Language used before preparing something for the salad? (6,8)
I believe the answer is:
french dressing
'something for the salad?' is the definition.
'language used before preparing' is the wordplay.
'language' becomes 'french' (French is an example**).
'used before' says to put letters next to each other.
'preparing' becomes 'dressing' (dressing is a kind of preparing).
'french'+'dressing'='FRENCH DRESSING'
(Other definitions for french dressing that I've seen before include "vinaigrette!'" , "Something going on salad" , "Maybe relish" , "sauce for salad" , "haute couture?" .)