keeping salads fresh.

[luna99]

I really want to start bringing salads to work.. but I'm not quite sure how to keep everything fresh while I'm sitting at my desk all morning.

I want to include things in my salads like avocados and fresh cut tomatoes.. but if I cut them up before hand and put them in a container, won't they be all wilted and icky by lunch time? We do have a small refridgerator at work, but it's VERY small so I can't claim TOO MUCH space in there.. have to think of others you know!

I've seen these plastic container things that have specialized compartments for salad dressing and stuff.. has anyone used one and do they work? or maybe some container that would keep my veggies and things cool and crisp all morning long from 8 till noon?

thanks guys!

[Veganforlife]

How about a little cooler you could bring in with an ice pack?

[Svadhyaya]

Keep the ingredients separate and mix them at mealtime. Get a few small containers and a bigger one for the greens.

Keep an avocado halved and covered tightly with wrap and slice or dice it when you are going to eat it. If you must slice/dice it beforehand, use a firmer avocado and toss it with lemon juice before transporting.

Tomatoes are best sliced/diced just before eating, too. Unless you use the little ones.

Crisp veggies can be diced and stored together (bell pepps, celery, carrots and such.)

Never dress the salad till it's time to eat or it will get soggy (sometimes this is good if you are using "tough" greens like kale, etc. in your salad.)

Don't peel citrus till it's time to eat, or the soft inner peels will get stiff.

[Nectarine]

Keep your salads in an eski (cooler), and pack the eski with ice.