No matter if you make a traditional chicken salad or something new, there’s nothing better than making your own.
This is my go-to meal when I need something quick and easy. I almost always have all the common ingredients on hand. As the flavors blend, it gets better over time, making it a great choice for both lunch and dinner.
This classic salad can be a potential breeding ground for harmful bacteria if not stored properly.
This delicious dish, often made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, veggies, and herbs, can quickly turn from delightful to disastrous if left out at room temperature for too long.
So, how long does chicken salad actually last, and how can you ensure you’re enjoying it safely?
Chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, on top of salads, or just eaten plain with crackers It’s easy to whip up a big batch of homemade chicken salad and keep it in the refrigerator for quick meals and snacks throughout the week However, there is a limit on how long chicken salad can be safely stored before bacteria start growing and make it unsafe to eat.
In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know about storing homemade chicken salad in the refrigerator and how to make sure yours lasts as long as possible.
The Shelf Life of Chicken Salad
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Southern Living, properly stored chicken salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
The main factors that determine the shelf life are the cooked chicken and mayonnaise which are both prone to spoilage and bacterial growth if not stored at the proper temperature. Other ingredients like vegetables and fruits will also become spoiled after a few days.
So to be on the safe side, I recommend eating up your batch of homemade chicken salad within 3 days, and discarding any leftovers after 4 days. Always label containers with the date it was prepared so you know when it was made.
Proper Storage Is Key
To get the full 3-4 days of freshness, you need to store chicken salad correctly. Here are some tips:
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Keep it in an airtight glass or plastic container in the fridge. This prevents oxygen and moisture from entering, which bacteria needs to multiply.
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Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below. Store chicken salad in the back/bottom where it’s coldest.
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Never leave chicken salad out of the fridge for over 2 hours. Bacteria rapidly multiply at temperatures between 40-140°F.
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Transport in a refrigerator, cooler, or chilled lunchbox. Use ice packs if taking it on-the-go.
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Avoid freezing chicken salad. It becomes watery and mushy when thawed.
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Add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to your recipe. The acidity inhibits bacterial growth.
If you store your chicken salad correctly, it should last for three to four days at most. But remember the old saying: “If you’re not sure, throw it out!”
How To Tell If Chicken Salad Has Gone Bad
Trust your senses to tell if your chicken salad has spoiled:
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Smell: If it smells sour, rotten, or weird, it’s no longer good. Fresh chicken salad smells pleasant.
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Appearance – Discoloration, sliminess, watery texture, or mold mean throw it away. Good chicken salad looks creamy and uniform in color.
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Taste – Foul, bitter, or off flavors mean the chicken salad should not be consumed.
But keep in mind that some dangerous bacteria might not change the way chicken salad looks, smells, or tastes. Eat chicken salad that is past its prime to avoid getting sick. It’s better to be safe than sick!.
Other Tips For Making Chicken Salad Last
Here are a few other tips to help maximize the shelf life of your homemade chicken salad:
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Make smaller batches so there are no leftovers.
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Use freshly roasted or cooked chicken, not leftover chicken.
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Choose mayonnaise with the latest expiration date.
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Add lemon juice or vinegar to boost acidity.
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Keep any cut fruits, veggies crisp and dry; moisture aids bacteria.
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Don’t double dip utensils back into the main batch while serving.
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Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards before prep.
Following proper food safety guidelines when making, storing, and serving homemade chicken salad will ensure you can enjoy every last tasty bite throughout the week. Just remember to consume refrigerated chicken salad within 3-4 days and you’ll stay healthy while having quick access to this delicious meal!
Understanding Shelf Life and What Affects Chicken Salad Longevity
There isn’t a single, universal answer to the question, “How long does chicken salad last?”
Several factors can affect its shelf life:
The Main Ingredient, Cooked Chicken
Chicken is the star of chicken salad but it is also the ingredient most susceptible to spoilage. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends storing cooked chicken (including rotisserie chicken) in the refrigerator for only 3-4 days.
This is because cooked chicken is a prime target for bacterial growth, especially at room temperature.
The Binding Agent, Creamy Mayonnaise
That creamy dressing we all love in a chicken salad can also contribute to spoilage.
Mayonnaise is a high-moisture emulsion, meaning it contains both oil and water. This is a breeding ground for bacteria.
While some substitutes like sour cream or plain Greek yogurt might offer slight variations in shelf life, they still require proper storage.
Other Ingredients
While not the main culprits, other common ingredients can also affect shelf life. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and green onions add freshness to a chicken salad but have a shorter shelf life themselves.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley are wonderful flavor enhancers, but they can wilt and brown and contribute to overall spoilage if not stored correctly.
What About Store-Bought Chicken Salad?
Chicken salad from the grocery store usually comes in a sealed container. Pay attention to the expiration date on the lid.
Do not consume chicken salad past the expiration day to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
How long would chicken Salad last in the fridge?
FAQ
How long does chicken salad with mayonnaise last in the fridge?
Chicken salad with mayonnaise should be consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator. This guideline is based on recommendations from the USDA for cooked chicken and mayonnaise-based products.
Can I eat 7 day old chicken salad?
No, it’s generally not safe to eat 7-day-old chicken salad. Chicken salad, especially when made with mayonnaise, is susceptible to bacterial growth after a few days, even when refrigerated.
How can you tell if chicken salad has gone bad?
It’s usually easy to tell when chicken salad has gone bad because it smells off or sour, changes texture (becoming slimy or watery), and changes color (graying or other strange color changes).
What is the maximum day chicken salad can be refrigerated?
The FDA says that chicken salad made at home and kept in the fridge at 41 degrees or less can be eaten for up to 7 days without any problems. After 7 days, risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness increases.