sweetgreen makes it easy to get your vegetables, even when you're on the go. In fact, that has been the core mission of this fast-casual chain since it first opened its doors in 2007 as a healthy alternative to fast-food.

Today the San Mateo location brings greens, fruits, and veggies to hundreds of people each day. The menu includes a number of signature salads, but the true fun at sweetgreen is the ability to customize your own salad-based meal. Here's how it works: first, you decide whether you want a leafy base (mesclun, kale, arugula, or spinach) or a grain base (warm quinoa). Next, you choose your veggies and finish up with your dressing. How about a shredded kale salad with roasted sweet potatoes, hot chickpeas, toasted almonds, and tangy goat cheese, topped with miso sesame vinaigrette? Or maybe you'd prefer a bowl of warm quinoa with carrots, roasted squash, and grilled portobello mushrooms in a curry yogurt dressing? Either way, sweetgreen has you covered.

Public Domain/Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash