The Best Salad Bowls

Buying Guide for Salad Bowls

Why buy a salad bowl?

Salad bowls are ideal vessels for serving salads at mealtimes, but you can also use them to serve fruit, pasta, or even popcorn on family movie night. If you love having family dinners or entertaining guests, adding a lovely salad bowl to your collection just makes sense.

What should you consider in a salad bowl?

• Material: Salad bowls come in a variety of materials. While classic wood is nice and easy to wipe clean, it isn’t ideal for hot items and can’t be tossed in the dishwasher. Metal is a convenient choice, but it may be too heavy for some. Glass and porcelain are sleek and pretty, but they are also breakable and heavy. Plastic is a good choice if you’re traveling in an RV, camping, have limited space, or are prone to breaking things.
• Size: If you love to entertain large groups, go big or go home. Salad bowls can come in large sizes to accommodate enough salad for a family gathering. But for smaller groups, a smaller bowl may be more your style. Plus, smaller options take up less space in your cupboard.
• Washability: Many options are hand-wash only, which may not be a good option for people with limited time. If you need to be able to wash your salad bowl in the dishwasher, you’ll want to choose one that’s dishwasher safe. If you are washing your salad bowl in the dishwasher, check first to see if it’s top-rack, only to be sure it doesn’t get ruined in the cycle.

Which utensils are best to use with a salad bowl?

To avoid damaging or scratching your salad bowl, we recommend using wooden or plastic salad utensils. Wooden utensils will need to be treated like a wooden bowl. They are generally not dishwasher-safe, and they will often need a coat of mineral oil. Plastic serving utensils must be hand washed or washed on the top rack of the dishwasher to keep them from warping. We recommend BPA-free, responsibly made recycled plastic utensils.

Our Picks for the Best Salad Bowls

Pros: At over 10 inches in diameter and 4 inches high, this wide salad bowl can fit many of your favorite classic salads. This beautiful bowl is made of acacia wood in a lovely light and dark pattern. The serving utensils match perfectly, making your set right at home on your dining room tabletop. Since this is made with a tight grain, this serving bowl is resistant to water penetration, is stain-resistant, and will not pick up odors if handled properly. These qualities make this lovely bowl completely safe for serving all hot and cold foods.

Cons: This bowl may be susceptible to scratches.

Bottom Line: If you love a combination of fashion and function in your serving sets, you’ll love this bowl and utensil set. This bowl is made in California by a small family-run business, so you know you’re getting a unique and high-quality design.

 

Pros: Forget using plastic Tupperware containers for lunch on the go, and upgrade your salad in style with one of these stainless-steel salad bowls. They come with a 2-ounce silicone condiment container perfect for dressings or add-ons. Each bowl features a leakproof lid, a removable tray, and a fully sealed condiment container. This bowl isn’t boring—it’s sleek, beautifully crafted, and comes in gorgeous mineral-inspired colors and patterns. Plus, each BPA- and chemical-free bowl and lid are top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. 

Cons: These bowls are not stackable and take up quite a bit of real estate in the refrigerator and cupboards.

Bottom Line: For all kinds of meal prep, including weekly lunches, overnight oats, and other healthy eats, these food-safe bowls are a great find. They come in several cute finishes and sizes to fit your personality and lifestyle.

 

Pros: With three color choices and three size choices, you will likely find a set of ceramic soup bowls to fit your needs. These bowls are deep and lightweight, perfect for cereal, soups, salads, oatmeal, and healthy snacks. Microwave-, dishwasher-, oven-, and refrigerator-safe, you can do pretty much anything with these lightweight and durable bowls. They’re also designed to be space-saving and stackable, so you don’t need to clear out an entire cabinet to make room for them. They’re perfect for families with kids since they’re sturdy and chip-resistant.

Cons: There may be variances in color.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a simple set of serving bowls that are easy to clean and durable, these may be just what you need. They come in simple colors that work with most decor,  and they’re sturdy enough to stand up to kids and clutzes.

 

Pros: This bowl can pull double or even triple duty for you because of its shape and depth. It’s not only great as a salad bowl, but it can also be a great fruit bowl, mixing bowl, or casserole bowl. Since it’s porcelain, this bowl is perfectly safe to use in the microwave, refrigerator, or even oven. It’s dishwasher-safe and extremely versatile. Plus, this 5-quart bowl has its own set of serving utensils, so you won’t have to buy them separately.

Cons: It’s quite heavy.

Bottom Line: Perfect for all occasions, this simple yet sleek white serving bowl can match any decor. It’s great for indoor or outdoor gatherings where you serve large quantities of food.

 

Pros: From the same makers of one of the most popular glass water bottles, this salad bowl is protected with the same silicone netting that gives it its signature style while adding durability. This 5-cup lunch bowl has an airtight, locking domed lid with extra room to shake up your salads, grain bowls, or leftovers. This bowl is safe to use up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is also freezer-safe. It’s BPA-free and dishwasher-friendly as well. The leakproof lid means no more spills in your favorite tote bag or on your car’s upholstery.

Cons: Sometimes, with suction from temperature changes, the lid can get stuck.

Bottom Line: For those who want to eat healthy on the go, this salad bowl may be just the ticket. It is made with food-safe and environmentally-friendly materials, making it a great choice for you and the earth.

Final Thoughts

Keep your salads looking fresh and yummy in a nice-quality salad bowl. They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials to suit your needs and match the rest of your kitchen and dishware. Add a bit of pizzazz to your next party or family gathering with a salad bowl.