What to Do About the Rusty Spots on Your Lettuce
Updated: Aug. 04, 2021
Have you discovered rusty lettuce in the crisper drawer? You won't need to throw away that whole head of romaine.
I think summer is the best time for eating cold food. Bring me cool cucumber soup, pasta salad and watermelon pizza all day! When it comes to easy meals, though, I love good summer salads. It can be a hearty garden salad, a light Caesar salad or a protein-packed salad for dinner.
Whatever your preference, though, it’s best to start with fresh ingredients.
So what happens when you reach into the refrigerator and find that you have rusty lettuce? Don’t chuck out the whole head! Just romaine calm, because it’s an easy problem to fix.
What Are the Rusty Spots on Lettuce?
It’s a fairly simple explanation, really. The reddish-brown stuff that appears on your lettuce, often near the root, is what most professional chefs refer to as “rust.” It’s a pretty apt name once you think about it. Your case of “rusty lettuce” is due to an excess of moisture during the storage process. I promise, it looks worse than it actually is.
This is how to wash and store lettuce to keep it fresh.
Is Rusty Lettuce Safe to Eat?
Yes, the lettuce is still good, so there’s no need to waste it. It may look unappetizing, but the situation is easily salvageable. All you need to do is slice off the rusty red spots with a chef’s knife. Remember to hold the lettuce steady and cut away from your body with a sharp knife. You’ll have fresh-looking lettuce in no time at all!
Now that your lettuce is ready for showtime, this grilled romaine toss would go perfectly with grilled chicken and corn on the cob. If you’re looking for something that’s crisp and cool, you should absolutely try the feta romaine salad.
Lettuce Recipes to Use Your Romaine ASAP
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping to measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Mexican Layered Salad
Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. Looking for more summer salad recipes? Try this grilled romaine recipe. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad
I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad. I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Wendy's Apple Pomegranate Salad
My grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it's like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Delicious, and even better—quick! This buffalo chicken salad is a summer staple at our house. Sometimes we cook the chicken on the grill, then sprinkle the hot sauce over it with the dressing, because you've gotta have that kick! —Cori Cooper, Flagstaff, Arizona
Bacon Avocado Salad
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad
My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah
Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Salad
My mom made the best salads, and that's where my love for them started. I’ve turned her side salads into awesome meals with protein, veggies, nuts and cranberries. —Lindsay Tanner, Cathedral City, California
Green Salad with Dill Dressing
With a big holiday meal, a light colorful salad is the perfect side dish, especially with this flavorful dressing. I like to make this pretty, tasty salad for the holidays or anytime. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Veggie Nicoise Salad
More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish—and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad
This pretty spinach salad topped with grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds features a delectably sweet poppy seed dressing. Made in moments, the dish is a refreshing lunch or light supper. —Ginger Ellsworth, Caldwell, Idaho
Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad
My colleagues and I made a pact to eat healthier, and we took turns sharing dishes. I'm happy to report that, thanks to recipes like this crisp and tangy salad, we all trimmed down. —Teresa Jordan, Springville, Utah
Chopped Greek Salad in a Jar
We translated this Mediterranean-inspired favorite from Jenn Tidwell of Fair Oaks, California, into a layered lunch beauty. You’ll get some crunch, a bit of tang and a lot of amazing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tropical Layered Chicken Salad
This is a fresh and delicious recipe that is a big hit whenever I take it to a potluck—it's always the first to go! —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Ham Caesar Salad
One bite, and you’ll fall in love with this combo! Serve with fresh iced tea and banana splits for a casual menu that won’t heat up your kitchen. —Mary Ann Schlabach, Sarasota, Florida
Layered Salad for a Crowd
This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Mediterranean Cobb Salad
I'm a huge fan of taking classic dishes and adding some flair to them. I also like to change up heavier dishes, like Cobb salad. I've traded out typical chicken for crunchy falafel that's just as satisfying. — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Apple-Feta Tossed Salad
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out. —Marlene Clark, Apple Valley, California
Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad
Here's one of many reasons we love tomato season. Chopped salads are so simple and such a fantastic way to eat fresh. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls
This cheese bowl salad looks impressive but is a cinch to make. I won't tell if you don't! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Quick Nicoise Salad
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Vegan Taco Salad
The best salads are made with ingredients that have different textures and complementary flavors. In this vegan taco salad, you'll love the crunch of the tortilla chips mixed with the sweet, crisp lettuce and "meaty" crumble mixture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sesame Almond Slaw
Crunchy veggies and noodles are coated in a tangy dressing in this pleasant slaw. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Kale Slaw Spring Salad
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad
I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad
At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she'd had at a party. It sounded so fantastic I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. Can't seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana
Tortellini Caesar Salad
This salad was served at a dear friend's baby shower by a health-conscious friend, who suggested the dressing be prepared with low-fat or fat-free ingredients. Either way, the creamy dressing has plenty of garlic flavor and coats the pasta, romaine and croutons nicely. —Tammy Steenbock, Sembach Air Base, Germany
BLT Turkey Salad
This variation of a BLT salad is great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. —Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
Mediterranean Romaine Salad
This salad is my standard—I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up this easy salad anytime. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Strawberry-Chicken Pasta Salad
When I figured out how to re-create this restaurant dish at home, my family was so excited. For a different spin, use raspberries or peaches instead of strawberries. —Jane Ozment, Purcell, Oklahoma
Chopped Greek Salad
While living in San Diego during college, I had a favorite Greek casual dining spot. Now that I'm back in my hometown, I've re-created some dishes from the Greek diner and it takes me right back. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Cashew-Pear Tossed Salad
A friend who does a lot of catering fixed this salad for our staff Christmas party several years ago, and we all asked for the recipe. The unexpected sweet-salty mix and lovely dressing make it a hit with everyone. —Arlene Muller, Kingwood, Texas
Shrimp Salad with Cilantro Dressing
This pretty salad has such authentic flavor, you'll think you're sitting at a beachside cantina in Acapulco. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Blackened Pork Caesar Salad
When I cook, the goal is to have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This Caesar with pork has fantastic flavor even when the meat is chilled. —Penny Hedges, Dewdney, British Columbia
Romaine & Orange Salad with Lime Dressing
Three ingredients plus a dressing equals a quick salad for special occasions. I first had it at a friend's wedding, and it's become a family favorite. — Linda Pallotto, Mantua, Ohio
Thai-Style Cobb Salad
This veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Sesame-Ginger Steak Salad
This Asian-inspired salad makes a satisfying lunch. Cook the steak the night before, refrigerate, then simply toss with veggies and dressing when the lunch bell rings. —Marla Clark, Moriarty, New Mexico
Tropical Snap Pea & Mango Salad
We toss romaine with chunks of mango, avocado, sugar snap peas, red onion and a homemade honey-lime dressing. A little toasted coconut sprinkled on top adds extra texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Salmon Caesar Salad
This main course was invented out of a need to serve my family a balanced meal when time was limited. Even my young son loves it! —Ann Bagdonas, Antioch, California
Mandarin Orange & Romaine Salad
A tangy salad of romaine, celery and oranges with tarragon vinegar and hot pepper sauce makes a cool companion for turkey dishes. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois
Layered Garden Bean Salad
For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ramen Noodle Salad
With added crunch from ramen noodles and sunflower seeds, plus a sweet, glossy dressing, this lively salad is a definite crowd-pleaser! —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad
My husband loves this, especially during summertime. He says he feels like he's eating a healthy salad and getting his steak, too! I always serve it with some homemade bread. —Julie Cashion, Sanford, Florida
Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad
I turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine, carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Holiday Lettuce Salad
Light with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. —Bryan Braack, Eldridge, Iowa
Strawberry-Avocado Tossed Salad
Delicious and beautiful! Strawberries and avocado on top of romaine drizzled with a honey vinaigrette dressing. Perfect with a grilled steak and crusty bread.—Pam Nordahl, Edina, Minnesota
Avocado Romaine Salad
This salad truly represents my state, since avocados and almonds are grown in such abundance here. Plus, I love it because I can toss it together in minutes. —Jeanne Ellermeyer, Walnut Creek, California
Green Salad with Berries
For snappy salad that draws a crowd, I do a wonderful combo of spinach, berries and oniony things. Raise your fork for this one. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Harvest Salad with Lime-Curry Dressing
A friend gave me this salad recipe to help me impress my new husband who loves citrus. We serve the dressing over greens we harvest from our garden—the lime and curry make a fantastic pairing. —Rachel Muilenburg, Prineville, Oregon
Feta Romaine Salad
My friend Cathy, who is of Greek heritage, prepared this simple salad for me. She served it with lamb chops and pitas—what a classic Mediterranean meal! —Michael Volpatt, San Francisco, California
Pear Chicken Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Classic pear salad gets an innovative makeover with chicken and maple vinaigrette. We like to serve it over crisp romaine for a refreshing experience. —Chrysa Duran, Cambridge, Minnesota
Smoked Turkey and Apple Salad
An eye-catching dish, this refreshing salad is a great main course for a summer lunch or light dinner. The dressing's Dijon flavor goes nicely with the turkey, and the apples add crunch. —Carolyn Johns, Lacey, Washington
Originally Published: August 04, 2021
