After so much washing, chopping and tossing, it’s a shame when a salad turns out soggy. Don’t let your efforts go to waste—follow this advice to keep even the most delicate greens and leaves crisp and delicious.

Salad spinners are inexpensive, easy to use and more environmentally friendly, as less water (and no paper towels) are used. They also work well with many different types of leaves, from the tiniest, most tender herbs and microgreens to larger, sturdier varieties such as spinach and romaine.

Simply add your unwashed greens to the spinner’s inner bowl, insert into the outer bowl and fill with cool water. With the lid in place, turn the handle for 15 seconds. Any dirt or debris on the greens will be washed away, collecting at the bottom of the outer bowl.

After discarding the water, return the inner bowl to the spinner and crank again, this time for about 30 seconds. All excess liquid will be spun off, drying leaves perfectly for a crisp, fresh salad.

I like to top my salad creations with flavorful natural dressings, such as Organicville Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinaigrette or Drew’s All-Natural Shiitake Ginger dressing. For a tasty alternative to classic bleu cheese dressing, try Annie’s Naturals Organic Green Goddess dressing. It’s one of my favorites!

Do you have a favorite homemade or storebought salad dressing? Share it with us in the comments section below.

Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP is the Editor-in-Chief of TheHealthyApple.com; she is a Manhattan based Personal Chef, Culinary Nutritionist, Professional Recipe Developer, Food Photographer and Writer specializing in simple gluten-free and dairy-free ‘Clean’ recipes using whole foods. Amie recently healed herself from six years of chronic pain, exhausting every doctor in the country and Mayo Clinic; she shares her story of how Clean Eating saved her life and inspires you to Clean up your food, too. Amie lives in Manhattan, NYC where she cooks for a variety of clients including celebrities and people with busy lifestyles who enjoy healthy, fresh food. Visit Amie on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest; she’d love to hear from you!