Chapter 19 Salads and Dressings 301
greens, to wilt. For this reason, salads served
at banquets are typically presented with the
dressing on the side.
Composed
When salad ingredients are assembled in
a particular arrangement, the finished salad
is called a composed salad. Also known
as plated salads, they are often made up of
more than simply greens. These salads are
popular as main courses, especially at lunch.
Whatever the ingredients, composed salads
usually include the following four parts:
•
Base. Usually lettuce leaves or a bed of
cut greens is used as the backdrop for the
other ingredients.
•
Body. The main ingredient of the salad
might be greens, a marinated or bound
salad, meat, fish, or poultry.
Salad for Dessert
American diners are accustomed to eating
their salad as an appetizer course, which is
served before the main course of a meal.
However, in Europe, it is typical to serve the
salad after the main course. Historically, salad
has played the role of aiding digestion and,
therefore is served after the main course but
before dessert.
Culture & Culture &
Cuisine Cuisine
•
Dressing. Any dressing that is compatible
with the other ingredients may be used
to add moisture and flavor to the salad.
•
Garnish. Many different elements can
be used to add color and texture to the
finished presentation.