# salad

/ˈsæɫəd/ (US) · /sˈæləd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/salad
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a cold dish

noun · CEFR A1

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

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

- I usually have a fresh green salad with my dinner to stay healthy.
- The chef prepared a vibrant seasonal salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a light balsamic reduction.

### 2. a mixture of foods

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- We brought a large bowl of potato salad to the summer barbecue.
- The buffet offered a diverse selection of sides, including a spicy pasta salad and a refreshing fruit medley.

### 3. lettuce or greens

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

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

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

- I need to buy some more salad for the sandwiches.
- 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. a varied mixture

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a mix of many different things.

For teachers: a metaphorical mixture or jumble of diverse elements.

- The book was a strange salad of historical facts and ghost stories.
- His speech was a confusing word salad of technical jargon and political slogans that left the audience bewildered.

## Examples

- I usually have a fresh green salad for lunch.
- The waiter brought a large bowl of potato salad to the table for everyone to share during the barbecue.
- While traditionally served as a side dish, a hearty salad containing quinoa and roasted vegetables can function as a nutritionally balanced main course.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.