Healthy fast food in Cleveland - The Stone Oven

So my husband and I just returned from eating our way through NYC. While I tend to adhere to the 90/10 rule (eat healthy, nutritional and wholesome foods 90% of the time and indulge for the remaining 10%), we tend to abandon said rules while traveling. We figure that since we workout at least five days a week and make a conscious effort to eat healthy food on a daily basis, we deserve to relax a bit on our vacation. After all, it's all about balance -- right?

Well after sampling nearly 13 cupcakes and taking our own private NYC pizza tour, my body was ready for some healthy fixin's once I returned home to Cleveland.

Our cupboards were bare, but I didn't want to take a lot of time grabbing dinner (we still had a lot of unpacking to do!). I turned to one of my favorite healthy 'fast food' joints, The Stone Oven.

So what so special about this salad at The Stone Oven, you ask?

Let me be perfectly clear - they have the best salad ever. Or at least in the Cleveland area. Oh yeah, that’s right, it’s $7.

Yes, there are other amazing salads out there, but this is at least in my top five, and it’s most definitely the quickest and cheapest option.

The Stone Oven was started in 1993.

“The Owner had a craving for the luscious, crusty breads of her European homeland and could not find them in her new home in Cleveland, Ohio. She began making her own bread and before long found herself working at all hours of the night to shape loaves for friends and family. What started as a passionate hobby later turned into a business, providing many Clevelanders their first experience of hearth-baked European bread.” – from the Stone Oven's website.

Today, the stores continue to serve European breads and pastries, along with a full menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

There are three locations in the Cleveland area and I am lucky enough to have one of them five minutes away from my house.

My favorite and 'go-to' salad on the menu is the Roasted Chicken Romaine. It contains: Homemade croutons (so good!), sun-dried tomatoes (my favorite mix-in!), roasted red peppers, romaine lettuce, feta cheese (not included in salad, I ask them to add it -- you should too!), chicken and house-made dressing (Extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper) — I wish I knew the exact proportions, because it’s one of the best I’ve tasted!

I’m not kidding when I say that I get CRAVINGS for this salad. It is that good. I’m sure it’s super easy to create at home, but where’s the fun in that?! Plus, The Stone Oven gives a complimentary side of bread (your choice) with any salad.

All Stone Oven breads are baked fresh daily in a stone-lined oven and are made with only natural ingredients - no artificial ingredients or preservatives. I went with the whole wheat walnut raisin. So chewy and delicious. I dipped it in my dressing to sop up olive-oil goodness ;) 

The Stone Oven has a great ambiance, very laid back and modern, with a touch of at-home country-style  comfort.

The Stone Oven has locations at The Galleria in Downtown Cleveland; ETON Collection on Chagrin Boulevard; and on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.

What is your favorite healthy 'fast food' restaurant? How do you get back on track eating-wise after traveling? Do you tend to indulge in the local fare when traveling or do you stick to your diet? Comment below!