Sometimes we all have a Lorelei Gilmore moment: Open the bag of salad mix, dump dressing in, shake, and eat. Bagged salad is just that easy. If you're looking for a fast, simple, and healthy meal, you can't go wrong with salad in a bag.
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However, it's also super easy to buy and forget. Then you have a bag of slimy greens lurking in the back of your refrigerator and that's not good for anyone.
Instagramer Marie Saba outlines what literally has to be the easiest trick ever. All you have to do is open the bagged salad and place a paper towel inside.
The reason it works is that the paper towel absorbs moisture, meaning your lettuce leaves don't. This simple kitchen hack keeps your stored greens crisp and fresh for (usually) over a week. I've used a paper towel in a bag with the big heads of romaine lettuce and kept the leaves fresh for almost three weeks.
This trick also works with your clamshell containers of greens, too. Just open the clear box and pop a paper towel inside. And if you like to prep greens yourself and store them in a salad spinner, adding a paper towel to the bowl works, too. Or make your own bagged lettuce by placing the washed greens in a plastic bag with a paper towel.
It doesn't matter what kind of packaged greens you have, from baby spinach to spring mix to salad greens, keeping moisture away from the leafy greens will keep them fresher. And the fresher they are, the better they look and taste, and the more likely you are to eat them.
We all need more fresh vegetables in our lives and a salad kit is one convenient way to get them, so head to the grocery store, stock up on bagged salad blends and mixed greens, and grab your roll of paper towels. When you're ready to eat, your salad will be fresh and tasty. Just, maybe, put it in a salad bowl first?
