SALADS
UNIT CODE: HOS/CU/FP/CR/06/6/A
Relationship to Occupational Standards
This unit addresses the unit of competency: Prepare salads
Duration of Unit: 80 hours
Unit Description
This unit specifies the competencies required to plan, prepare and present salads. It requires
the ability to select, prepare and cook (where necessary) ingredients, and use relevant
equipment.
Summary of Learning Outcomes
1. Preparing simple salads
2. Preparing compound salads
3. Preparing own creation salads
4. Preparing speciality salads
5. Preparing salad dressings
Learning Outcomes, Content and Methods of Assessment
Learning Outcome Content Methods of Assessment
1. Preparing simple • Define salads • Observation
salads • Uses of salads • Written
• Ingredients for simple salads • Oral
• Selecting equipment for salads • Assignments
preparation • Supervised exercises
• Vegetable cuts
Learning Outcome Content Methods of Assessment
• Portioning salads
• Presenting salads
2. Preparing compound • Ingredients for compound • Observation
salads salads • Written
• Preparing various types of • Oral
compound salads • Assignments
• Supervised exercises
3. Preparing own • Importance of own creation • Observation
creation salads salads • Written
• Ingredients for own creation • Oral
salads • Assignments
• Preparing various types of own • Supervised exercises
creation salads
4. Preparing speciality • Define speciality salads • Observation
salads • Preparing various types of • Oral
speciality salads • Assignments
• Cooked salads • Supervised exercises
5. Preparing salad • Define salad dressing • Observation
dressings • Types of salad dressings • Oral
• Use of salad dressing • Assignments
• Ingredients for salad dressing • Supervised exercises
• Prepare various salad
dressings e.g. French dressing
• Presentation
Suggested Methods of Instruction
• Instructor led facilitation of theory
• Demonstration by trainer
• Practice by trainee
• Group discussions
Recommended Resources
• Classroom/individual stove kitchen/production kitchen
• A variety of ingredients
• Projector
• White board
• Laptop
Preparing simple salads
Definition of Salads
Salads are a combination of fresh or cooked vegetables, fruits, or other ingredients, typically
served cold and dressed with a sauce or vinaigrette. They can be simple or elaborate,
depending on the ingredients and preparation.
Uses of Salads
Salads serve various purposes:
• Main Course: Salads can be a complete meal, especially when combined with
protein sources like grilled chicken, fish, or beans.
• Side Dish: Salads often accompany main dishes, adding freshness, color, and
nutrients.
• Appetizer: Small, bite-sized salads can be served as appetizers to whet the appetite.
• Snack: Salads make healthy and satisfying snacks.
Ingredients for Simple Salads
Here are some common ingredients for simple salads:
• Greens: Lettuce (romaine, iceberg, spinach), kale, arugula, or mixed greens
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, onions, radishes
• Fruits: Apples, berries, citrus fruits
• Proteins: Grilled chicken, fish, tofu, beans
• Toppings: Croutons, nuts, seeds, cheese
• Dressings: Vinaigrette (oil and vinegar), ranch, Caesar, Italian
Selecting Equipment for Salad Preparation
To prepare salads effectively, you'll need the following equipment:
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board for chopping vegetables and fruits
• Knives: A chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife for slicing and dicing
• Salad bowl: A large bowl for mixing salad ingredients
• Serving bowl: A bowl or platter for serving the salad
• Salad tongs: Tongs for tossing and serving the salad
• Dressing bottle or shaker: A container for storing and applying dressings
Vegetable Cuts
Knowing basic vegetable cuts will enhance the presentation and texture of your salads. Here
are some common cuts:
• Chop: Roughly cut into pieces
• Dice: Cut into small cubes
• Slice: Cut into thin, flat pieces
• Shred: Cut into long, thin strips
• Julienne: Cut into long, thin strips (matchstick size)
Portioning Salads
The portion size of a salad depends on whether it's a main course or a side dish. For a main
course, a generous portion is typically around 2 to 3 cups. For a side dish, a smaller portion of
1 to 1.5 cups is sufficient.
Presenting Salads
A well-presented salad can be visually appealing and appetizing. Consider the following tips:
• Color: Aim for a variety of colors to make the salad more attractive.
• Texture: Combine different textures (e.g., crunchy, soft, creamy) for added interest.
• Arrangement: Arrange the ingredients neatly and attractively.
• Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
Preparing compound salads
Ingredients for Compound Salads
A compound salad is a salad made with a combination of different ingredients, often
including a base of greens, a protein source, and a variety of vegetables and dressings. Here
are some common ingredients:
• Greens: Lettuce (romaine, iceberg, spinach), kale, arugula, mixed greens
• Proteins: Grilled chicken, roasted beef, cooked shrimp, tofu, hard-boiled eggs
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, carrots, corn, olives
• Fruits: Apples, pears, berries, citrus fruits
• Dressings: Vinaigrette, ranch, Caesar, Italian, balsamic glaze
• Toppings: Croutons, nuts, seeds, cheese, avocado
Preparing Various Types of Compound Salads
Here are a few popular compound salads:
• Cobb Salad: A classic combination of mixed greens, grilled chicken, hard-boiled
eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing.
• Greek Salad: A refreshing salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red
onion, feta cheese, olives, and a Greek vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: A hearty salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a
creamy Caesar dressing.
• Asian Chicken Salad: A flavorful salad with mixed greens, grilled chicken, shredded
carrots, cucumbers, almonds, and a sweet and tangy Asian dressing.
Preparing own creation salads
The Importance of Own Creation Salads
Creating your own salads allows you to customize flavors and textures to your preferences.
It's a fun and rewarding way to experiment with different ingredients and combinations. Plus,
it can help you eat healthier by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into
your diet.
Ingredients for Own Creation Salads
When creating your own salads, consider these tips:
• Start with a base: Choose a base of greens that complements the other ingredients.
• Add a protein: Incorporate a protein source for a more satisfying meal.
• Include vegetables: Add a variety of vegetables for nutrients and flavor.
• Experiment with fruits: Add sweetness and acidity with fruits.
• Choose a dressing: Select a dressing that enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
• Top it off: Add toppings like croutons, nuts, seeds, or cheese to enhance texture and
flavor.
Preparing Various Types of Own Creation Salads
Here are a few ideas for creating your own unique salads:
• Mediterranean salad: Combine mixed greens, grilled chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes,
red onion, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon-dill vinaigrette.
• Tropical salad: Mix spinach, grilled shrimp, mango, pineapple, avocado, and a sweet
and tangy tropical dressing.
• Southwest salad: Toss together mixed greens, grilled steak, black beans, corn, diced
tomatoes, red onion, and a spicy chipotle dressing.
Preparing speciality salads
Speciality salads are more than just a side dish; they're a culinary art form that combines
unique ingredients, flavors, and textures to create a memorable dining experience. These
salads often feature unusual combinations of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and dressings,
making them stand out from traditional lettuce-based salads.
Types of Speciality Salads
1. Fruited Salads: These salads incorporate a variety of fruits, often with a light, sweet
dressing. Examples include:
o Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of mango, pineapple, papaya, and coconut
flakes.
o Berry Salad: A combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and
blackberries.
2. Grain-Based Salads: These salads feature grains like quinoa, couscous, or farro as a
base, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation. Examples include:
o Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: A colorful salad with roasted
vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
o Couscous Salad with Mediterranean Flavors: A flavorful salad with
chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
3. Protein-Packed Salads: These salads incorporate protein sources like grilled
chicken, roasted salmon, or tofu, making them a satisfying and filling meal. Examples
include:
o Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Balsamic Glaze: A classic salad
with grilled chicken, avocado, and a balsamic glaze.
o Salmon Salad with Cucumber and Dill: A refreshing salad with roasted
salmon, cucumber, and dill.
4. Root Vegetable Salads: These salads showcase the earthy flavors of root vegetables
like beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Examples include:
o Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts: A flavorful salad with
roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
o Carrot and Ginger Salad: A refreshing salad with grated carrots, ginger, and
a citrus-based dressing.
Preparing Speciality Salads
1. Choose Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Opt for seasonal produce and high-quality
proteins to ensure the best flavor and texture.
2. Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to try new combinations of ingredients
and dressings.
3. Consider Texture: Incorporate a variety of textures, such as crunchy, soft, and
creamy, to create a well-balanced salad.
4. Presentation Matters: A beautifully plated salad is more appealing to the eye and
will enhance the overall dining experience.
Cooked Salads
Cooked salads are a unique category of speciality salads that involve cooking some or all of
the ingredients before assembling the salad. This can add depth of flavor and a different
texture to the dish. Examples include:
• Roasted Vegetable Salad: A colorful salad with roasted vegetables like Brussels
sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• Warm Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Feta: A hearty salad with cooked quinoa,
spinach, and feta cheese.
• Grilled Chicken Salad with Roasted Corn and Black Beans: A flavorful salad with
grilled chicken, roasted corn, and black beans.
By exploring the world of speciality salads, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that
are both satisfying and visually appealing.
