If you’ve run into the clue “___ salad” in a crossword, you’re not alone. It’s one of those fill-in-the-blank prompts that looks simple… until you realize just how many types of salad exist. From deli classics to trendy health bowls, the options are endless. The trick? Match the answer to the number of boxes in the puzzle. Below, we’ve rounded up all the possible “___ salad” combos—sorted by letter count—to help you crack it quick.
Here’s a breakdown of words that commonly fit before “salad,” sorted by letter count.
🔹 3-Letter Answers:
- Egg – Egg salad, the picnic staple.
- Ham – Ham salad is a thing, especially in Southern recipes.
- Tuna – Short but classic. Tuna salad rules the 3-letter scene.
- Mac – Mac salad = macaroni salad (casual version).
- Cap – Caprese salad (a bit of a stretch, but could show up in cryptic-style puzzles).
🔸 4-Letter Answers:
- Tuna – Mentioned again, because it’s that common.
- Chef – Chef salad, loaded with meats, cheese, and eggs.
- Bean – Bean salad: cold, vinegary, and full of legumes.
- Pasta – Pasta salad: summer BBQ MVP.
- Kale – Kale salad: the hipster health pick.
- Corn – Corn salad: a light, fresh side dish.
- Crab – Crab salad: seafood lovers, unite.
- Cobb – Cobb salad: bacon, egg, avocado—say no more.
- Slaw – Coleslaw is technically a salad, and “slaw salad” is a thing in some regions.
🔶 5-Letter Answers:
- Fruit – Fruit salad: sweet, simple, and always welcome at brunch.
- Greek – Greek salad: feta, olives, cucumbers—yes please.
- Green – Green salad: basic but healthy.
- Chick – Short for chicken (crossword shortcut).
- Asian – Asian salad: sesame dressing, crunchy noodles, sometimes chicken.
🟢 6-Letter+ Answers:
- Potato – Potato salad: creamy, tangy, and always at potlucks.
- Caesar – Caesar salad: romaine, parmesan, croutons—classic.
- Garden – Garden salad: your default house salad.
- Shrimp – Shrimp salad: seafood variation.
- Broccoli – Broccoli salad: with bacon, raisins, and cheddar.
- Spinach – Spinach salad: often with warm bacon dressing.
- Chicken – Chicken salad: perfect in a sandwich or scoop.
- Turkey – Turkey salad: like chicken, but post-Thanksgiving.
- Cucumber – Cucumber salad: crisp, tangy, refreshing.
- Waldorf – Waldorf salad: apples, grapes, celery, walnuts.
🤓 Uncommon or Tricky Fills (Depending on Puzzle Style):
- Ramen – Ramen salad (especially in Asian fusion recipes).
- Orzo – Orzo salad: pasta salad’s tiny cousin.
- Lentil – Lentil salad: hearty and vegetarian-friendly.
- Quinoa – Quinoa salad: very common in health-focused clues.
- Beet – Beet salad: often served with goat cheese.
✨ Wildcard Themed Answers:
Some puzzles use humor or wordplay, so you might even see:
- Word – As in “word salad” (incoherent speech/writing).
- Taco – Taco salad (yes, it’s real and delicious).
- Jello – Jello salad (hello, Midwest).
- Ambrosia – Ambrosia salad (a fluffy, fruity, retro dessert).
Other Related Words: