What to Do About the Rusty Spots on Your Lettuce
Updated: May 18, 2023
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
Grilled Romaine SaladFor a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! It's equally good with any dressing of your choice.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco SaladWe 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
Bacon Caesar SaladFamily and friends always say my Caesar salad rivals any restaurant version. The addition of bacon lends a slightly smoky flavor and makes it unique. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Strawberry-Avocado Tossed SaladDelicious 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
Apple Walnut SaladThe pumpkin seeds and homemade dressing make this salad so special—and healthy, too. Add leftover turkey and you’ve got a main-dish salad. —Bjorg Martin, Noblesville, Indiana
Barbecue Pork Cobb SaladMy 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
Simple Italian SaladHomemade croutons star in this easy Italian salad recipe, filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa
Lemon Artichoke Romaine SaladI 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
Wendy's Apple Pomegranate SaladMy 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
Bacon Avocado SaladEveryone 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
Green Salad with Dill DressingWith 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 SaladMore 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 SaladThis 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 SaladMy 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
Ham Caesar SaladOne 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
Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan BowlsThis cheese bowl salad looks impressive but is a cinch to make. I won't tell if you don't! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Apple-Feta Tossed SaladA 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
Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak SaladAt 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
Grilled Steak and Mushroom SaladMy 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
Salmon Caesar SaladThis 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 SaladA 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
Ramen Noodle SaladWith 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
Orange Poppy Seed SaladIn our area, olives, walnuts, pomegranates and oranges are grown locally, and I love using them in recipes. I include all four ingredients in a simple but refreshing romanine salad. —Faith Sommers, Bangor, California
Originally Published: August 04, 2021
