Affordable Healthy Eats in Houston
Craving tasty, healthy food in Houston that won’t break the bank? Houston’s food scene is as diverse as it gets. With rising costs (Local Foods’ $24 sandwich oops!), these picks keep meals under $15–$20 per person with fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains. Whether you’re dodging Chipotle burnout or embracing a Mediterranean diet, these spots deliver flavor and value.
With a focus on Southwest Houston (and options across the city), these 10 eateries offer fresh ingredients, plant-based choices, and budget-friendly prices, ideal for health-conscious foodies.
1. Salad and Go (Multiple Locations, Southwest Houston)
Location: 13934 S Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77045 (Southwest Houston, 20 min from downtown via I-69 S). Other locations citywide.
Why Healthy: Fast-casual chain with customizable salads, wraps, and bowls using fresh veggies and lean proteins. Low-calorie options and vegan dressings available.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño Ranch Salad ($8.95): Mixed greens, grilled chicken, avocado, and jalapeño ranch (300–400 cal).
Buffalo Chicken Wrap ($8.95): Whole-wheat wrap with romaine, grilled chicken, and buffalo sauce (450 cal).
Health Perks: High-fiber veggies and protein-packed options support weight management. Gluten-free and vegan choices.
Tips: Order via app for $1 off. Southwest Houston location is ideal for quick lunches.
Website: www.saladandgo.com
2. Phoenicia Specialty Foods (Downtown)
Location: 1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010 (Downtown, 30 min from Southwest Houston via I-69 N).
Why Healthy: Mediterranean market with a deli offering wraps, salads, and hummus. Fresh, low-calorie ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap ($8.99): Grilled chicken, lettuce, and tahini in a whole-wheat wrap (350 cal).
Tabbouleh Salad ($6.99): Parsley, bulgur, and lemon dressing (200 cal).
Health Perks: Mediterranean diet staples (olive oil, whole grains) support heart health.
Tips: Grab bulk quinoa or lentils from the market for home cooking.
Website: www.phoeniciafoods.com.
3. Arpi’s Phoenician Deli (Downtown)
Location: 12151 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077 (West Houston, 15 min from Southwest Houston via I-10 W).
Why Healthy: Mediterranean deli with fresh wraps and salads, emphasizing lean meats and veggies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Wrap ($7.99): Falafel, lettuce, and tahini in a pita (300 cal).
Greek Salad ($8.49): Cucumber, feta, and olive oil dressing (250 cal).
Price Range: $7–$10 per meal.
Health Perks: Plant-based falafel and low-calorie dressings aid weight control.
Tips: Closer to Southwest Houston than Phoenicia’s downtown spot. Order online for speed.
Website: www.arpisdeli.com.
4. Cava
Location: Multiple LocationsWhy Healthy: Mediterranean fast-casual with customizable bowls and pitas. Fresh veggies and plant-based proteins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl ($11.95): Brown rice, grilled chicken, avocado, and harissa (400–500 cal).
Lentil Pita ($9.95): Lentils, cucumber, and tzatziki in a pita (350 cal).
Health Perks: High-fiber lentils and olive oil-based sauces boost heart health.
Tips: Customize online to skip high-sodium sauces. Memorial location is convenient.
Website: www.cava.com.
5. Sweetgreen (River Oaks)
Location: 2550 CityWest Blvd, Houston, TX 77042 (Westchase, 10 min from Southwest Houston via Westpark Tollway).
Why Healthy: Salad chain with organic greens, whole grains, and sustainable proteins. Low-calorie and vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harvest Bowl ($11.95): Kale, roasted sweet potato, chicken, and balsamic vinaigrette (400 cal).
Miso Glazed Veggie Bowl ($10.95): Quinoa, tofu, and miso dressing (350 cal).
Price Range: $10–$14 per meal.
Health Perks: Organic ingredients and high-fiber grains support digestion.
Tips: Use app for rewards. Westchase location is close to Southwest Houston.
Website: www.sweetgreen.com.
6. Flower Child (Uptown)
Location: 1533 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008 (Heights, 25 min from Southwest Houston via I-10 E).
Why Healthy: Farm-fresh bowls, wraps, and salads with gluten-free and vegan options. Minimal processed ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mother Earth Bowl ($12.95): Ancient grains, grilled chicken, and turmeric tahini (400 cal).
Avocado Hummus Wrap ($9.95): Whole-wheat wrap, avocado, and veggies (350 cal).
Health Perks: Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric support wellness.
Tips: Order online to beat lunch rush. Heights location is vibrant.
Website: www.iamaflowerchild.com.
7. Adair Kitchen (West University)
Location: 5161 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 (West University, 15 min from Southwest Houston via US-59 N).
Why Healthy: Local spot with salads, grain bowls, and lean entrees. Fresh, minimally processed ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Chicken Salad ($11.95): Mixed greens, chicken, and lemon vinaigrette (350 cal).
Quinoa Veggie Bowl ($10.95): Quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini (300 cal).
Health Perks: Low-calorie, high-protein options aid muscle maintenance.
Tips: Breakfast bowls ($8) are a budget-friendly gem.
Website: www.adairkitchen.com.
8. Govinda’s Vegetarian (Garden Oaks)
Location: 1320 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018 (Garden Oaks, 30 min from Southwest Houston via I-610 N).
Why Healthy: Vegetarian Indian buffet with organic veggies and whole grains. Low-fat, plant-based dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetable Curry Plate ($9.95): Seasonal veggies, lentils, and brown rice (350 cal).
Spinach Dal ($8.95): Spinach, lentils, and spices with roti (300 cal).
Health Perks: High-fiber, low-cholesterol dishes support heart health.
Tips: Buffet is all-you-can-eat; stick to small portions for value.
Website: www.govindashou.com.
Houston’s affordable healthy eats blend the best of fresh flavors and diverse cuisines. This list is also backed by yelp, google, and reddit reviews to make sure we get everything covered just for you. Reddit users love Salad and Go’s value but warned Local Foods’ prices are climbing. Savor Houston’s Healthy Eats and let us know what you love or trying next!