Chicken salad is a classic sandwich filling and popular summer potluck dish. But like many foods with mayonnaise, chicken salad has a limited shelf life in the refrigerator. So how long does homemade chicken salad last in the fridge? Here is a guide to maximizing the freshness and safety of homemade chicken salad.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, homemade chicken salad will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. The mayonnaise in chicken salad can go bad after this time, causing the chicken salad to spoil more quickly. Here are some general guidelines for homemade chicken salad storage:
- Freshly made: 3 to 5 days
- Cooked chicken: store for up to 4 days before using in chicken salad
- Chicken salad with store-bought mayo: 3 to 5 days
- Chicken salad with homemade mayonnaise: 2 to 3 days
These timelines can vary based on ingredients and storage method. Factors like temperature, ingredients, and exposure to air can affect how long chicken salad stays fresh.
How to Tell if Chicken Salad is Bad
You can usually tell when chicken salad has gone bad by looking for signs of spoilage. Here are some ways to identify spoiled chicken salad:
- Sour smell
- Separation of mayo and water
- Discoloration or sliminess
- Off tastes and textures
If you notice these signs, it’s safest to discard the chicken salad. Eating spoiled chicken salad can potentially lead to foodborne illness.
Making Chicken Salad Last Longer
You can extend the shelf life of homemade chicken salad by up to 7 days using these storage tips:
- Refrigerate promptly: Let chicken salad cool completely before refrigerating.
- Use airtight containers: Store in a sealed plastic, glass, or metal container.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Use a clean utensil each time you take chicken salad out.
- Minimize air exposure: Fill containers fully and smooth the surface.
- Freeze for longer storage: Freeze chicken salad for 2 to 3 months.
Proper refrigeration at 40°F or below is the most important factor for keeping chicken salad fresh for as long as possible.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad
Here are some tips for storing leftover chicken salad:
- Refrigerate in a covered container within 2 hours of serving.
- Eat within 3 to 4 days.
- Keep track of when chicken salad was made.
- Check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers.
- Discard chicken salad if mold appears or if it smells sour or rancid.
Avoid leaving chicken salad leftovers at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Portion chicken salad into individual servings to quick chill in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
Chicken salad can be frozen for longer term storage. Here’s how to freeze chicken salad:
- Make fresh chicken salad according to recipe.
- Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Freezing prevents bacterial growth that causes chicken salad to spoil quickly. Thaw frozen chicken salad in the fridge before serving.
How to Store Chicken Salad Ingredients
Properly storing the individual ingredients for chicken salad also helps maximize freshness. Follow these guidelines:
Cooked Chicken
- Refrigerate cooked chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use within 3 to 4 days for best quality.
- Freeze for up to 4 months.
Mayonnaise
- Refrigerate mayo after opening.
- Discard 3 to 4 months after opening.
- Look for discoloration, separation, or sour smell.
Vegetables
- Store chopped veggies like celery and onions loosely covered in fridge.
- Use within 5 to 7 days.
- Keep lettuce cold and dry; use within 5 days.
Fruits
- Refrigerate cut fruit in airtight container.
- Use within 3 to 5 days.
Keeping ingredients like cooked chicken and mayo chilled in the fridge helps maximize the shelf life of the finished chicken salad.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last in the Freezer?
Frozen chicken salad that is properly sealed and stored at 0°F or below will keep for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Here are some freezer storage tips:
- Freeze chicken salad within 1 to 2 days of making it.
- Pack in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Press out excess air and seal lids tightly.
- Label with date and contents.
- Avoid freezing more than once.
For best quality, use frozen chicken salad within 2 to 3 months. Refrigerate leftovers after thawing and use within 3 to 4 days.
Does Chicken Salad Go Bad?
Yes, chicken salad can go bad after a period of time. The mayonnaise in chicken salad can spoil, causing the entire dish to go bad. Signs that chicken salad has gone bad include:
- Sour, rancid, or “off” smell
- Change in color or texture
- Slimy appearance or layer of liquid
- Mold growth
Discard chicken salad immediately if you notice these signs of spoilage. Consuming spoiled chicken salad can potentially cause food poisoning.
How to Store Chicken Salad for a Picnic
Chicken salad can be kept safe for outdoor dining if you follow a few simple guidelines:
- Start with fresh chicken salad made no more than 2 days before.
- Pack in an insulated cooler with ice packs.
- Fill containers fully and smooth the top to limit air exposure.
- Keep cooler in the shade and out of direct sun.
- Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly.
- Discard any leftovers within 2 hours after serving.
Keeping chicken salad chilled below 40°F will prevent bacterial growth and keep it safe for picnics.
How Long Can Chicken Salad Sit Out?
Chicken salad should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. To keep chicken salad safe:
- Serve chicken salad chilled right out of the refrigerator.
- Limit time at room temperature to less than 1 hour.
- Discard any chicken salad left out over 2 hours.
- Avoid transferring chicken salad back and forth from fridge to table.
- Chill leftovers promptly after serving.
Discarding chicken salad that has sat out too long reduces the risk of foodborne illness. If in doubt, throw it out.
Conclusion
Keeping homemade chicken salad refrigerated and using proper food safety practices allows you to enjoy it for 3 to 5 days after making it. Freeze chicken salad for longer storage up to 2 to 3 months. Look for signs of spoilage and discard chicken salad that is past its prime for safety. Following the right storage methods helps maximize the freshness and prevent foodborne bacteria in homemade chicken salad.