The paper towel is doing the heavy lifting.

The fastest way to keep salad greens crisp in a lunch box is to dry them thoroughly, pack a paper towel in the container, and keep the dressing out until you eat.

Moisture is the culprit. Wet greens steam themselves inside a sealed box and go limp by noon. So dry them well — a salad spinner, or just pat them down with a towel before packing. Then fold a dry paper towel into the container. It absorbs the condensation that builds up in there, which is what actually ruins the leaves.

The other half of the fight is dressing. A vinaigrette will wilt greens in under an hour, so keep it in a small separate container and toss the salad at your desk. If you’re packing the night before, also keep wet toppings like cucumber or tomatoes out of the greens and add them in the morning.

Dry greens, paper towel, dressing on the side. That’s the whole trick. Your 12:30 PM self will be very grateful.