With the proper storage you can enjoy bagged salad for days longer.
Bagged salad can consist of chopped lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage or other vegetables. Many brands include dressing, croutons and other toppings with the vegetables. Because bagged salad is pre-washed, chopped and mixed, it is a practical and convenient choice for quick meals or snacks. Unfortunately, bagged salad can go bad quickly, and freezing lettuce will turn it into an inedible mush when thawed. When purchasing large quantities, such as 2-pound packages, bagged salad must be vacuum-sealed to preserve freshness.
Instructions
1. Set the temperature in your refrigerator as low as possible without affecting the quality of the other food in your fridge. Refrigerator settings vary, so check your manual for instructions. Make sure the temperature in your fridge remains above 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezing.
2. Remove your bagged salad from the original packaging and blot the lettuce lightly with a towel, if moist. Remove any additional packaged goods, such as croutons or slivered almonds, from the bag and store them in an airtight container.
3. Divide your serving-size portions. If you live alone, separate your salad into single servings. If you live with family, consider separating it into a few family-sized portions, and a few single portions for snacking.
4. Place each portion in a vacuum-seal bag of the appropriate size. Shake and jiggle the bag until the salad lays flat and even in the bag.
5. Seal the individual bags of salad shut using a vacuum sealer, and transfer immediately to the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator. Once opened, the salad will puff up in the bag and regain its normal shape.
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