Understanding Salad Portions
Healthy side dish. Plan for 1-2 cups per person as a side. When planning for a group, the key is knowing that the average adult consumes 1.5 servings of salad.
Factors That Affect Portion Size
- Time of day: Lunch portions are typically 20% smaller than dinner portions.
- Other foods: When serving multiple dishes, reduce salad by 25-30%.
- Guest demographics: Teenagers eat more, seniors and young children eat less.
- Event type: Casual events see more eating; formal events see less.
- Duration: Longer events need more food as people graze over time.
The Formula
To calculate salad for any group:
Number of Guests × 1.5 = Total Servings
Pro Tips for Salad Servings
- Keep dressing on the side
- Prepare greens day-of to prevent wilting
- Offer 2-3 dressing options
- Add protein to make it a main dish
- Use a large bowl for tossed salads
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't assume everyone eats the same amount—always add a 10-15% buffer
- Don't forget about dietary restrictions—have alternatives ready
- Don't order last minute for large groups—plan ahead for best selection
- Don't underestimate hungry crowds—when in doubt, order more