How to Choose and Store Lettuce

Helpful tips for choosing lettuce, plus simple storage solutions that will keep your leafy greens fresh for as long as possible.

Freshly lettuce is one of the first signs that spring has arrived. I always look forward to the shift from heavy winter dishes to light, healthy salads!

Whether you enjoy it in salads, sandwiches, or on grilled burgers, these tips will help you choose the freshest, most delicious lettuce, and help you keep it fresh for as long as possible.

What should I look for when choosing lettuce?

Appearance: Look for lettuce that seems fresh, with firm leaves. Check out the stem end too. If it’s brown and dried out, the lettuce is probably not as fresh.

Lettuce is mostly water, so it’s going to wilt quickly. Use most lettuce within 2-5 days, depending on the variety.

Sarah's Strawberry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad

How should I store lettuce?

The best way to store lettuce is to separate the leaves and then wash and dry them well before storing. A salad spinner works great for this process.

Wrap the lettuce in paper towels and place it in a plastic bag with air to breathe. Keep it in the vegetable drawer or another cool part of your fridge

What kind of lettuce should I buy?

There are so many kinds of lettuce to choose from, I could hardly outline them all here! If you’re wondering which type of lettuce will work best in the dish you are making, check out this fantastic buying guide.

Be sure to try these delicious recipes featuring lettuce.

More Delicious Salad Recipes

Sarah's Strawberry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad

This hearty salad feature fresh berries, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy raspberry vinaigrette.

Farmhouse Country Salad

This simple salad is anything but simple tasting, featuring Romaine lettuce tossed with crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese and a Dijon vinaigrette, it may just become your go-to salad.

Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad with Candied Almonds

Made with just a few simple, fresh ingredients, this refreshing salad, topped with clusters of candied almonds, is sure to become a family favorite.

Kale Bacon and Cranberry Salad

This loaded kale salad features crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, blue cheese and dried cranberries. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough for a holiday dinner.

Loaded House Salad

Just like a house salad from your favorite restaurant, this salad is full of delicious ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, nuts, bacon and croutons. The perfect accompaniment to any meal!

Copycat Panera Greek Salad

If you love Panera's Greek salad, then you're going to love this copycat version. So delicious, and so easy to make at home!

Ramen Noodle Salad

Romaine lettuce and broccoli are combined with crunchy Ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and a sweet and tangy dressing in this unique and delicious salad.