The salad bowl theory is when newly arrived immigrants do not lose the unique aspects of their cultures like in the melting pot model, instead they retain them. The unique characteristics of each culture are still identifiable within the larger American society, much like the ingredients in a salad are still identifiable, yet contribute to the overall make up of the salad bowl. So one who believes in this theory stays true to their culture, keeping all its customs.  Each culture keeps its own distinct qualities. This idea proposes a society of many individual, “pure” cultures in addition to the mixed culture that is modern American culture.