What type of salad is typically served before the main course?

Appetizer salads are specifically designed to be served before the main course, often as a way to stimulate the appetite without being too filling. These salads are typically lighter in nature and can include a variety of ingredients, such as leafy greens, fruits, or light dressings that complement the upcoming meal. By serving this type of salad first, it prepares the palate for the main course that will follow, enhancing the overall dining experience.

This characteristic distinguishes appetizer salads from other types, such as accompaniment salads, which usually accompany a main dish but do not precede it, or entree salads, which are hearty enough to be considered a meal on their own and served as a main course. Dinner salads, while they can be served at the same time as the main course, do not specifically serve the purpose of being an appetizer. Hence, the defining aspect of appetizer salads makes them the correct choice for this question.