How Many Salad Servings Do I Need?

Quick answer: Plan on 1.5 cups per person. For 20 guests you need 30 cups, and for 50 guests you need 75 cups. Use our free calculator below for exact amounts.

Healthy side dish. Plan for 1-2 cups per person as a side.

30 cups

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $30 - $90

How Many Salad Servings for Your Party?

5 people 8 people 10 people 15 people 20 people 25 people 30 people 40 people 50 people 75 people 100 people

About Our Salad Calculator

Planning to serve salad servings at your next party? Our free calculator takes the guesswork out of party planning. Simply enter the number of guests and we'll tell you exactly how many cups you need.

How We Calculate Salad Quantities

Our calculations are based on industry-standard serving sizes used by professional caterers:

  • Average servings per person: 1.5 cups
  • Servings per cup: 1
  • Price range: $1 - $3 per cup

Tips for Ordering 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Salad

How much salad per person?

As a side dish, plan for 1-1.5 cups per person. As a main course, plan for 2-3 cups. One large head of romaine makes about 8 cups of chopped lettuce.

How do I keep salad fresh for a party?

Prepare greens the day of and store in a damp paper towel in the fridge. Keep dressing on the side and add just before serving, or let guests dress their own.

What dressings should I offer?

Offer at least 2-3 options: one creamy (ranch or Caesar), one vinaigrette (Italian or balsamic), and one light option. Always have olive oil and vinegar available.

What salad toppings work best for parties?

Set up a salad bar with croutons, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bacon bits. Offer protein add-ons like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for heartier options.

How many pounds of salad mix do I need?

One pound of mixed greens serves 8-10 people as a side salad. For 20 people, buy 2-2.5 pounds of greens plus toppings. Pre-washed bags are convenient for large groups.