How can I keep a garden salad fresh longer?

[BamaTanya]

You may remember that my mother is ill. Friends and family are continually bringing food to Dad because they know he has the rest of us visiting often. Tonight he sent a HUGE salad home with me -- probably enough for 20 -- because he had no more room in the fridge. (I've put other dishes in my freezer.) We can't eat this much before it wilts. Is there any hope for keeping it longer? Or should I be delivering baggies to the neighbors? It's a basic salad -- greens and chopped tomatoes.
tia

[Rachel]

take the tomatoes out because that will wilt it faster than anything....

Otherwise, put it in a plastic bag with a paper towel in it and with the bag just cracked at the top..........should last a couple of days

[CindyPTN]

I try to make a large salad every weekend and it'll last us through out the week when placed in an air tight container. The tomatoes sometimes get a little rough by Friday, but overall, the salad stays fresh.

[Peek a Boo]

another vote for separating it. rinse the lettuce REALLY GOOD. pat it dry as much as possible. layer the lettuce in a container/baggie w/ plenty of dry paper towels. You'll have to worry more about it rotting and getting slimy than you will it wilting :-)

Do feel free to give some of it away tho!

[AngelaC]

I agree with the above: take out the tomatoes. OR . . .

You know, you could just have a huge "salad" meal. Perhaps add taco meat or chicken or something. That way you don't have to worry about it going bad.