In formal settings, there is often a salad course that comes either before the entrée (American style) or after the main dish (European style). The salad course in a formal meal usually consists of a basic salad, such as a green salad, wedge salad, or Caesar salad, that includes a combination of lettuce, vegetables, croutons, dressing, and possibly meat or cheese. When a server brings you your salad, do not move away or to the side when the plate is placed in front of you. [1] X Research source
Never add salt or pepper to your own salad (or any course) until you’ve tasted it first.
When your salad is served, use the fork and knife at the outermost edge of your place setting. They will be taken away after the salad course, and then you will move on to the next set of cutlery.
When using just your fork, you can turn it on its side and use the side of the fork to cut a piece of lettuce or vegetable into a smaller piece before eating it. [2] X Research source
To cut a bite, hold your knife in your right hand and your fork in your left hand. Hold your bite in place with the fork and cut the bite with your knife. Place your knife down on your plate, and transfer the fork to your right hand to take your bite. When you are ready for another bite, transfer the fork back to your other hand, pick up your knife, and repeat the process.
To indicate that you have left the table momentarily and will return to your meal, place your napkin on your chair. To say that you are finished and won’t be returning to your meal, place the napkin on the table to the left of your plate. This is true for both American and European dining.
Place the tines facing down if you are taking a break. Position the tines face up if you are finished. When you have finished your course, be sure to place the knife and fork on your plate, even if you didn’t used the knife designated for that course. [5] X Research source
Use your fork to anchor your bite in place and cut it with your knife. Use your knife to gently push other pieces of salad onto your fork, such as a piece of vegetable or cheese, before taking your bite. If it’s available, use something like a crouton or bean at the end of the fork to anchor the food to the fork. [7] X Research source When you take your bite, rest the wrist of your right hand on the edge of the table. Place your left hand in the same position after you take your bite, and leave your hands in that position until you have finished chewing and are ready to cut your next bite.
One way to eat a taco salad is to crush up the corn chips or tortilla bowl and mix the pieces in with the salad, then eat the salad with a fork. You can also use the tortilla chips to scoop up bites of salad, and use the tortilla bites like an edible spoon.
Take two pieces of bread and either leave them plain or toast them according to your taste. Spread a thick layer of tuna, egg, or chicken salad on one piece of bread, and place the second piece of bread on top of the salad. Garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles if you like. Instead of sandwiches, these salads can also be served spread on crackers. Use a knife to spread small amounts of salad onto individual crackers.
Potato salad is made with boiled potatoes that are cut into bite-sized pieces. It is usually mixed with mayonnaise or another cream sauce, and combined with ingredients such as onions or chives, eggs, bacon, and spices. Pasta salad uses boiled pasta, such as bowties or penne noodles, that are mixed with oil, spices, vegetables, and greens.
