Overview
This lesson covers the basics of mise en place (“setting everything in place”) for salad preparation, focusing on identifying, cleaning, and preparing the necessary tools and ingredients.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify tools, equipment, and utensils needed for preparing salad and dressing.
- Clean, sanitize, and prepare tools, utensils, and equipment for the required tasks.
- Prepare salad ingredients in the required form and timeframe.
Review: Kitchen Tools & Equipment for Cooking
- Kitchen tools and equipment are classified by use: cutting, measuring, mixing, baking, and top-of-the-range equipment.
- Tools should be chosen based on their purpose and the type of ingredient they're used for.
Understanding Mise en Place
- Mise en place is a French term meaning “setting everything in place.”
- It involves organizing all materials and ingredients before food preparation.
Salads: Types and Definitions
- Salad: a combination of vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients served with dressing.
- Mix salad: raw or cold foods like lettuce, cucumber, and tomato.
- Combination salad: includes meat, chicken, or cheese in addition to greens and vegetables.
Essential Tools and Equipment for Salad Preparation
- Knives: sharp, stainless steel blades with comfortable handles.
- Cutting boards: use separate boards for vegetables and for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
- Peelers: remove outer skin from vegetables/fruits like potatoes, carrots, apples, and pears.
- Citrus zesters: remove zest from citrus fruits.
- Grater/Shredder: grate foods into fine pieces.
- Grill pan: broil or grill salad toppings.
- Salad spinner: dries washed salad leaves.
- Mixing bowls: mix dressings, marinate ingredients, and hold ingredients before assembling.
- Salad servers: large utensils and bowls to serve and toss salad easily.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mise en place — Organizing and preparing all ingredients and equipment before cooking.
- Salad — Mixture of vegetables, fruits, and other foods served with dressing.
- Cross-contamination — Transfer of harmful bacteria from one food or surface to another.
Action Items / Next Steps
- List 10 examples of salad preparation tools, equipment, or utensils found in your own kitchen.
- Clean and prepare your kitchen tools and ingredients before making a salad.