All About Mixed salad greens
Your complete guide to mixed salad greens - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Mixed salad greens Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for mixed salad greens in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened in fridge5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Leaves becoming limp or wilted, yellowing or browning edges, wet spots or sliminess, a strong sour or putrid odor, visible mold (fuzzy white, blue, or black spots).
How to Check
Before opening, visually inspect the bag/container for excessive moisture or condensation, discolored leaves, or any signs of mold. After opening, a fresh, slightly earthy scent is normal. A sour, pungent, or 'rotting' smell indicates spoilage. Touch test: healthy greens are crisp; overly soft or slimy leaves are bad.
Storage Tips
Keep the greens in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer. Do not wash the greens until just before you are ready to use them, as excess moisture accelerates spoilage. Some commercial packaging is designed to extend freshness, often labeled 'pre-washed' or 'triple-washed'.
opened in fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid wilting and loss of crispness, increased sliminess or wetness on leaves, browning or yellowing, a strong off-odor (sour, rotten, or 'compost-like'), and potentially mold growth.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for any discolored leaves (yellow, brown, black spots), excessive wilting, or any wet, slimy patches. Smell test: A clear sign of spoilage is a strong, unpleasant, sour, or fishy odor. Touch test: Healthy greens are crisp and firm. If they feel slimy, mushy, or excessively soft, they are likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, transfer opened greens to an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel. Place the greens on top of the paper towel, and place another dry paper towel on top before sealing. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture, which is the enemy of fresh greens. Change the paper towels if they become very damp. Store in the crisper drawer. Avoid washing until immediately before serving.