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Top Tips: How To Keep Salad Fresh

Craving a crisp, fresh salad that lasts longer than a day or two in the fridge? Sometimes, salad greens seem to wilt and get slimy the minute you put them in the fridge, but with some simple storage tricks, you can keep salad fresher for longer and keep your healthy habits on track.

The Secrets to Choosing Fresh Salad Greens

Wondering how to keep salad fresh? Start by picking the freshest greens possible. Look for vibrant greens and avoid any that look wilted, brown or slimy. Opt for local, freshly sourced greens where possible as these salad leaves typically last longer.

 

How to Prep Your Salad for Optimal Freshness

Salad, if uneaten, does go bad, but with the right preparation, you can elongate its shelf life. 

 

Washing and Drying Without Wilting

Start by gently washing the salad with cold water to remove dirt or bacteria and then transfer the leaves into a salad spinner. If you don’t have a salad spinner to hand, pat the greens very delicately with paper towels. Removing any moisture will help keep the salad fresh and avoid any unwanted wilting.

 

Smart Storage Tips to Keep Salad Fresh

It might take a few extra minutes out of your day but the secret to keeping salad fresh is all in the storage.

 

Best Containers and Methods for Storage

Opt for an air-tight container to keep out unwanted bacteria and prevent mould. Avoid storing the greens with other vegetables as this can lead to bruising or crushing. 

 

How to Stop Salad Going Soggy in the Fridge

Keep salad fresh in the fridge by lining your Tupperware or air-tight container with a paper towel and changing it every few days to soak up moisture and keep your salad as crisp as possible.

Pro tip: Keep your salad away from the back of the fridge where it is more likely to freeze.

 

Reducing Waste with Your Salad Ingredients

Having a few go-to recipes on hand for leftover salad greens and other food waste is a good way to make the most of your fridge and keep the grocery bill down. 

 

Creative Recipes for Leftover Salad Greens

If you have leftover spinach why not try adding it to some easy egg muffins for a nutrient-packed on-the-go snack? For salad leaves such as lettuce or rocket, pack them into a breakfast sandwich or add tomatoes and olive oil and serve as a side salad alongside smoked salmon and poached eggs. For leftover kale, check out Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's top tips for cooking kale.

 

Using Herb Stems and Extra Veg in New Ways

A good way to use up leftover herb stems and extra veg is by making a pesto. Blend leftover herbs with olive oil, pine nuts or almonds and parmesan and add salt and pepper to taste. Try a pesto avocado sandwich or pesto scrambled eggs to discover your new favourite lunchtime recipe.

You can also add leftover herbs and vegetables to a tray and bake with eggs and cheese for the ultimate veggie breakfast tray bake.

 

Enjoy Fresh and Crisp Salads Every Day

If salad is your go-to packed lunch for work or school make sure you store your salad dressing in a separate container and only add it to your greens when you’re ready to eat. Otherwise, the dressing will cause it to go soggy. 

 

Explore More Fresh Food Tips Here…

With these tips, you can keep your salad fresh, crisp and ready to eat. For more kitchen tips and tricks head to the Beside The Pint blog and browse all our latest recipes.