Dish as returned to boy (5)
I believe the answer is:
salad
'dish' is the definition.
(type of meal or dish)
'as returned to boy' is the wordplay.
'returned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'to boy' becomes 'lad' (informal term for boy).
'as' reversed gives 'sa'.
'sa'+'lad'='SALAD'
(Other definitions for salad that I've seen before include "Raw, green, veg" , "Counter serving cold vegetable dishes" , "rabbit food" , "Curve" , "Cold dish of raw vegetables" .)