5. Pre-Made Salad Kits

Much like pre-cut vegetables, salad kits in a bag or a plastic box command a premium for convenience. You get washed lettuce, a small packet of dressing, and a few croutons or nuts, but you pay a massive markup for the assembly and packaging. A typical kit that serves one or two people can cost $4.00 to $6.00. For that same price, you could buy a whole head of lettuce, a large tomato, a cucumber, and a full bottle of dressing, which would be enough to make salads for an entire week.

The other downside of these kits is the risk of foodborne illness. While recalls can happen with any food, large-scale processing of leafy greens has been linked to outbreaks in the past. When you wash and prepare your own greens at home, you have more control over the cleanliness and safety of your food. You can learn about current food safety alerts by visiting the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website.

The Money-Saving Move: Build Your Own Salads

Become your own salad artist. Start with a base of whole heads of romaine, iceberg lettuce, or a container of spinach. These are far cheaper than the mixes. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly, then chop them and store them in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. They will stay fresh for days.

Then, get creative with toppings. Buy whole carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers to slice yourself. Add protein with a can of chickpeas or by hard-boiling a few eggs. Purchase a full-sized bag of croutons or nuts and a full bottle of your favorite dressing. You will not only save a tremendous amount of money but also be able to customize your salad exactly to your liking. Your homemade salads will be fresher, tastier, and significantly more affordable.