French Phrase
Juste une salade.
Meaning
Literally “just a salad”. The speaker is limiting the request or statement to only a salad, often to emphasize that they don’t want anything else or that the portion is simple.
When to use
Use this phrase when ordering at a restaurant, telling a friend what you’re eating, or clarifying that you only want a salad and nothing more. It’s handy in casual dining, cafés, or when you’re trying to keep a meal light.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Justeunesalade
Juste (adverb)
Used as an adverb meaning “only” or “just”. It modifies the noun phrase that follows.
une (indefinite article)
The feminine singular indefinite article, used before a singular feminine noun that is not previously identified.
salade (noun, feminine)
A common French noun meaning “salad”. It is feminine, so it takes the article “une”.
🗨In Conversation
Qu’est-ce que tu veux manger ?
What do you want to eat?
Juste une salade, s’il te plaît.
Just a salad, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Juste une salade est bon.
Do not use “juste” as a noun; it must stay an adverb modifying the noun phrase.
Juste un salade.
Salade is feminine, so the article must be “une”, not “un”.
Juste la salade.
Avoid adding an unnecessary article after “juste” (e.g., “Juste la salade”) unless you mean a specific salad already known.
↔Alternatives
Seulement une salade.
Only a salad.
Juste une petite salade.
Just a small salad.
Juste de la salade.
Just some salad.
Cultural Tip
In France, a salad is often served as a starter (entrée) rather than a side dish. When you say “Juste une salade”, the waiter may ask if you’d like a dressing on the side or a protein added. Also, be aware that “juste” can sound a bit informal; in a very formal setting you might prefer “seulement”.