The word “salad” really opens the door to a wide world when you think of all that it encompasses. Sure, when most people hear “salad,” they will think of any dish composed of a bed of lettuce and a dressing; but salads can also include grilled or cooked greens dressed up with a sharp vinaigrette, pasta salads mixed with semi-soft cheese and crisp peppers, or mayonnaise-covered potato salads.
This grand arena of options can be confusing, but it can help to learn more about the various types of salads. The one most people are familiar with is the tossed salad: raw ingredients tossed together with some type of dressing. However, two other styles of salad that are worth getting to know are the bound and composed salads.
The key difference between these two is their form of arrangement. Bound salads are any salads where the ingredients are bound together by their dressing. This dressing typically has a mayonnaise base and it is the defining aspect of these salads. The ingredients may change, but they will always be bound together by the dressing.
Composed salads, on the other hand, are salads where the ingredients are often kept separate to give an elegant air to the dish. Think of static rows of eggs, cheese, and various veggies over a bed of lettuce with the dressing on the side.
What is a bound salad?
Bound salads take their name from the dressing that literally binds the ingredients together. Another defining feature of bound salads is that they are often built around a cooked ingredient. Some salads might include meat as a topping or garnish, but bound salads build the other elements around cooked potatoes or meats. They can include such salads as potato salad, tuna salad, or chicken salad.
If the point of the composed salad is elegance and presentation, then the point of the bound salad is convenience. Bound salads are good for feeding a large crowd, can easily be made ahead and portioned in a restaurant setting, and can be a great way to repurpose leftovers.
An interesting thing to keep in mind when making bound salads for a gathering is that youre actually safer to use store-bought mayonnaise. Unrefrigerated fresh mayonnaise can become a health risk after some time, but the store-bought variety usually includes more preservatives and will fare better under these conditions.
how to make bound salad
What is bound salad?
Bound salad is a type of salad that is held together by a thickened dressing, such as mayonnaise or a vinaigrette. This type of salad is often made with ingredients such as potatoes, pasta, or chicken, and is typically served cold. Bound salads are a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and as a side dish for barbecues.
What are the different types of bound salad?
Each type of bound salad has its own unique ingredients and flavors. Potato salad is made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and other ingredients such as herbs, onions, and celery. Similarly, pasta salad is prepared by combining cooked pasta with vegetables, dressings, and sometimes protein like chicken or shrimp.
What are the ingredients in a bound salad?
The key ingredients in a bound salad vary depending on the recipe. Some popular items include chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber, boiled eggs, and proteins like chicken, tuna or shrimp. Other ingredients like pasta, rice or potatoes are also common additions. The dressing for a bound salad can be as simple or complex as you like.
How do you make a bound salad?
To make a basic bound salad, start by boiling the main ingredient (potatoes, pasta, chicken, etc.) and allowing it to cool. Then, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise or vinaigrette with seasonings and any additional ingredients you prefer. Finally, combine the cooled main ingredient with the dressing and any mix-ins you desire.