Best Salad Plates for beginners 2025

Our pick: DOWAN 10.6" Square Dinner Plates Set of 6 - White Ceramic Plates for Dinner

After using these DOWAN square dinner plates for daily meals, I’m impressed by how practical and stylish they are. The generous size easily fits a full meal, whether it’s steak, pasta, or a hearty salad. The slight curve on the edges is useful for keeping sauces and dressings in place, which makes serving less messy. They stack well in the cupboard and feel sturdy enough for everyday use without worrying about chips or cracks.

Pros

Large, versatile size for various meals

Elegant square design with curved edges

Made from high-quality porcelain, food safe

Microwave, dishwasher, and scratch resistant

Cons

Square shape may take more storage space than round plates
Overall, these DOWAN dinner plates are a good choice if you want durable, stylish porcelain plates for daily family meals or special occasions. They’re well-made, easy to clean, and practical enough for everything from casual dinners to holiday gatherings.

Also great: Mora Ceramic Large Pasta Bowls 30oz

I’ve been using these Mora bowls for my daily meals and they genuinely add a thoughtful touch to everyday eating. The idea behind the design — to remind you to slow down and enjoy your food — feels meaningful and comes through in the simple, calm style of the bowls. They have a solid, durable feel thanks to the stronger Paladin clay, and the natural, lead-free glaze gives peace of mind about safety. They stack neatly and handle the microwave, oven, and dishwasher without any issues.

Pros

Encourages mindful eating with meaningful design

Made from lead-free, all-natural glaze

Strong, scratch-resistant finish

Microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe

Cons

Glaze color may vary slightly under different lighting
Overall, these Mora bowls are more than just practical tableware — they’re a gentle reminder to pause and savor mealtime. They’re sturdy, safe, and easy to care for, making them a thoughtful choice for daily use or as a gift for anyone who appreciates mindful living.

Also great: Chic Leaf Compostable & Biodegradable Palm Leaf Disposable Bamboo Plates

I used these Chic Leaf palm leaf plates for a small backyard party and was pleasantly surprised by how well they held up. They look far more elegant than typical paper or plastic disposables and add a natural, rustic touch to the table. Each plate has slight variations in color and texture, which makes the setting feel unique. They’re sturdy enough for both appetizers and main courses and compost easily afterward, which I appreciate.

Pros

Fully compostable and eco-friendly

Handmade from fallen palm leaves

Odor-free and naturally elegant

Strong and durable for a variety of foods

Cons

Slight natural scent may need airing out
Overall, these palm leaf plates are a great option if you want to impress guests while staying environmentally conscious. They combine reliable durability with handcrafted style and help make hosting feel more sustainable without sacrificing appearance or convenience.

Source: Amazon

In a formal or casual place setting, the salad plate usually goes directly on top of the dinner plate if you’re serving the salad before the main course. If you’re serving salad as a separate course, you can serve it this way, then remove it before bringing the main dish.

If the salad is served with the main meal (like in more casual settings), the salad plate can go to the left of the forks, just above the napkin. Another common option is to serve the salad in a small bowl placed on the salad plate, then clear the bowl before the next course.

What is the best kind of plate?

The best kind of plate depends on how you plan to use it:

• Everyday dining: Porcelain is durable, dishwasher/microwave safe, and versatile for casual or formal meals.

• Busy families: Tempered glass (like Corelle) is ultra-durable, chip-resistant, and lightweight.

• Kids/outdoor: Melamine or stainless steel plates are practically unbreakable.

• Elegant dinners: Bone china is classic — delicate-looking but strong enough for frequent use when cared for properly.

A good plate should be sturdy, safe (lead-free), stack well, and fit easily in your dishwasher or cabinet.

What is the purpose of a salad plate?

A salad plate is a small plate — usually 7 to 8 inches across — used to serve salads, appetizers, or small portions before the main course. It keeps your salad separate from the larger dinner plate, so dressings or juices don’t mix with the main dish. It also helps with portion control and keeps your table neat and organized between courses. Many hosts also use salad plates for bread or dessert if needed.

What is the best way to serve a salad?

The best way to serve a salad depends on the occasion:

• Individual portions: Place a small salad on each person’s salad plate or in a small bowl. This looks neat and feels special, especially for a sit-down dinner.

• Family style: Serve the salad in a large salad bowl in the center of the table, with tongs or servers so everyone can help themselves.

• Keep it cold and crisp: Chill the plates or bowls before serving, especially for delicate greens.

• Dress lightly: Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess.

• Add garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, nuts, or cheese can make even a simple salad feel fancy.

The best salad plates should blend style, durability, and just the right size for your favorite greens or small bites. Whether you lean toward classic porcelain, rustic stoneware, or something modern and playful, a good set of salad plates can elevate any table. Choose what suits your vibe, and enjoy every fresh, crisp bite in style.