Lettuce & Salad Leaves

Potassium: LowerPhosphorus: LowerSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Lower in potassium and phosphorus; the base of the kidney-friendly plate's fresh half.

After transplant: Wash salad leaves thoroughly just before eating — on anti-rejection medicines, unwashed salad is a food-safety risk, not a mineral one.

A healthier swap

No swap needed. Dress with olive oil and lemon instead of bottled dressings to keep sodium low.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Are darker leaves like spinach the same?

No — spinach is the exception: cooked spinach is high in potassium. Lettuce, rocket and similar salad leaves stay low; kale is also on the lower-potassium list.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.