The paper towel trick actually works

The paper towel trick actually works.

The best way to keep a lunch salad crisp until noon is to pack the dressing in a separate container and throw a folded paper towel in with the greens to soak up extra moisture.

Once you understand that lettuce wilts from water, the rest is easy. A dry environment is a crisp environment. So the big moves are: keep the dressing separate, keep wet toppings like tomatoes and cucumbers packed away from the leaves (or in a separate compartment), and let a paper towel absorb the condensation that builds up in the box. If you’re using a jar, put the dressing at the bottom, then the wet stuff, then the leaves on top — so nothing touches until you shake it.

And yes, refrigerating helps a lot, but the paper towel trick also works for people who leave their lunch in a bag.

Future you will actually enjoy this salad.