If you’re like many Americans, you’re looking for more ways to incorporate nutritious choices into your meal plan. No longer are you forced to compromise while dining out. Many of today’s restaurants offer nourishing, responsibly sourced foods that will fit well with your lifestyle. Skip the drive-through and treat your family to wholesome meals at these eight healthy eateries in McKinney, Texas.

Harvest

Harvest, located at 112 E. Louisiana St., has a mission to connect health-conscious diners with locally grown food. This farm-to-table experience is brought to you by the owner, executive chef, and master gardener, Andrea Shackelford.

The menu focuses on using only the freshest local ingredients, so it changes with the seasons. Try the Creole pan-seared shrimp with Carolina Gold dirty rice, organically grown spinach and celery, and a baguette. For something light, try the baby mixed greens salad, which has pickled celery, savory granola, goat feta, and green goddess dressing.

Local Yocal BBQ and Grill

A plate full of delicious looking food including quinoa and a grilled pork chop.

Image via Flickr by sarahstierch

Local Yocal BBQ and Grill is one terrific, laid-back locale in downtown McKinney. It’s the place to go for tender Wagyu steaks and filling Texas-style barbecue. The chefs here serve up the finest cuts of meat, responsibly sourced through their butcher shop. Of course, all meat is always free of antibiotics, hormones, and steroids.

Hearty, healthy dishes at this joint include wood-grilled pork chops with a sweet and spicy Carolina barbecue glaze. It comes with ancient grain risotto and grilled asparagus. Order the Hydromaine Caesar, which is a flavorful salad with smoked Grana Padano cheese and a drizzle of creamy lemon dressing. Local Yocal’s menu changes seasonally, so make sure to visit every once in a while to see what’s new.

Patina Green Home and Market

If you want another choice for an authentic farm-to-table experience, Patina Green offers minimally processed meals made by Chef Robert Lyford. Located at 116 N. Tennessee St., its cafe and market stocks real foods that are handcrafted, locally sourced, and seasonally inspired.

The farm egg salad sandwich is a must-try, with pickled red onions, farm-fresh lettuce, and dijonaise between two slices of tasty molasses wheat bread. Have a serving of roasted vegetables or the tomato and cucumber salad on the side. For those with food sensitivities, gluten-free bread is available upon request. Place your order online for pickup, or stop by for lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Original ChopShop

The Original ChopShop is a healthy neighborhood eatery at 3041 S. Custer Road. It offers hungry patrons all three squares. The simple menu includes a variety of protein bowls, salads, sandwiches, superfruit bowls, and breakfast items.

If you love turkey, you’re going to love the Moroccan sandwich, with thick slices of turkey breast, avocado, roasted red pepper, yummy greens, and red wine vinaigrette all on multigrain bread. The Danish salad features a bowl loaded with house greens, Danish bleu cheese, smoked almonds, pears, apples, and sweet dates. Its website lists the nutrition information for all of the menu items, so you’ll know exactly how your meal fits into your day.

Little Greek Fresh Grill

When you’re looking for a restaurant that provides fresh food, a welcoming environment, and affordable prices, head to Little Greek Fresh Grill at 2058 W. University Dr. The mission of this grill is to wow its guests with the best Greek-inspired fare in the state.

Start your meal with dolmades, a classic Mediterranean dish consisting of three tender grape leaves stuffed with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and a lemon sauce for dipping. The Olympian Pita is stuffed full of both chicken and gyro meat, veggies, and tzatziki sauce. Got the kids in tow? They’ll love the kid’s gyro platter, pint-sized just for them, with lamb, rice, greens, and a pita.

Salata

Salata goes the extra mile with its incredible build-your-own salad concept. It’s your life and your recipe here. Keep it light or load your bowl with toppings. Whatever you do, don’t let anyone tell you how to make your perfect salad.

This is your kitchen away from home, with over 50 fresh toppings and a dozen signature dressings. You’ll start with a base mix of greens, then choose from a variety of toppings, such as jicama, snow peas, feta, apples, chicken, and croutons. Some of the dressings include ginger lime, fresh herb vinegarette, and jalapeno avocado. The website’s nutrition builder can help you create a meal that works for your goals.

Hugs Cafe

The mission of Hugs Cafe at 224 E. Virginia St. is to enhance the lives of adults with special needs through training and employment. Open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hugs takes orders and reservations online, so you don’t have to wait for a tasty meal.

Stop by on Taco Kit Thursdays for a filling meal for up to four for just $35. It includes eight soft shredded chicken tacos with all of the fixings. If you’re dining in, try the Chickie Hug. It’s a delicious, housemade chicken salad piled high with fresh veggies on your choice of bread, such as old-fashioned wheat or the marble rye.

Nature’s Plate

Nature’s Plate understands that you want to fill your family’s tummies with foods that are both craveable and nutritious. That’s why this eatery serves plant-based ready-made meals to go. Each calorie-portioned meal is available a la carte or as part of a weekly subscription, making it easy to eat healthy meals without the hassle of preparing food for the whole family.

Stop by the bakery for goodies made from whole grains, low-glycemic sweeteners, and zero added oils. The cookies and brownies are so yummy, you won’t miss the bad stuff. Grab and go with contactless curbside delivery, or stock your fridge with healthy options that are easy to assemble, keeping your clean eating plan on track.