1) Salads have been enjoyed since ancient times by Romans and Greeks, originally consisting of mixed greens with dressing. Over time, salads became more complex with ingredients and compositions varying by place and era.
2) Salads can be categorized according to their components, functions in a meal, and types of main ingredients. Component categories include the base, body, dressing, and garnish. Functional categories include appetizer, accompaniment, side dish, main course, and dessert salads.
3) Common salad ingredients include various greens, fruits, starches, meats, and dressings made from oils, vinegars, emulsifiers, and seasonings. A wide variety of salads can be created