as a starter / for a starter

[Verona_82]

Hello,

I would like to find out which of the sentences below is idiomatic and sounds natural. A person is ordering food in a restaurant:

1. I'll have the avocado salad as a starter.
2. I'll have the avocado salad for a starter.

Thank you!

 

[Rover_KE]

#2.

 

[Barb_D]

Either one for me. No difference.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree with "either". Also "to start".

 

[Tdol]

I think either could be used in BrE too.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

Both for me too.

I think I would be most likely to say 'as a starter' for something that is on the menu as a main dish but that I would like 'as a starter'. This probably wouldn't be the case with a salad, however.