Watch CBS News

WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Salad: Crossroads Deli

MINNETONKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- Now that it's beach season, maybe you're trying to eat healthier.

So Matt Brickman sought out the best salad in Minnesota, and WCCO viewers sent him to Crossroads Deli in Minnetonka, famous for their strawberry chicken salad.

"I can't tell you how many times a week they say 'Scott, this is just the best salad. You stop making this, we stop coming in,'" head chef Scott Hill said.

That might sound a little harsh, until you realize just how popular this salad is.

"It's probably one of our top four selling items -- and in the summertime it's a lot closer to No. 1," Hill said.

That means they'll go through 200 to 300 a week.

And it's been that way for close to two decades, ever since co-owner Hill developed the recipe.

"Before we were Crossroads, we were into the place putting together a menu. I just put it on as a whim and it started bringing people in," Hill said.

It's still bringing people in, as a certain table of eight comes to Crossroads Deli every year on vacation.

Six of them ordered the salad.

"It's just a nice combination with the lettuce, the strawberries, the chicken, the cheese and the walnuts," Nancy said.

Sounds simple, but there's a secret that sets it apart -- and the dressing recipe isn't one that Hill is all that eager to share.

"I've been doing it for 40 years and people ask me, isn't it time to retire, isn't it time to go on to something else?" Hill said. "I enjoy seeing the reactions when people enjoy the food that we offer them."

The full salad, which is huge, runs about $13.

Next week, what's your favorite summer cocktail.

Tweet Matt Brickman @Matt_Brickman or email him.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.