Bedded Presentations

Among the most common and traditional arranged salads are those based on a bed, or layer, of salad greens. A salad presented in this manner is said to be a bedded presentation. This is different from placing one or two whole lettuce leaves under a complex salad as a liner. A bed of greens is literally a simple salad used as a component of a complex salad. As such, the bed salad is usually tossed with its own dressing before it is placed on the plate. To increase visual interest, you can create height on the plate by mounding the greens rather than laying them flat on the plate. Make sure the texture of the greens for the salad bed is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming flattened or wilted. Also make sure the flavor of the greens complements the toppings used.