dash of salt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash of salt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking or recipes to indicate a small amount of salt added to enhance flavor. Example: "For the perfect pasta sauce, add a dash of salt to balance the acidity of the tomatoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything needed a dash of salt.

The New York Times

Add a dash of salt and pepper.

The New York Times - Magazine

A dash of salt or a pinch of sugar?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mix the burghul, jireesh and beef together, add a dash of salt and black pepper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I tasted five chocolates, melting them in hot milk with a dash of salt.

The New York Times - Food

2. Using a blender, purée the plums, the cooled syrup and a dash of salt.

The New York Times

3.To the water now boiling in the pot, add the pasta with a dash of salt and stir.

The New York Times

The mac and cheese is bacon-flecked (a pleasant dash of salt and smoke amid all that goo).

The New Yorker

A blunt, or marijuana cigarette, contains about one gram of marijuana, about the weight of a dash of salt.

The New York Times

In the good category, the creamy New England clam chowder, loaded with seafood, needed a dash of salt.

The New York Times

Blandness is an old charge against the LS, and one that deserves to be taken with a dash of salt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for a "dash of salt", start with a small amount and taste as you go. It's easier to add more than to remove it.

Common error

Avoid adding too much salt at once. Over-salting can ruin a dish, so it's better to add a little at a time and taste as you go.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash of salt" functions primarily as a noun phrase indicating a small, imprecisely measured amount of salt. It is typically used in culinary contexts to describe the addition of salt to enhance or balance flavors, as demonstrated in many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

6%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dash of salt" is a common culinary term indicating a small, unspecified amount of salt, typically used to enhance flavor in recipes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, mainly in News & Media and Wiki. When writing or following recipes, it's best to start with a small "dash of salt" and adjust to taste, as over-salting can easily occur. Alternatives include "pinch of salt" or "sprinkle of salt", offering slight variations in the quantity being described. While the phrase is widely accepted, always prioritize tasting and adjusting to personal preferences when cooking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pinch of salt

Indicates a smaller quantity than a "dash".

sprinkle of salt

Implies a scattered application of salt.

touch of salt

A more subtle addition of salt.

smidgen of salt

Emphasizes a very small amount.

speck of salt

Highlights an extremely minimal quantity.

modicum of salt

Suggests a measured and restrained quantity.

a grain of salt

Refers to a single, small piece of salt.

a hint of salt

Conveys a subtle presence of salt.

a whiff of salt

Implies an almost imperceptible amount of salt.

season with salt

Broader term referring to the act of adding salt.

FAQs

How much is a "dash of salt"?

A "dash of salt" is an imprecise measurement, typically considered less than 1/8 teaspoon. It's best to add a small amount and adjust to taste.

What can I use instead of a "dash of salt"?

Depending on the context and desired flavor profile, you can use a "pinch of salt" or a "sprinkle of salt".

Why add a "dash of salt" to sweet recipes?

A "dash of salt" enhances the sweetness in desserts and baked goods by balancing the flavors and creating a more complex taste.

Is there a difference between a "dash of salt" and seasoning with salt?

A "dash of salt" refers to a small, specific amount. "Seasoning with salt" is a broader term that includes adding salt to taste, potentially in multiple additions.