How To Keep Romaine Lettuce Fresh: Make It Easy To Eat More Salad
Sneak Peek: Discover how to keep romaine lettuce fresh for 7-10 days by vacuum-sealing it in Mason glass jars. Cut lettuce ahead of time without worrying about browning or spoilage. This simple technique turned me into a daily salad eater!
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Wish you were eating more salads? That was me 20 years ago. Now I’m a daily salad eater, and you can be, too! With this simple trick, enjoy a fresh salad as quickly as you can take the lid off—it’s healthy fast food that’s almost as easy as opening a bag of chips.
This “salad in a jar” isn’t a traditional layered salad inside a Mason jar or “canned lettuce.” The lettuce isn’t heat-processed. Instead, it’s fresh, cleaned, chopped, and vacuum-sealed in a Mason jar (paid link), then stored in the fridge to stay crisp. The process is simple and affordable!
Seven Benefits of Vacuum-Sealing Lettuce
- Quick Prep: Prepare 7-10 jars of romaine lettuce in 30-45 minutes, ready for the week.
- Prevent Browning: Vacuum-sealing removes oxygen, keeping chopped lettuce fresh and green.
- Convenience: Skip the daily cleaning, spinning, and chopping—just grab a jar and go.
- On-the-Go: Take a jar with you for a quick, portable salad.
- Save Money: Buy lettuce in bulk and keep it fresh longer, making less waste.
- Healthier Eating: Ready-to-eat salads make it easier to maintain healthy habits.
- Customize Easily: Add dressing, veggies, nuts, or protein to create a quick, personalized salad in three minutes or less
Can You Vacuum-Seal Lettuce?
Yes! Vacuum-sealed chopped romaine lettuce in a glass Mason jar will stay crisp and fresh for 7-10 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Note: Start with fresh lettuce. Avoid packing lettuce that’s been sitting too long in a warehouse or your fridge, as old or wilted lettuce will reduce the freshness window.
What Tools Do I Need?
- Hearts of romaine lettuce (Sturdy lettuce works best. Iceberg, spinach and spring mix don’t like to be vacuum-packed.)
- Sharp butcher knife (My favorite is a Wusthoff Santoku(paid link) knife.)
- Large chopping board–wood or plastic (paid link)
- Salad spinner (paid link) The plastic ones work, but the stainless spinner from OXO is better if you are a heavy user.
- Very Large mixing bowl (paid link)
- Wide-mouth jar attachment (paid link)
- Quart-size Mason glass jars with 2-part metal lids (paid link)
- Full-size vacuum-pack machine (paid link)or a portable (paid link) vacuum device (much cheaper and easier to store)
Note: Everything but the lettuce is reusable!
How To Prepare Romaine Lettuce for Vacuum-Sealing
How Do You Vacuum-Seal Lettuce into Mason Jars?
How Do I Open a Vacuum-Sealed Jar of Lettuce?
Pry off the lid with a can opener or your fingers. Empty the jar into a bowl or onto a plate, then add your desired extras.
Note: When ready to eat, I often mix in other lettuce varieties like spinach, arugula, or spring mix. These are ready-to-eat from the store, so no extra time is needed. However, these types of lettuce don’t vacuum-pack as reliably.
Shared &Loved
“I love your recipes and continue the habit of sealing lettuce every week-we are on our 2nd sealer now. LOL Makes my life so easy for salads daily for my work lunch and our dinners too. My husband and I talk about how we would be so tempted to skip salads and make not-so-healthy choices if those jars weren’t in our fridge ready to go.” —ELLEN E.
“I am a Happy camper!!!!! I put up 6 mason jars of lettuce and I added a bit of red cabbage. The best salad EVER!!!!!! The romaine was so crispy. Thanks for the idea. It is a breeze to just dump the jar of prewashed salad on a plate ,,,,,,, add a tomato and an egg. Quick meal.”—MICHAELLE K.
How To Vacuum-Seal Cut Romaine Lettuce
Vacuum-sealing fresh-cut or chopped romaine lettuce in Mason jars will keep it fresh for up to 10 days. It’s “salad in a jar” my way. It makes it easier to eat a salad every day!
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Video
Ingredients
- 6 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 1 small head of radicchio optional
Instructions
- Wash romaine lettuce well, leaving the leaves intact at the base.
- Cut lengthwise through the entire head at least 4-5 times.
- Now slice crosswise about 3/4 to 1 inch apart according to your preference.
- Fill salad spinner and run under the faucet one more time. Spin dry.
- Dump into a very large bowl. Fill jars with chopped, spun-dry lettuce. I pack them as tightly as possible.
- Seal jars using a wide-mouth jar attachment and a vacuum-pack machine. Screw on rings as insurance to keep lid sealed.
- Refrigerate up to 10 days depending on how fresh your lettuce is when you started this process.
Notes
The number of servings or quart jars you end up with depends on how many heads of romaine you use and how compact and large they are. It will also be affected by how tightly you pack the lettuce into the jars.
I use hearts of romaine because the inner leaves last longer than the dark green leaves on a whole head of romaine. In general, one “heart of romaine” lettuce will fill one quart jar, but that varies.
Equipment
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3658IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
5-Star Ratings Are My Favorite!Help others find this recipe in search results on the web.
Is This Safe?
- Vacuum sealing + refrigeration = Safe. That’s the combo to stick with.
- Never vacuum seal low-acid foods and store at room temp. That’s when botulism risks apply.
- Canning = heat + airtight storage. Vacuum sealing ≠ canning.
- For lettuce, vacuum-sealing works best when:
- Leaves are dry
- Air is removed gently (not too compressed)
- Stored in the fridge (32–40°F)
Common Questions About Vacuum-Sealing Lettuce in Jars:
Since this has been up on the web since the first day I started this website 15 years ago, I have received hundreds of questions. These are the most common ones.
- Can you vacuum-seal lettuce?
- Yes, but stick to sturdy varieties like romaine, radicchio, or iceberg. Napa cabbage also stores well when vacuum-sealed.
- Can I vacuum-pack leafy greens, spinach, or spring mix?
- I’ve experimented with these, but they only last 3-4 days—they’re too fragile for vacuum-packing. While some say it works for them, I can’t recommend it. I stick with hearts of romaine.
- Even with romaine, the dark outer leaves won’t last as long as the crispier inner ones. If I have a lot of dark leaves, I eat those jars first.
- How long does cut lettuce stay fresh when vacuum-sealed?
- 7-10 days on average. The initial freshness of the lettuce makes a difference. Dark green outer leaves of romaine tend to spoil faster, so eat those jars first.
- Can I vacuum-pack other fruits and vegetables with lettuce?
- You can, but it’s not recommended. The results are unpredictable and likely to shorten the lettuce’s freshness. Sliced carrots and cabbage vacuum-seal well, but avoid cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Experiment if you’re curious—one of my readers, Rick, did just that, and I wrote a post about it.
- How long does it take to prepare the jars?
- It takes 30-45 minutes to prepare 6-8 jars once you’ve practiced. Expect a couple of hours for your first few tries, but it gets faster with experience.
- Do I really need a vacuum-pack device?
- Yes, it’s essential for keeping lettuce fresh longer. I compared vacuum-packing with rinsing lettuce in lemon juice—vacuum-sealed lettuce stayed fresh far longer.
- Why is tearing lettuce or using a plastic knife unnecessary?
- Vacuum-packing removes the oxygen that causes browning, so a sharp knife works best for quick chopping. Hands and plastic knives are slower and less effective.
- Can I vacuum-pack lettuce into small-mouth Mason jars?
- Yes, but wide-mouth jars are easier to fill, empty, seal, and clean. I highly recommend using wide-mouth jars over small-mouth ones.
- Do I need a jar attachment for each jar?
- No, just one jar attachment is needed. It fits over the opening with a flat lid in between. Pull it off after sealing.
- Can I reuse flat canning jar lids and collars?
- Yes. You can reuse both for vacuum sealing since no heat is involved, but be aware that they can rust if not dried completely after washing.
- Can I vacuum-pack other fruits and vegetables with lettuce?
- You can, but it’s not recommended. The results are unpredictable and likely to shorten the lettuce’s freshness. Sliced carrots and cabbage vacuum seal well, but avoid cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Experiment if you’re curious—one of my readers, Rick, did just that, and I wrote this post about the lettuce experiment.
- How long does cut lettuce stay fresh when vacuum-sealed?
- 7-10 days on average. The initial freshness of the lettuce makes a difference. Dark green outer leaves of romaine tend to spoil faster, so eat those jars first.
- How long does it take to prepare the jars?
- It takes 30-45 minutes to prepare 6-8 jars once you’ve practiced. Expect a couple of hours for your first few tries, but it gets faster with experience.
- Do I really need a vacuum-pack device?
- Yes, it’s essential for keeping lettuce fresh longer. I compared vacuum-packing with rinsing lettuce in lemon juice—vacuum-sealed lettuce stayed fresh far longer.
- Other uses for a vacuum-pack machine?
- Vacuum-pack rice, flour, oatmeal, and other dry pantry items.
- Store sauces like stir-fry, barbecue, or salad dressing in the fridge.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for cheese, leftovers, and meat—especially for longer freezer storage without freezer burn.
- Why is tearing lettuce or using a plastic knife unnecessary?
- Vacuum-sealing removes the oxygen that causes browning, so a sharp knife works best for quick chopping. Hands and plastic knives are slower and less effective.
- Can I vacuum-pack lettuce into small-mouth Mason jars?
- Yes, but wide-mouth jars are easier to fill, empty, seal, and clean. I highly recommend using wide-mouth jars over small-mouth ones.
- Do I need a jar attachment for each jar?
- No, just one jar attachment is needed. It fits over the opening with a flat lid in between. Pull it off after sealing. Be sure to buy the right size attachment for your jars.
- Can I reuse flat canning jar lids and collars?
- Yes. You can reuse both for vacuum sealing since no heat is involved, but be aware that they can rust if not dried completely after washing.
- Why can’t I get the lid to seal on my jar of lettuce?
- Check for stray lettuce on the jar rim.
- Try stacking two lids instead of one.
- Apply more pressure to the jar attachment.
- Read my post on tips for getting lids to seal.
- Why not store clean lettuce in a plastic bag with a paper towel?
- Plastic bags work if the lettuce is whole and uncut, but once chopped, it’s less convenient. I prefer ready-to-go jars for easy, quick salads.
- Why vacuum-pack instead of using a regular screw-on lid?
- Vacuum-packing removes oxygen, which prevents browning and wilting. A regular lid won’t keep your lettuce fresh as long.
- Can I vacuum-seal lettuce in a plastic bag instead of glass jars?
- You can only use a plastic bag if your vacuum-pack machine has a pulse feature that lets you leave some air in the bag. Another option is to stop short of vacuuming all the air out before the lettuce is crushed.
- The lettuce won’t stay fresh as long as it does in a jar where all the air can be sucked out without smashing the lettuce.
- Which vacuum-pack machine should I buy?
- I prefer a portable, battery-operated device (paid link)for its convenience and storage.
- If you choose a countertop model, make sure it has a port for jar attachments.
- Can I vacuum-pack other fruits and vegetables with lettuce?
- You can, but it’s not recommended. The results are unpredictable and likely to shorten the lettuce’s freshness. Sliced carrots and cabbage vacuum seal well, but avoid cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Experiment if you’re curious.
- How long does cut lettuce stay fresh when vacuum-sealed?
- 7-10 days on average. The initial freshness of the lettuce makes a difference. Dark green outer leaves of romaine tend to spoil faster, so eat those jars first.
- How long does it take to prepare the jars?
- It takes 30-45 minutes to prepare 6-8 jars once you’ve practiced. Expect a couple of hours for your first few tries, but it gets faster with experience.
- Do I really need a vacuum-pack device?
- Yes, it’s essential for keeping lettuce fresh longer. I compared vacuum-packing with rinsing lettuce in lemon juice—vacuum-sealed lettuce stayed fresh far longer.
- Other uses for a vacuum-pack machine?
- Vacuum-pack rice, flour, oatmeal, and other dry pantry items.
- Store sauces like stir-fry, barbecue, or salad dressing in the fridge.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for cheese, leftovers, and meat—especially for longer freezer storage without freezer burn.
- Why is tearing lettuce or using a plastic knife unnecessary?
- Vacuum-packing removes the oxygen that causes browning, so a sharp knife works best for quick chopping. Hands and plastic knives are slower and less effective.
- Can I vacuum-pack lettuce into small-mouth Mason jars?
- Yes, but wide-mouth jars are easier to fill, empty, seal, and clean. I highly recommend using wide-mouth jars over small-mouth ones.
- Do I need a jar attachment for each jar?
- No, just one jar attachment is needed. It fits over the opening with a flat lid in between. Pull it off after sealing.
- Be sure to buy the right size attachment for your jars.
- Can I reuse flat canning jar lids and collars?
- Yes. You can reuse both for vacuum sealing since no heat is involved, but be aware that they can rust if not dried completely after washing.
- Why can’t I get the lid to seal on my jar of lettuce?
- Check for stray lettuce on the jar rim.
- Try stacking two lids instead of one.
- Apply more pressure to the jar attachment.
- Read my post on tips for getting lids to seal.
- Why not store clean lettuce in a plastic bag with a paper towel?
- Plastic bags work if the lettuce is whole and uncut, but it’s less convenient once chopped. I prefer ready-to-go jars for easy, quick salads.
- Why vacuum-pack instead of using a regular screw-on lid?
- Vacuum-packing removes oxygen, which prevents browning and wilting. A regular lid won’t keep your lettuce fresh as long.
- Can I vacuum-seal lettuce in a plastic bag instead of a jar?
- Only if your machine has a pulse feature to leave some air in the bag, otherwise, the lettuce may get crushed and won’t stay fresh as long as in a jar.
- Which vacuum-pack machine should I buy?
- I prefer a portable, battery-operated device for its convenience and storage. If you choose a countertop model, make sure it has a port for jar attachments.
- How do I know if the lettuce has gone bad?
- Look for translucent, limp leaves and an off smell. If in doubt, throw it out.
Final Thoughts
As of August 2024, I’ve been vacuum-sealing jars of chopped lettuce weekly for 19 years. It’s about as much fun as folding clothes and putting them away. However, just as clean clothes neatly stashed in a drawer make life better, so does a refrigerator full of sealed jars of lettuce. I hope this cool trick works for you, too.
Enjoy the virtuous feeling that comes with eating healthy vegetables!
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.