You want to throw a great party, but the idea of trying to serve a meal that every guest will love can seem overwhelming. One of the cheapest, easiest and most fun meals for a party is a classic salad bar! This allows you to give your guests options to create the perfect meal just for them. Here are some tips to help you make sure you have the right salad bar equipment and all you need to make this meal a success.
1. Cleanliness is Key
There is one thing that can get a bit tricky when it comes to a self-serve salad bar; and that is cleanliness. Not only do you want to make sure the hands that will be grabbing each utensil are sanitary, but you want to keep the salad bar area clean so that all your effort creates an appealing look for all your guests.
Be sure to place sanitizer and napkins at each end of the bar so that guests are sure to heed the reminder that clean hands are best for everyone. Additionally, you’ll want to keep an eye on the serving area as guests roll through so that you can wipe up any dressing spills or stray peas that keep wanting to roll away.
2. The Right Equipment
You’ll want to be sure that you have bowls or containers for each item you’ll be serving. Keep in mind which size dish each item will need and plan accordingly when spacing the salad bar. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure you have the right serving utensil for each different food item. You might use tongs for the salad, but perhaps a serving spoon would be better for the croutons. It’s best to check all this beforehand so you’re not scrambling when your guests start dishing up.
3. The Yummy Details
When it comes to the yummy goodness going into the salads – get creative! You’ll surely have plenty of vegetables like tomatoes, olives and peas, but don’t forget some hard-boiled eggs or cheese as well. And, of course, you’ll want to have something to add that extra crunch, like croutons, goldfish crackers or even chow mein noodles. The more colorful you can make each salad, the more pleasing it will be to the eye and the stomach!
