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# State-Specific Salad Combinations
Chopt's New Destination Salads are Inspired by New Mexico

By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-11-09 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/destination-salads
References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/chopt-unveils-new-mexico-inspired-menu) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/choptsalad/photos/pcb.10155126735136490/10155126724766490/?type=3&theater)

The [fast-casual salad chain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-salad-market-plates) Chopt recently introduced a new lineup of Destination Salads that allows customers to sample a taste of New Mexico. With a growing demand for [regionally inspired dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-the-greek-salads), the new salads offer delicious take on Southwestern cuisine.

The New Mexico-inspired dishes are part of Chopt's ongoing Destination Salads series. In keeping with the chain's commitment to offering [fresh, regional flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/entree-salads), the new salads include artistinal ingredients such as FreeBird Farms chicken, Hot Bread Kitchen croutons and Coach Farms goat cheese. All of the unique flavor combinations were developed as part of Chopt's travel to "The Land of Enchantment," which gave the chain an opportunity to explore the rich traditions and heritage behind New Mexican cuisine. As Chopt co-founder Tony Shure explains, "Food is about so much more than what’s on your plate; it’s about the traditions of a place and its people."

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.8/10
- Popularity: 30% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Regionally Inspired Dishes:** Chopt's New Destination Salads tap into the growing demand for regionally inspired dishes.
- **Artisanal Ingredients:** Chopt's New Mexico-inspired salads showcase artisanal ingredients like FreeBird Farms chicken and Coach Farms goat cheese.
- **Culinary Travel Experiences:** Chopt's Destination Salads series allows customers to experience the flavors and traditions of different regions.

### Where This Applies

- **Fast-casual Dining:** The fast-casual dining industry can offer regionally inspired dishes and culinary travel experiences to attract customers.
- **Specialty Food Suppliers:** Specialty food suppliers can provide artisanal ingredients for restaurants and chains looking to create unique regional dishes.
- **Food Tourism:** Food tourism industry can promote culinary travel experiences and showcase regional cuisines to travelers.

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