What is a salad primarily made up of?

A salad is primarily a cold dish composed largely of vegetables, which are typically served raw or lightly cooked. This characteristic is what distinguishes a salad from other types of dishes; it provides a fresh and crisp texture that is often enhanced by a variety of dressings and toppings. Vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots form the base of most salads, making them a popular choice for healthy meals and appetizers.

While cooked grains and fruits can sometimes be included in salads or served as salads, they do not define the primary structure of a traditional salad. Fried food products are typically associated with different types of dishes and do not align with the fresh and light nature that is characteristic of salads. Therefore, the emphasis on cold dishes with vegetables captures the essence of what salads are fundamentally about, making it the correct choice.