How long does lettuce last in the fridge?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Iceberg & romaine: 1–2 weeks · Leaf: 3–7 days · Opened bag: 2 days
- In the freezer
- Not recommended
Sources: USDA FoodKeeper · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Lettuce is among the most perishable produce — 1–2 weeks for whole heads of romaine or iceberg, 3–7 days for leaf lettuce. Pre-bagged salad mixes deteriorate fastest: about 2 days once the bag is opened. Whole heads outlast pre-cut by a week. Lettuce doesn't freeze (cell walls collapse, texture turns to mush). Wilted lettuce can sometimes be revived with a 30-minute ice-water soak; slimy or smelly lettuce is past saving.
How to store lettuce
Store lettuce in the crisper drawer with humidity set to high. Whole heads keep best wrapped in a clean dry tea towel inside a perforated bag — the towel absorbs excess moisture that would otherwise rot the leaves. Don't wash until ready to eat. Pre-washed bagged salads need their bag re-sealed tightly after each use. Keep away from ethylene producers (apples, bananas, tomatoes) — they accelerate wilting. Tear leaves rather than cutting; cut edges brown faster.
- Crisper drawer with high humidity
- Whole heads wrapped in a dry towel in perforated bag
- Don't wash until ready to eat
- Reseal bagged salads tightly
- Tear leaves rather than cut to slow browning
Signs it has gone bad
- Slimy or wet leaves
- Dark brown or black patches
- Sour or rotten smell
- Wilted beyond recovery — limp and dark
Frequently asked questions
How long does lettuce last in the fridge?
Whole heads of romaine or iceberg last 1–2 weeks, leaf lettuce 3–7 days, and an opened bag of salad about 2 days.
Can you revive wilted lettuce?
Yes — soak the leaves in ice water for 20–30 minutes. They re-crisp through osmosis. Doesn't work on slimy or rotten lettuce.
Can you freeze lettuce?
No — cell walls burst, texture turns to mush. Lettuce is meant to be fresh.