just prior to delivery—or provided deconstructed for on-site finishing—preserving crispness and presentation throughout service.

Visual Storytelling Through Theme and Color

Our planners often develop salad presentations to align with your brand or event theme. Using examples drawn from our themed lunch menus, we’ve built harvest-inspired bowls for autumn weddings, green-and-gold displays for fashion launches, and all-pink menus for beauty brand previews. These touches go beyond food—they become part of your guest experience and photographic narrative.

Lunch events are often fast-paced and tightly scheduled. Our lunch buffet format helps streamline service, letting guests self-serve without delays. Stations are arranged to prioritize traffic flow, while signage and garnish styling ensure that each guest understands what’s being served—and how best to build their plate. Salad bars often act as the first stop, followed by sandwiches or hot sides for those who want more variety.

Polished Drop-Offs for Minimal-Staff Events

When staffing isn’t required, Gotham’s salad drop-offs maintain the same standards in packaging and layout. Our sandwich catering options are often delivered together with salads, creating a seamless, visually appealing setup without requiring on-site support. Clear signage, disposable tongs, and organized plating guides help ensure presentation aligns with your event’s style—even if it’s behind the scenes.

For large-scale or high-profile events, we often begin with a guided lunch tasting. Clients preview several salads, proteins, and dressing combinations while we walk through logistics, staffing, and presentation strategies. These sessions are especially helpful when building multi-component stations or tailoring menus to complex dietary needs.

Drop-Off Platters with Impact

When presentation matters but simplicity is key, our drop-off platters are a popular option. These are ideal for events in galleries, offices, and showrooms, where a clean, structured layout communicates attention to detail. Our team ensures each platter arrives beautifully styled, with garnish and spacing designed to look effortless while maintaining quality.

Not every event needs a traditional salad. Our grain bowl menu offers a warmer, more substantial option that still embraces the same principles of customization and balance. Grains such as farro or freekeh form the base, topped with seasonal vegetables, curated proteins, and signature dressings. These bowls are ideal for clients seeking something hearty, healthy, and high-end—all in a single vessel. Gotham Catering and Events takes pride in offering more than just food—we provide composed, intentional culinary experiences that reflect your goals, values, and aesthetic. With salad catering, we see an opportunity to transform something simple into something exceptional—through detail, design, and New York sensibility.\