Keep dressed salad crisp and fresh with foolproof food storage solution

Adding a simple dressing can make any salad instantly better but it can make leftovers even harder to keep fresh in the fridge.

Whether it’s a mixture of leafy greens or a colourful array of chopped fruits and vegetables, dressed dishes are prone to wilting and softening.

Of course, the easy solution is to avoid dressing too much salad at once, but one food expert claimed that there is a simple method to prolong the shelf life of leftovers.

Nutritionist and food blogger Mary Catherine White said: “The general rule is that salads last three to four days in the fridge, but this can vary depending on the ingredients. For example, a salad with chicken will last longer than one with just vegetables.

“The dressing is also a factor. A vinaigrette will last longer than a creamy dressing.”

When it comes to preserving the texture of a prepared salad, Mary noted that the approach varies depending on the type of salad dressing used, the type of salad ingredients, and how long the salad is left to sit.

She explained: “One thing to keep in mind is that salad dressings are often high in fat and salt, which can cause the salad to become soggy more quickly.

“Some dressings, such as oil and vinegar or vinaigrettes, are less likely to cause this issue than creamy dressings or those made with mayonnaise.”

No matter what flavourings are used on the salad, Mary claimed that a light drizzle of oil in addition to the chosen dressing can work wonders on the longevity of any leftovers.

She added that this, combined with proper storage in a sealed container is a recipe for success when keeping leftovers.

This means that simply covering a bowl with cling film or tin foil is not enough for dressed salads, and that they need the airtight environment to stay fresher for longer.

The food blogger also claimed that adding a few moisture-absorbing ingredients to the mix can help to reduce sogginess. Her suggestions included croutons, nuts and seeds – all of which are well-suited to leafy greens and almost any other kinds of salad.

She explained: “The shelf life of a dressed salad in the fridge depends on a variety of factors, including the type of salad dressing used, the freshness of the ingredients, and the storage temperature. In general, however, most dressed salads will last between three and five days in the fridge.

“If you want to extend the shelf life of a dressed salad, be sure to use a dressing that is high in acidity, such as vinegar or lemon juice.

“This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria. Additionally, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and store the salad in the fridge at a temperature of 4C or below.”