Is it safe to eat my salad 7 hours after I have put the dressing on it?

* Bacteria growth: Dressing, especially creamy ones, provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. While the salad itself might be safe to eat for a longer time, the dressing can spoil and become unsafe.

* Wilty greens: Over time, the salad greens will start to wilt and lose their crispness. This makes the salad less enjoyable to eat.

* Flavor deterioration: The flavors of the salad and the dressing can start to meld and lose their individual profiles.

For the safest and most enjoyable salad:

* Dress just before serving: This is the best way to ensure freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

* Store salad and dressing separately: If you need to prepare the salad in advance, store the greens and dressing separately. Combine them right before serving.

If you're unsure about the safety of your salad, err on the side of caution and discard it. Enjoying fresh, delicious food is always worth it!