Wondering how to store lettuce for an entire week without it going bad? Here is my simple step-by-step method that always works for me!
{Psst! You might also love this post where I documented 10 Days of Salads in a row!}
If you follow me on Instagram story, you probably know that I eat a lot of salads. I love salads and usually have a least one big salad every day.
To make it easy to prep salads, I usually wash and tear enough lettuce for an entire week of salads at one time and store it in the fridge. This way, I can just grab some handfuls of lettuce from the fridge as needed, put them on a plate, top them with whatever salad toppings I want to use, and eat.
When it only takes a few minutes to make a salad, it’s a lot easier to make healthier eating a priority!
How to Prep and Store Lettuce for a Week
Here’s how I prep and store my lettuce to last for at least 6-7 days and stay fresh and crisp:
Step 1: I usually buy a head of lettuce from Aldi or Kroger. I prefer Red Leaf, Green Leaf, or Romaine.
Step 2: I put the head of lettuce into a colander or strainer in the sink.
Step 3: I tear off the leaves and rinse them.
Step 4: I lay the lettuce leaves out onto a dish cloth on the kitchen counter.
Step 5: I pat the leaves dry with the towel/dish cloth.
Step 6: I tear the leaves and stick them in a bowl.
Step 7: I put a plate on top of the bowl and stick it in the fridge to store the lettuce until needed.
This entire process takes me less than 10 minutes and then I have lettuce all prepped and fresh for salads for the entire week!
Related Posts of Interest:
- 10 Days of Salads
- How I get Markdowns at Kroger
- 25 Things I Always Buy at ALDI
- My $70 Weekly Grocery Budget
Salad spinners are awesome!
Aren’t they?! They are one kitchen gadget that I absolutely love! -Jordan, MSM Team
Once my lettuce is washed I cut it up into bite size pieces and store it in 1/2 gallon glass jars in my fridge. It stays so crisp and fresh for quite along time! 😊
Thanks for that great tip! -Meg, MSM Team
I find i need to put a plain white paper towel or napkin under and on top of my lettuce when storing. That draws out the moisture and keeps it fresh longer. Also works great for fresh spinach.
Thanks for sharing your tip! -Jordan, MSM Team
Thank you Crystal – I love how you prepare your lettuce ahead of time. Thank you for sharing. I’m going to do this! And how you cover your bowl with a plate,,,,just like my grandparents used to do. (Love)
You are so welcome!
This is great kitchen prep!
Thanks so much for sharing! My Nana had a salad spinner when I was a kid- to dry the lettuce. She gave me one when I got married and I use it all the time. May want to try it to see it it’s less work than then kitchen towel. You inspire me to eat more salad 😊
I tried one at someone else’s house and didn’t find it to be any faster or easier, so I’ve just stuck with my method! I know a lot of people love them, though!
Girl, get a salad spinner! I am a minimalist in kitchen gadgets, but this little colander/bowl/spinner is so useful! I prep the same, but I
Spin the greens
Put them in a ziploc with a folded paper towel.
Crisp and clean and ready to eat all week.
I’m such a minimalist that I don’t buy paper towels and we rarely buy plastic bags. I’ve tried a salad spinner before (at other people’s houses) I didn’t find that it was any faster so I’ve just stuck with this simple method!
It’s a dry paper towel. It absorbs a little water from the greens and keeps them crisp. I reuse the ziplocks. They fit better in my fridge than other storage methods.
I also use a salad spinner and then put in a ziplock gallon bag. Kate- is your paper towel dry, or damp when you add it to your bag?
I definately like this idea more than the jars. Salad in jars does not make sense to me. It just seems like something will wilt and go bad too fast. And my luck I will not see the difference but bite into something that should not be. LOL
A number of people told me on Instagram that their salad in jars will keep for up to 10 days… but I’m more a fan of a bowl!
I love some good kitchen prep!! Have you tried the produce savers from Rubbermaid? They are amazing at keeping fruits and veggies crisp for a good long time! I use them to keep my salad fixings at the ready.
Thanks so much for that tip!
In an effort to have simple lunches/dinners I also prep all at once. But I line/top w/paper towels to help it last longer. That’s what has worked for me…
I’ve heard that using a paper towel can help, too! I never have had issues with lettuce going bad in a week by doing this, but if you do, definitely try a paper towel, too!
I use a similar process. Wash, shake off most of the water, place leaves on a large thin tea towel, top with another towel, roll the whole bundle up from the short end, place in a plastic shopping bag, and put the bag into my vegetable crisper drawer. Takes up less space than a bowl would in my small fridge!
That’s a great tip — thank you for sharing!
Great idea—thank you!!
Do you put anything in with the lettuce (paper towel, etc), or just put dinner plate on top?
Also, is it important to get the lettuce super–dry?
My lettuce is usually a little damp still. I like it that way so it stays fresh and crisp. And I don’t use a paper towel, just the plate on top.