I used to joke that, no matter what else happened in life, at least I could make a great salad. On the fly, with whatever could be found in my fridge—though I prefer some combination of garden-fresh veg, a great dressing, and always (always!) a little added crunch. Because of this, for potlucks and dinner parties alike, I offer to bring the salad. It adds a colorful touch to the table and balances out whatever heavier main may be served. And of course, even a so-so salad will shine when it’s served up in one of the best salad bowls.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
The Best Salad Bowls
What makes the best salad bowls? Of course, applications vary and you’ll likely gravitate toward different sizes and materials for different uses. (Kids? Make it durable. Dinner party? Make it classy. Picnic? Make it easy to transport.) When I’m selecting the best salad bowls for any given occasion, I focus on three things: material, size, and aesthetic.
Material
The material you land on for your salad bowl will be determined largely by the occasion. Because salads are a picnic and potluck classic, when I’m taking mine on the go, I want to be sure it travels well. For that reason, plastic or enamelware are your best bets. If you’re throwing a dinner party or making a salad for a more elegant gathering, ceramic or a beautiful wooden bowl will be just the thing.
Size
The best salad bowls come in countless sizes. Whether you serve up your salad in an oversized, 17″ bowl or opt for something smaller depends on how many guests you’re hosting. I like to have one small (for 2-4 people), medium (which I’ll use most often for small dinner parties), and oversized salad bowl so that I’m ready for whoever shows up.
Aesthetic
Are you down for dessert vibes? Do you love a California-cool, Nancy Meyers-inspired look? To set a streamlined table, ensure your salad bowl aligns with the overall aesthetic you want to create. That way, your plates, linens, glassware, and flatware comes together cohesively.
With that, prepare to shop! Ahead, discover the best salad bowls for every aesthetic, party, and meal.
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This salad bowl’s heirloom-quality construction exudes a well-loved look, allowing it to seamlessly weave into any tablescape. We love placing this salad bowl in the middle of family-style meals to create a laid-back atmosphere—one that’s made special by the intention and care put toward the food, table design, and conversation. Trust: when you bring this beauty to the table, jaws will drop. She’s an understated, effortless stunner.
- Size: 17″
- Material: Solid beechwood with a light walnut finish
- Care: Hand wash only. Dry immediately.
- Our favorite salad to serve: Pink Radicchio Salad
Fable is known and loved for its minimalist, stoneware pieces. This speckled white set of low serving bowls is the ideal backdrop for a vibrant green salad with a punchy dressing. (As the Barefoot Contessa taught us, white serving bowls and platters help your dishes shine.) We love the low-profile feel, allowing these pieces to blend beautifully with whatever dinnerware you use alongside them.
- Size: Small: 9.75″ Large: 11″
- Material: Stoneware
- Care: Dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 450 F.
- Our favorite salad to serve: The Best Simple Green Salad
Because many of the best salad bowls feature high-quality, well-sourced materials, they can quickly run up in price. However, Target (our go-to retailer for accessible luxuries), offers up a serving bowl that sits perfectly at the intersection of stunning and affordable. We love the natural vibe of the Acacia wood finish, making it a solid—pun intended—choice for everyday meals and entertaining. Because we’re known for setting a neutral table, we always reach for this bowl to coordinate with the wabi-sabi appeal of our favorite dishes.
- Size: 12″
- Material: Acadia wood
- Care: Air Dry, Hand Wash
- Our favorite salad to serve: Apple Walnut Salad
Year & Day has been one of my favorites in the ceramics space for years. Their pieces are beautifully crafted, and considering the quality and care that goes into each, the price is unmatched. If you love color on your table, make a move on this salad bowl. It comes in seven muted hues that span the spectrum of neutral to wholly unique.
- Size: 13.25″
- Material: Ceramic
- Care: Dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe up to 480 F.
- Our favorite salad to serve: Simple Citrus Salad
The Jenni Kayne ethos exudes just about every core trend 2023 has known and loved, while still feeling beautifully timeless. Quiet luxury, coastal grandmother, Nancy Meyers-chic—it’s all wrapped up in this understated serving bowl. We love the low and wide build, letting you display your salads in all their gorgeous glory. Because these bowls are kiln-fired at high temperatures, you can feel confident using them with just about any appliance. Beautiful, functional, and the answer to any elevated tablescape—this one’s a keeper.
At any picnic, a salad is a must. But I’ve always hated throwing cling wrap over a salad bowl that has no interest in letting it stick. Thankfully, S’well has extended its product offering from the brand’s well-loved water bottles to create practical vessels for just about every need. We love the bright botanical exterior, which adds a fun pop of color to your picnic blanket. Beyond that, the kit brilliantly features a separate leak-proof dressing container (because no one wants to try to scrub olive oil out of a car seat). For any salad-on-the-go need, this bowl has you covered.
Like the oversized, 17″ Casa Zuma salad bowl, this set of smaller, individual bowls is an easy way to elevate your nightly salad ritual. I love the idea of using these as an excuse to serve a separate salad course, reveling in the light and bright flavor of your favorite greens. Each is handcrafted, displaying its own, unique character. These bowls are the perfect finishing piece for any thoughtful table setting.
Enamelware is many things: affordable, practical, durable, and in the best cases—chic. This salad bowl has all of its bases covered, with a maximalist yellow paint-splattered design that brings a cheery pop of color to the table. Created by Crow Canyon Home, lauded as the creator of the iconic splatter enamelware design, this bowl might just be your gateway into the fun and functional world of enamelware.
- Size: 10.75″
- Material: Porcelain enamel and steel
- Care: Dishwasher safe. Safe to use on the stovetop, grill, and in the oven. Do not microwave.
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