Bound Protein Salads

Bound protein salads are made from diced or chopped meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood with a small amount of vegetable ingredients and mayonnaise or another thick dressing. This type of salad is referred to as bound because the thick dressing binds, or keeps the main food items glued together. When a well-made bound salad is picked up with a disher or portion scoop, it stays together in a cohesive mass that is firm enough to hold its shape on a plate. Bound protein salads such as chicken salad, tuna salad, shrimp salad, and egg salad may be served as the centerpiece of a cold entrée plate or used as a sandwich filling.