Let’s face it, everyone loves a good salad! And when you’re planning a party, event, or even a simple office lunch, catered salads are a super versatile and convenient way to feed a crowd.
More and more people are turning to catered salads for everything from weddings to weekly team meetings. But what are your options? What should you consider when ordering? And what are the real benefits?
This article will give you a complete overview of catered salad options, as well as important things to keep in mind when you’re planning your next event.
Types of catered salads
When you’re choosing salads to have catered, you’ll generally have two broad categories to pick from: classic and gourmet.
Classic salad options
- Garden salad. This basic salad typically consists of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
- Caesar salad. Usually made with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons, a Caesar salad is often topped with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Gourmet salad options
Catered gourmet salads offer a wider range of flavors and ingredients. Some popular choices include:
- Mediterranean salad
- Cobb salad
- Caprese salad
- Quinoa salad
Gourmet salads stand out because they use a variety of ingredients like grilled vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and specialty dressings.
Considerations for Choosing a Catered Salad
When you’re selecting a catered salad, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure everyone enjoys the meal.
Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
It’s important to think about any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have. Do you need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options? Be sure to ask your caterer about substitutions and modifications. Also, remember to consider common allergies like nuts, dairy, and shellfish. Clear labeling and open communication with the caterer are key to ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Event Type and Theme
The salad selection should match the formality and style of your event. Simple salads might be perfect for casual gatherings, while gourmet options can add a touch of elegance to formal events. And don’t forget to coordinate your salad choices with the other items on the menu for a balanced and cohesive meal.
Presentation and Serving Styles
How you serve your catered salad can be just as important as the ingredients. Here are a few common styles:
Family Style Service
Family style is a great way to serve a catered salad. The salads are served in bowls, which come in small, medium, and large sizes, depending on the size of your group. A small bowl typically serves 8 to 12 people, a medium bowl can feed 15 to 20, and a large bowl is suitable for 20 to 30 guests.
Individual Portions
For convenience, you can have the salads pre-portioned into individual containers, which is perfect for grab-and-go situations or events where space is limited.
Salad Bars
A customizable salad bar lets guests create their own personalized salads. You can offer a variety of ingredients and dressings so everyone can enjoy their perfect salad.
Pricing and Ordering
The cost of your catered salad depends on several factors, including the ingredients, the bowl size, and how you want it served. Each salad option has a different price based on the bowl size you choose.
It’s really important to ask for a full, detailed quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Keep in mind that prices are subject to change without notice. When you place your order, ask how much time the caterer needs to prepare and deliver your salads.
In Closing
Catered salads are a great way to provide a healthy, convenient, and customizable meal option for any event.
When you’re choosing a catered salad, think about the dietary needs of your guests, the type of event you’re hosting, and how you’d like the salad to be presented.
Whether you’re planning a corporate lunch, a wedding, or a backyard barbecue, there’s a catered salad option that will be perfect for your needs. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness!