food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens
"The chef tossed fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a creamy vinaigrette to create a vibrant salad."
A food made primarily of a mixture of raw or cold ingredients, typically vegetables, usually served with a dressing such as vinegar or mayonnaise.
"For lunch, we enjoyed a fresh salad consisting of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with creamy mayonnaise."
In plain English: A salad is a dish made by mixing together fresh vegetables, fruits, and sometimes other ingredients with dressing.
"We ordered a fresh garden salad to go with our lunch."
Usage: While the term often implies fresh greens and vegetables, it can also include cooked items like pasta salad or fruit salads when mixed together. Use "salad" to describe any dish where these combined ingredients are eaten cold rather than hot.
The word "salad" comes from the Latin root for salt and originally referred to vegetables dressed in a salty mixture of vinegar or oil that was popular among Romans. It traveled into English through Old French, where it described this same seasoned dish rather than just raw greens.