Slotted Spoons on Shabbat

Hi,

May I use a slotted spoon on Shabbat, to serve a salad which contains liquid?

One may not sort food from dross on Shabbat, unless one follows these three rules:
• Take the food you want, leaving behind the food you do not want;
• Take the food for immediate consumption;
• Do not use an implement which is designated for use in sorting.

Because of the last rule, some authorities disqualify a slotted spoon. However, some permit its use where one does not pause to let the liquid drain. Others are still more lenient, permitting use of a slotted spoon if the liquid being removed is normally eaten.

The same rules would apply to a fork, if the fork was used for straining. However, it would not apply to a fork which used solely to stab food and withdraw it.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 319:1; Shevisas haShabbos Meraked 11; Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 1:124; Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah 3:54; Or l'Tzion Teshuvot 2:31:10; Avnei Yashfeh 2:27:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai