Dress tender salad greens when you are ready to serve

For a leafy salad intended to stay crisp, keep the dressing separate until serving instead of coating the entire bowl during preparation.

1. Follow the recipe's washing and preparation instructions, then remove excess water from the leaves using suitable clean equipment. Water left on the leaves can dilute the dressing.
2. Prepare the dressing and any toppings separately. Follow their own storage instructions while you finish the rest of the meal; a serving arrangement does not replace food-storage guidance.
3. When ready to eat, dress the portion you need and toss gently. Start with a modest amount, inspect the coating and add more if needed, then add delicate toppings.

Keep this method for salads whose recipes call for dressing at service. Slaws, marinated salads and some sturdy greens may intentionally need earlier dressing, so follow the dish rather than applying one rule to every salad.