A great salad bowl is wide enough to toss without spilling and pretty enough for the table. The right size and material depend on how many people you feed and how you serve. Here is a quick guide.
The Short Answer
For family meals, choose a 4 to 5 quart serving bowl that is wide and fairly shallow for easy tossing. Wood looks classic and warm, ceramic and glass are easiest to clean, and stainless steel is best for mixing.
Salad Bowl Sizes
| Size | Serves |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 quarts | 2 to 3 side salads |
| 3 to 4 quarts | 4 to 6 people |
| 5 to 6 quarts | 8 to 10 people |
| 7 quarts and up | Parties and potlucks |
Materials Compared
- Glass: shows off colorful salads, like the 4.7 quart glass mixing and serving bowl.
- Ceramic: easy to clean and elegant, like the 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set.
- Wood: classic and warm; hand-wash and oil occasionally.
- Stainless steel: light and unbreakable, like the Scandinavian stainless oval bowl.
Individual Salad Bowls
For plated salads, use wide shallow bowls or 7 to 9 inch salad plates, like the 8 and 9-inch porcelain soup and salad plates, or the 6-inch porcelain salad bowl with lid.
Serving Tips
- Dress and toss just before serving so greens stay crisp.
- Use a bowl 2 to 3 times larger than the salad for easy tossing.
- Chill ceramic or glass bowls for 15 minutes for extra-crisp salads.
Equipment I Used
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Salad Bowls FAQ
What size salad bowl do I need?
A 4 to 5 quart bowl serves a family of 4 to 6.
What is the best material for a salad bowl?
Glass and ceramic are the easiest to clean; wood is classic but needs hand washing and oiling.
Can wooden salad bowls go in the dishwasher?
No. Hand-wash and dry immediately.
What goes with slow cooker dinners?
A crisp green salad balances rich dishes like beef stew and lasagna.
