Here are some alternative ways of using lettuce rather than just in salads and sandwiches:
• Add to stir fries and pasta dishes at the last minute, just heating through.
• Use as “wraps” for burgers, sausages, chilli con carne, or any filling that takes your fancy
• Add to smoothies
• Make into soup
For growers: to avoid wasting lettuce, don’t harvest the whole plant – just cut enough leaves for 1 meal at a time and more will grow back.
Storing lettuce and other salad leaves: a simple but effective method is to line a plastic storage box with paper towels, put the rinsed leaves in (do not press or pack down) then cover with another layer of paper towels before shutting the lid tightly. The paper towels absorb the moisture and help to keep the leaves fresh while the box also protects them from getting bruised. I find that this method keeps leaves fresh for at least a week.