Easy on the ice, easy on the salt

[amishera]

What do "easy on the ice" and "easy on the salt" mean in the following:

Waitress:	Are you ready to order now?
	Maria:	Yes. I'll have some salad, roast beef, and mashed potatoes.
	Waitress:	How do you want the beef? Rare, medium, or well-done?
	Maria:	Well-done. And easy on the salt, please.
	Waitress:	Sure. Anything to drink?
	Maria:	Do you have coffee or tea? I'd like decaf.
	Waitress:	Yes, we have both. Which one would you like, coffee or tea?
	Maria:	Iced tea, please. And easy on the ice.

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, amishera.

This expression is mainly heard in North American English. 'Easy on something' means you don't want much of it.