Here's a smart secret for the busy host. These individual stacked salads are made a day ahead of time in rocks glasses, the short, wide glasses used for mixed drinks.

The dressing goes into the glass first. On top of that, layer the ingredients – uniform bits of chopped vegetables, cheese and a protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp or crab – and refrigerate the whole thing overnight.

At party time, carefully turn out each salad onto a plate. The dressing filters down through the layers, giving each guest a salad that's beautiful but not at all soggy.

Who says you can't stack your dishes?

Karen Elizabeth Watts is a Kansas City food stylist.

The salads shown here are made in 12-ounce rocks glasses. Start with 1 ounce of dressing in the bottom, then add other ingredients in layers. Choose ingredients according to flavor and color. Layer them in, pressing slightly to compress the salad so it holds together. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

To serve, place a 7-inch or larger plate over the glass and slowly turn it over. The glass will be upside down on the plate. Slowly remove the glass by lifting straight up, leaving the salad mounded on the plate. Press down lightly on the center of the salad to knock it over, then begin eating.

For a smaller salad, use 8- or 10-ounce glasses.

We have given suggested combinations on this page. Layer the salad, starting at the bottom of each list.

9. Shredded organic beets

8. Chopped mushrooms

7. Radish micro greens

6. Dried cranberries

5. Crumbled blue cheese

4. Bacon crumbles

3. Shredded carrots

2. Chopped tomatoes

1. Balsamic vinaigrette

9. Chopped romaine

8. Chopped mushrooms

7. Diced prosciutto

6. Chiffonade of basil

5. Confetti of chopped peppers

4. Shaved parmesan

3. Sprouts

2. Tomato wheel

1. Caesar vinaigrette

9. Crab meat

8.Chopped pepper medley

7. Diced zucchini

6. Diced squash

5. Shredded parmesan

4. Micro greens

3. Chiffonade of basil

2. Pasta of choice mixed with cubed tomatoes

1. Zesty Italian dressing

8. Spring mix greens

7. Natural shredded coconut

6. Dried nuts and fruits

5. Chopped grilled shrimp

4. Diced mango

3. Diced cucumbers

2. Chopped Roma tomatoes

1. Ginger vinaigrette

9. Spring greens mix

8. Confetti of colored peppers

7. Chopped cilantro

6. Chopped pumpkin seeds

5. Store-bought pico de gallo

4. Grilled chopped chicken

3. Shredded Colby jack cheese

2. Chopped tomatoes

1. Southwest vinaigrette