Which option should be chosen if looking for a lunch salad?

Choosing a side salad is the most appropriate option when looking for a lunch salad because it is typically designed to serve as a fresh and light accompaniment to various meal choices. Side salads often include a mix of lettuce, vegetables, and possibly toppings like cheese or dressing, aligning with the traditional notion of a salad that can be enjoyed with lunch.

The other types of salads, while they may be delicious, do not fit the common definition of a "lunch salad" as precisely as side salads do. For example, pasta salad tends to be more substantial and served as a main dish or a hearty side, while potato salad is often associated with barbecues or picnics rather than a mid-day meal. Fruit salad is typically a sweet dish, making it less likely to be considered a standard choice for a lunch salad in a savory context. Thus, the side salad remains the go-to option for a classic lunch salad experience.