Salad Etiquette and Decorum

Before you dig into a beautifully dressed salad, there are a few things you should know.

Salad Etiquette Questions

Which fork do I use?  Is it proper to cut your salad? Which dining style is best for eating salad?

The Salad Fork

Start by using the utensils placed farthest from the plate and work inward with each course. The salad fork will be set to the far left of your plate. When salad is served, it will be served from the right and removed from the left. Your role is to remain still and not lean-to the side.

Cutting a Salad

Ideally, salad should be prepared so that it does not need to be cut.  When a salad is served with large chunks, the salad can be cut with a knife. When pieces are too big to politely chew, by all means cut up salad leaves. Only cut several bites at a time. You can use either dining style, American or Continental.

Salad Before or After the Meal?

Depending on where you live, salad is served either at the beginning of the meal or the end. Normally in the United States, the salad will come between the appetizer and before the main course. Some research shows this may reduce your caloric intake.

It is common in France for the salad to be served after the entrée and before dessert. Traditionally, a salad is served plain with vinaigrette. Some say this aides with digestion.

In Italy, Italians serve the salad course alongside the entrée or after. An Italian salad is often topped with olive oil and vinegar. One reason for serving salad following the main course, is to prepare the palate for wine. By refreshing the taste buds, white wine will taste sweeter and red wine stronger.

Buon Appetito