How To Keep Shredded Lettuce Fresh - The Short Order Cook

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    Updated: Jul 31, 2024 · Published: Apr 23, 2022 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    If you have ever wondered how to keep shredded lettuce fresh and keep it from turning brown you are not alone. Preserving food and ensuring nothing goes to waste is an important part of my budget, especially lately. I have tried a few different ways to store shredded lettuce and here is what I discovered.

    A woman prepping lettuce on a cutting board and an image of a full head of lettuce.

    Hopefully, you will learn the best way to save unused shredded lettuce in the refrigerator. Cut down on waste & eat fresh with my guide! Great for meal planning or make my recipe for Vegan Italian Chopped Salad - it is the best!

    I recommend my favorite products including one that I cannot live without (see below). It is a must-have kitchen tool for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh in the refrigerator. You need this product!

    Jump to:
    • Lettuces that Brown Easily
    • Top 3 Ways To Store Shredded Lettuce
    • Best Products to Keep Lettuce Fresh
    • How Long Does Lettuce Last

    Lettuces that Brown Easily

    Leftover shredded or cut lettuce will turn brown if not stored properly. Lettuces such as iceberg, butterhead, and romaine will wilt & brown quickly. Keep this all in mind when cutting or shredding your lettuce.

    I found that heartier lettuces with a more deep green color, such as spinach, green leaf/looseleaf, kale, or radicchio. There are dozens of types, including these 18 Types of Lettuce that are most commonly eaten here in the United States.

    A large head of romaine lettuce.

    Top 3 Ways To Store Shredded Lettuce

    I tried many different ways to store lettuce in the refrigerator. I found winners and losers.

    I do not recommend storing it in the colander in your refrigerator. Also, do not store it wet & chopped in the plastic bag from the grocery store. Two bigger losing methods that many do - big No-No!

    Here are the 3 best ways to store shredded lettuce in the refrigerator. So drumroll...

    #3 Storing Lettuce in a Plastic Bag or Ziploc

    This method takes the most steps. It also does not keep the food as fresh as the other storing methods do. However, it does not require any additional products or purchases. Typically you already have the items you need to do this.

    • Layout enough paper towels (keep them attached) on your counter so that the shredded lettuce can be placed on it.
    • Place dry shredded lettuce in an even layer no more than about ½- 1" in thickness. Be sure to not go all the way to the edges of the paper towels, leave the edges free of lettuce.
    • Gently roll up the paper towel with the lettuce between the layered rolls.
    • Place in a plastic bag or Ziploc - do not seal or close so that air can circulate.
    • Place in the produce drawer of your refrigerator.
    Hand holding lettuce to chop on a cutting board.

    #2 Storing in Green Boxes

    Shredded lettuce is loose and messy so getting it into a container will help store it. That is where the special containers, Green Boxes, come in.

    They are economical, reduce waste, are reusable, and work great. These made in the USA storage containers are BPA-free & can be used on anything from bread to berries.

    So easy to use - Place the lid on tight and store it in the fridge. Depending on the type of lettuce, it can last up to 7 days depending on the type of lettuce!

    What about store-bought prepared salad mixes? BONUS - these boxes are the best for leftover prewashed salad mix.

    #1 Storing in Green Bags

    Similar to the second-best way to store lettuce longer, the #1 best way using a green product. Instead of green boxes, I prefer the Green Bags. These bags I cannot live without.

    The reason I prefer them over the containers above is two-fold. I find that they actually store produce for a bit longer, up to 9 days for the heartiest types, than the containers do. Also, they take up less space in your kitchen cabinets for storage.

    How to use green bags for storing shredded lettuce? It is a combination of the above two processes.

    • Layout enough paper towels (keep them attached) on your counter.
    • Place dry shredded lettuce in an even layer no more than about ½- 1" in thickness. Be sure to not go all the way to the edges of the paper towels, leave the edges free of lettuce.
    • Gently roll up the paper towel with the lettuce between the layered rolls.
    • Place in the Green Bag, tuck the end under & place in the fridge.
    Romaine wrapped in paper towels and a green produce bag on a table.

    Best Products to Keep Lettuce Fresh

    All of these kitchen gadgets and products are the best for helping keep cut lettuce as fresh as you can.

    Fresh Wrapped lettuce in a green bag ready to store in the fridge.

    The green bags from Debbie Meyer are my absolute must-buy product. After probably 2 decades of use, these are honestly one of my favorite kitchen products. They are inexpensive and you can wash/dry them for multiple uses.

    Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder,White $54.99 Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder,White Buy Now As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 02/22/2026 01:04 am GMT Debbie Meyer GreenBags 20-Pack (8M, 8L, 4XL) Keeps Fruits, Vegetables, and Cut Flowers, Fresh Longer, Reusable, BPA Free, Made in USA $17.99 Debbie Meyer GreenBags 20-Pack (8M, 8L, 4XL) Keeps Fruits, Vegetables, and Cut Flowers, Fresh Longer, Reusable, BPA Free, Made in USA Buy Now As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 02/22/2026 10:05 am GMT Debbie Meyer GreenBoxes 32 Piece Set Keeps Fruits, Vegetables, Baked Goods and Snacks Fresh Longer, Reusable, BPA Free, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Made in USA $39.99 Debbie Meyer GreenBoxes 32 Piece Set Keeps Fruits, Vegetables, Baked Goods and Snacks Fresh Longer, Reusable, BPA Free, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Made in USA Buy Now As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 02/22/2026 10:05 am GMT Ecowaare Set of 15 Reusable Mesh Produce Bags - Eco-Friendly - Washable and See-Through - with Colorful Tare Weight Tags - 3 Sizes $14.99 Ecowaare Set of 15 Reusable Mesh Produce Bags - Eco-Friendly - Washable and See-Through - with Colorful Tare Weight Tags - 3 Sizes Buy Now As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 02/22/2026 07:05 pm GMT WalterDrake Lettuce KeeperTM - Lettuce Crisper Salad Keeper Container Keeps your Salads and Vegetables Crisp and Fresh- 7" X 8" (brown) (1) (1) $18.99 WalterDrake Lettuce KeeperTM - Lettuce Crisper Salad Keeper Container Keeps your Salads and Vegetables Crisp and Fresh- 7" X 8" (brown) (1) (1) Buy Now As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 02/22/2026 02:03 am GMT The Original Gorilla Grip Oversized 100% BPA Free Reversible Durable Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, Dishwasher Safe, Nonslip Handle Border Plastic Boards, Juice Grooves, Chopping Food, Cooking, Red $27.94 The Original Gorilla Grip Oversized 100% BPA Free Reversible Durable Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, Dishwasher Safe, Nonslip Handle Border Plastic Boards, Juice Grooves, Chopping Food, Cooking, Red Buy Now As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 02/22/2026 02:05 pm GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    How Long Does Lettuce Last

    There are numerous factors as to how long lettuce will last in the refrigerator. Full heads of unwashed lettuce will last the longest, with some types up to 14 days.

    How Long Will Lettuce Last in a Plastic Bag or Ziploc

    Here is a quick cheat sheet to figure out how long you can store shredded lettuce in your refrigerator.

    • Butterhead (Bibb/Boston) - 1-2 days
    • Iceberg - 1 day
    • Green Leaf Lettuce - 2 days
    • Kale - 4-5 days
    • Radicchio - 4-5 days
    • Red Leaf Lettuce - 2-3 days
    • Romaine - 1 day
    • Spinach - 2-3 days

    How Long Will Lettuce Last Stored in a Green Box

    Here is a quick cheat sheet to figure out how long you can store shredded lettuce in your refrigerator.

    • Butterhead (Bibb/Boston) - 3 days
    • Iceberg - 2 days
    • Green Leaf Lettuce - 3 days
    • Kale - 5-7 days
    • Radicchio - 5-7 days
    • Red Leaf Lettuce - 3-4 days
    • Romaine - 2 days
    • Spinach - 3-4 days

    How Long Will Lettuce Last Stored in Green Bags

    Here is a quick cheat sheet to figure out how long you can store shredded lettuce in your refrigerator.

    • Butterhead (Bibb/Boston) - 4 days
    • Iceberg - 3 days
    • Green Leaf Lettuce - 4 days
    • Kale - 7-9 days
    • Radicchio - 7-9 days
    • Red Leaf Lettuce - 4-5 days
    • Romaine - 3 days
    • Spinach - 4-5 days

    TOP TIP: Check the lettuce daily for spoilage. Keep in mind the edges of the lettuce may brown slightly as the air hits it, oxidation. All of these storage tips help keep the lettuce as fresh as possible for as long as possible.

    ** NOTE - all of these days are estimates. It will be based on many factors including the temperature of the refrigerator, the quality of the lettuce when starting, the proper storing/equipment used, and the care taken with the lettuce at all stages of prepping and storing.

    A red bowl with lettuce leaves in it.
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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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