Salsa verde, also known as green salsa or Mexican green sauce, is a staple condiment in Mexican cuisine. It’s made from tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, and chilies. Salsa verde adds a tangy, bright flavor to tacos, enchiladas, tamales, grilled meats, and more. But how long does fresh salsa verde last in the fridge after opening?
Quick Answer
An opened jar or container of freshly made salsa verde will last 4-5 days when stored in the refrigerator. The high acidity from ingredients like tomatillos, lime juice, and vinegar help prevent bacterial growth. But over time, the quality and flavor of the salsa verde will deteriorate.
How Long Does Store-Bought Refrigerated Salsa Verde Last?
For store-bought salsa verde that is sold refrigerated, always check the “use by” or “sell by” date on the packaging. This will give you an idea of how long the manufacturer estimates the salsa will stay fresh in the fridge.
In general, an unopened container of refrigerated salsa verde should last 5-7 days past the printed date on the package when stored properly in the fridge. And once opened, refrigerated salsa verde will stay good for an additional 3-5 days.
Signs that Salsa Verde Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your refrigerated salsa verde has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Separated liquid
- Curdled appearance
- Sour, unpleasant smell
Maximizing Freshness of Homemade Salsa Verde
To get the most shelf life out of your homemade salsa verde, follow these tips:
Start with fresh, peak-quality ingredients
Ingredients like tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, jalapenos, and lime should be as fresh as possible without any bruises or damage.
Refrigerate promptly
Once the salsa is made, allow it to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 1 hour of preparation.
Store in an airtight container
Choose a container with a tight fitting lid, or cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the lid. This prevents exposure to air and slows degradation.
Keep refrigerated
Keep the salsa verde stored in the refrigerator at all times, not sitting out on the counter. Proper chilled storage at 40°F or below will maximize freshness.
Use clean utensils when serving
Always use a clean spoon or other utensil each time you scoop out some salsa. Don’t double dip with utensils that have touched food, hands, etc. as this introduces bacteria.
Don’t mix old and new salsa
Once a batch of salsa verde is close to expiring, make a fresh batch. Don’t mix the old salsa with the new or it will shorten the shelf life overall.
How to Know if Homemade Salsa Verde Has Gone Bad
Be on the lookout for these signs that your homemade salsa verde has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Mold present
- Liquid separating
- Cloudy darkened appearance
- Unpleasant sour aroma
- Soft or mushy texture
If you see any of these signs, don’t take risks and discard the salsa verde. It’s not worth getting sick over.
Can You Freeze Salsa Verde?
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of homemade or store-bought salsa verde. Here are some tips:
Safe storage times for frozen salsa verde
- Homemade salsa verde: 2-3 months in airtight freezer container
- Store-bought salsa verde: 3-4 months past the printed “best by” date
Steps for freezing
- Allow salsa to cool completely after making it
- Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch room at the top for expansion
- Press out excess air and seal the container
- Label container with name and freezing date
- Freeze for up to 3-4 months
Thawing and using frozen salsa verde
- Thaw salsa overnight in the fridge before using
- Use thawed salsa within 3-5 days
- Avoid refreezing thawed salsa verde
- Stir well before serving if watery
Is Canned Salsa Verde Safe to Eat After the Expiration Date?
Because of the high acidity and preservatives, commercially canned salsa verde has a long shelf life. An unopened can is safe indefinitely, as long as the can remains in good condition.
Once opened, canned salsa verde will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks past the “best by” date printed on the can. So you don’t necessarily have to throw it out after the expiration date, if it has been continuously refrigerated and the can is not damaged in any way.
Look for signs of spoilage like mold, soft texture, or unpleasant smell before consuming. And never taste food from a bulging, leaking, or damaged can, even if it’s still within the expiration date.
How Long Does Salsa Verde Last in the Fridge?
Here is a summary of how long you can expect different types of salsa verde to last when stored properly in the refrigerator:
| Salsa Verde Type | Fridge Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh homemade | 4-5 days |
| Store-bought refrigerated | 5-7 days unopened 3-5 days opened |
| Thawed frozen homemade or store-bought | 3-5 days |
| Canned | 2 weeks after opening |
Should Salsa Verde be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration is highly recommended for salsa verde to maintain freshness and prevent premature spoilage. The cold temperatures in the fridge will slow the growth of bacteria and preserve texture and flavor.
Room temperature conditions can quickly allow spoilage organisms to multiply. So for best quality, always keep salsa verde chilled – except for short term use like for a party when you plan to use it all up quickly. Leftovers should still go back in the fridge.
Exceptions
Some specific types of salsa verde are shelf stable without refrigeration until opened, including:
- Commercially canned salsa verde
- Salsa verde sold in sealed pouches that have been heat treated
- Bottled salsa verde that contains preservatives and acidifiers
But in general, homemade or prepared fresh salsa verde and most commercial jars require refrigeration for food safety and maintaining quality.
Conclusion
Salsa verde can last anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks in the fridge depending on the freshness and preparation method. For best results, use freshly made salsa within 4-5 days and don’t leave it sitting out unrefrigerated. Frozen salsa verde keeps 2-3 months in the freezer. Look for signs of spoilage before consuming like mold, weird textures, or bad smells. Refrigeration is key to preserving salsa verde and preventing waste.