on the side

Meaning

Refers to food, usually a sauce, dressing, or small side dish, served in a separate container rather than mixed in or poured over the main dish. This allows the diner to control how much of it they use.

Examples

• I'll have the Caesar salad with the dressing on the side, please.

  I'll have the Caesar salad with the dressing on the side, please.

• Can I get a burger with some extra pickles on the side?

  Can I get a burger with some extra pickles on the side?

• He ordered a ribeye steak with a small portion of garlic butter on the side.

  He ordered a ribeye steak with a small portion of garlic butter on the side.

• I prefer my gravy on the side so the fries don't get soggy.

  I prefer my gravy on the side so the fries don't get soggy.

• She asked for the chocolate syrup on the side of her pancakes.

  She asked for the chocolate syrup on the side of her pancakes.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want the salad with dressing in the side.

  ✓ I want the salad with dressing on the side.

  The correct preposition to use in this culinary context is always 'on', not 'in'.

• ✗ Can I have some fries side?

  ✓ Can I have some fries on the side?

  To request a separate portion, you need the complete prepositional phrase 'on the side'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'd like a grilled chicken salad with the vinaigrette ___.

  💡 Ask for the dressing to be served separately.

  Show answer

  on the side

• Could we get some extra barbecue sauce ___?

  💡 Request the sauce in a separate container.

  Show answer

  on the side