English Reference
noun

salad

n.
US /ˈsæɫəd/ UK /sˈæləd/ sal·ad UK spelling salad's, salad's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Cooking

    a dish made of cold or raw vegetables, often served with a dressing like oil or vinegar.

    a cold culinary preparation typically comprising raw vegetables, often dressed with a vinaigrette or creamy sauce.

    Simple

    I usually have a fresh green salad with my dinner to stay healthy.

    In context

    The chef prepared a vibrant seasonal salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a light balsamic reduction.

    greensslaw
  2. 02 A2 Elementary Cooking

    a mixture of different cold foods, such as fruit, pasta, or potatoes.

    a composite dish of chopped or small ingredients, not limited to vegetables, served cold or at room temperature.

    Simple

    We brought a large bowl of potato salad to the summer barbecue.

    In context

    The buffet offered a diverse selection of sides, including a spicy pasta salad and a refreshing fruit medley.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate British English

    the raw vegetables, especially lettuce, used to make a salad.

    the specific raw leafy vegetables, particularly lettuce, intended for use in a salad preparation.

    Simple

    I need to buy some more salad for the sandwiches.

    In context

    The gardener harvested several varieties of salad, including rocket and butterhead lettuce, for the evening meal.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the vegetable category.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Literary

    a mix of many different things.

    a metaphorical mixture or jumble of diverse elements.

    Simple

    The book was a strange salad of historical facts and ghost stories.

    In context

    His speech was a confusing word salad of technical jargon and political slogans that left the audience bewildered.

    jumblemishmashblend

PIE word *séh₂ls From Middle English salade, from Old French salade, borrowed from Northern Italian salada, salata (compare insalata), from Vulgar Latin salāta, from salāre, from Latin saliō, from sal (“salt”). Vegetables were seasoned with brine or salty oil-and-vinegar dressings during Roman times.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin saliō
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated