No matter if you make a traditional chicken salad or something new, there’s nothing better than making your own.
I almost always have all the common ingredients on hand, so chicken salad is my go-to when I need a quick and easy meal. It’s a great option for both lunch and dinner as it stores well and only gets better as the flavors meld together.
This classic salad can be a potential breeding ground for harmful bacteria if not stored properly.
If you leave this tasty dish out at room temperature for too long, it can quickly go from delicious to awful. It’s usually made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, vegetables, and herbs.
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 scooped up with crackers. It’s often made in large batches since it keeps well in the fridge for meal prepping and leftovers. But just how long will homemade or store-bought chicken salad last in the refrigerator before it goes bad? Here’s what you need to know about chicken salad fridge life and food safety.
Overview of Chicken Salad Storage Time
The shelf life of chicken salad stored in the fridge depends on a few factors:
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Store-bought vs. home-made: Store-bought chicken salad in a sealed container will last 5-7 days past the sell-by date, while home-made chicken salad will only last 3–4 days in the fridge.
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Ingredients: The mayonnaise in chicken salad can cause it to spoil more quickly. Versions with less mayo will last longer.
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Method of Storage: The best way to store chicken salad is in an airtight container in the fridge. Putting it in the freezer is not a good idea.
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Visual cues Look for changes in color, texture and smell which can indicate spoiled chicken salad. When in doubt throw it out.
As a general rule of thumb, consume leftover homemade chicken salad within 3-4 days and store-bought within 5-7 days of opening for optimal freshness and food safety.
Why Chicken Salad Has a Short Fridge Life
There are two main culprits that lead to chicken salad going bad quickly in the fridge:
1. Bacteria
Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. There are also a lot of bacteria that can grow quickly between 40°F and 140°F because chicken salad has cooked chicken in it. If you store chicken salad the right way in the fridge, it stays out of this temperature danger zone.
2. Ingredients
Mayonnaise or dressing in chicken salad only lasts about three to four months after it’s been opened. When mixed with the cooked chicken in the salad, the mayo makes the whole thing go bad faster in the fridge. The protein and moisture also make a great place for bacteria to grow.
Proper Storage To Maximize Freshness
Follow these tips for safe storage and longest lasting chicken salad:
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Keep chicken salad chilled at 40°F or below in the fridge.
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Store in an airtight glass or plastic container, not aluminum which can cause off-flavors.
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Keep container tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
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Label container with date prepared or opened.
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Use within 3-4 days for homemade chicken salad.
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Use store-bought chicken salad by sell-by or use-by date on package.
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Don’t leave chicken salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
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Discard any chicken salad that smells bad or has an off color or texture.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
Freezing chicken salad is not recommended. The high moisture content means it can turn watery and mushy when thawed. Bacteria can also continue growing even at freezer temperatures. For best quality and food safety, chicken salad is best kept refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days of preparation.
How To Use Up Leftover Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers beyond the recommended storage timeline, there are some safe ways to use up chicken salad besides eating it as-is. Here are a few creative ways to repurpose chicken salad approaching its prime:
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Make chicken salad sandwiches or wraps.
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Stuff into a pita pocket or hollowed out tomato half.
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Mix with pasta or rice for chicken salad bowls.
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Top a fresh green salad or baked potato.
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Fill celery sticks for an easy appetizer.
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Use as a protein-packed filling in deviled eggs.
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Fold into an omelet or scrambled eggs.
Signs Your Chicken Salad Has Gone Bad
Rely on your senses to check for signs of spoiled chicken salad before consuming leftovers past the 3-4 day mark:
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Appearance: Mold, sliminess, dried out texture, or unappetizing color changes
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Smell: Foul, sour, or very “off” odors
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Taste: Strong bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavors
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Feeling: Any fizzing, bubbling, or popping when you open the container
When chicken salad shows these signs of spoilage, it’s time to say goodbye and toss it out. Don’t taste questionable chicken salad and never attempt to re-freeze it after it’s been stored in the fridge. You’re better off making a fresh batch than risking foodborne illness.
The Bottom Line
Chicken salad makes for easy, tasty meals but should be handled with care when storing leftovers. Keep homemade chicken salad for 3-4 days maximum and follow use-by dates for store-bought. Monitor its appearance, texture, smell and flavors for any red flags of spoilage. With proper refrigeration and food safety practices, you can continue to enjoy chicken salad without worry throughout the week. Just be diligent about discarding leftovers when they pass their prime.
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 vegetables, fruit, and green onions make a chicken salad taste better, but they don’t last as long on their own.
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.
So What’s the Solution?
Proper refrigeration is key. I always store my chicken salad, homemade or store-bought, in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Immediately after preparation or purchase, it goes right back in the fridge.
An airtight container prevents contamination from other foods and helps maintain moisture levels.
How long would chicken Salad last in the fridge?
FAQ
How long does chicken salad last in the fridge with mayonnaise?
Be extra careful with mayo-based foods, such as chicken salad or potato salad. They’re only safe to eat for 3 to 4 days after they’re prepared. Sour Cream – Sour cream stays fresh for 1 to 3 weeks after it’s opened, but if it starts to form a pool of liquid or grow mold, it’s time to throw it out.
Can you eat chicken salad after 7 days?
It’s tempting to stir up a big batch so that we can enjoy leftovers for a few days. But how long is chicken salad good for after you make it? The short answer is to store chicken salad in a sealed container in the fridge or cooler for no more than four days. Nov 7, 2024.
How can you tell if chicken salad has gone bad?
Chicken salad that has gone bad will typically exhibit several noticeable signs: an off or sour smell, a change in texture (becoming slimy or watery), and discoloration (graying or other unusual color changes).
What is the maximum day chicken salad can be refrigerated?
Chicken salad, prepared in house and refrigerated at 41 degrees or below, can be safely consumed for up to 7 days according to the FDA. After 7 days, risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness increases.