Side Salad
A side salad is a light, fresh dish typically served alongside a main course to complement its flavors. It commonly features a base of crisp lettuce or mixed greens, tossed with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions, often dressed with vinaigrette or creamy dressing. While its exact origins are tied to European and American culinary traditions, it has become a universal staple in dining worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Generally low in carbs and fat (depending on dressing), a side salad is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and various minerals, with a typical serving ranging from 50 to 150 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 20 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 3.5 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Vitamin A | 160 µg |
| Vitamin K | 90 µg |
| Vitamin C | 9 mg |
| Folate | 55 µg |
| Potassium | 220 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
Per 1 cup (100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the side salad serves as a palate cleanser and a symbol of balanced eating, while nutritionally, its raw ingredients preserve heat-sensitive nutrients that cooking might otherwise diminish.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms