Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Salad in Spanish
Ensalada · noun · en-sah-LAH-dah
The Spanish word for salad is <b>ensalada</b>, a dish typically made with raw or cooked vegetables, greens, and various toppings, served as a side or main course.
en-sah-LAH-dah
Pedí una ensalada con pollo a la parrilla.
I ordered a salad with grilled chicken.
Salad in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for salad, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| ensalada | salad | en-sah-LAH-dah | Default, widely understood |
| ensalada mixta | salad | General, mixed salad | |
| ensalada verde | salad | General, green salad | |
| ensalada de frutas | salad | General, fruit salad |
How Native Speakers Use Ensalada
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Ordering at a restaurant
¿Me puede traer una ensalada César, por favor?
Can you bring me a Caesar salad, please?
Making a request at a restaurant.
Preparing a meal at home
Voy a preparar una ensalada de tomate y aguacate para la cena.
I'm going to prepare a tomato and avocado salad for dinner.
Planning a healthy home-cooked meal.
Discussing preferences
A los niños no les gusta la ensalada verde, pero les encanta la ensalada de frutas.
The kids don't like green salad, but they love fruit salad.
Talking about children's food preferences.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Ensalada
Dropping the 'en' prefix
Incorrect: Quiero una salada de verduras.
Correct: Quiero una ensalada de verduras.
The word is 'ensalada,' not 'salada.' While 'salada' exists in Spanish, it means 'salty' (feminine adjective) and has nothing to do with the dish.
Using masculine article
Incorrect: El ensalada está muy fresca.
Correct: La ensalada está muy fresca.
Ensalada is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article 'la,' not 'el.'
Lock in Salad Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Ensalada used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using ensalada in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pedí una ensalada con pollo a la parrilla. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Salad in Spanish
- What is an ensalada mixta?
- An 'ensalada mixta' is a mixed salad commonly found in Spain and Latin America. In Spain, it typically includes lettuce, tomato, onion, olives, canned tuna, and hard-boiled egg, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
- How do you say 'salad dressing' in Spanish?
- Salad dressing is 'aderezo para ensalada' or simply 'aderezo.' In Spain, you might also hear 'aliño,' which specifically refers to a vinaigrette or simple oil-and-vinegar dressing.
- Is ensalada de frutas the same as fruit salad?
- Yes, 'ensalada de frutas' is a direct equivalent of fruit salad. In many Latin American countries, it is a popular dessert or snack made with chopped fresh fruits, sometimes topped with cream, condensed milk, or ice cream depending on the region.