Italian Phrase
Solo un'insalata.
Meaning
Literally 'Only a salad', this phrase is used to say that you want just a salad and nothing else. It’s a concise way to limit your order to a single side dish.
When to use
Use it at a restaurant, café, or any food‑service setting when you want to order only a salad, either as a light meal or as a side. It’s also handy when you’re clarifying that you don’t want any additional dishes.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Soloun'insalata
Solo (adverb)
Used to mean 'only' or 'just' and modifies the following noun or phrase.
un' (elided article)
The feminine singular indefinite article 'una' drops the final vowel before a word that begins with a vowel, becoming 'un''.
insalata (noun)
A feminine singular noun meaning 'salad'.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa vuoi ordinare?
What would you like to order?
Solo un'insalata, per favore.
Just a salad, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Solo un insalata.
The article must elide before a vowel; use 'un'' instead of 'un'.
Solo una insalata.
When the article is followed by a vowel, the correct form is the contracted 'un''.
↔Alternatives
Solo un'insalata, grazie.
Just a salad, thank you.
Solo un'insalata, per favore.
Just a salad, please.
Solo un'insalata, niente altro.
Just a salad, nothing else.
Cultural Tip
In Italy salads are often served as a side rather than a main course, so ordering only a salad can be seen as a light meal or a starter. Remember the elision: because 'insalata' starts with a vowel, the article 'una' becomes 'un'' – saying 'un insalata' is considered incorrect.