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 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:
-
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.
-
Ingredients: The mayonnaise in chicken salad can cause it to spoil more quickly. Versions with less mayo will last longer.
-
Storage method Keeping chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge is ideal Storage in the freezer is not recommended
-
Visual cues: Look for changes in color, texture, and smell that could mean the chicken salad has gone bad. When in doubt throw it out.
To keep food fresh and safe, eat homemade chicken salad that you’ve saved within 3–4 days and store-bought chicken salad within 5–7 days of opening.
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. And since chicken salad contains cooked chicken, any bacteria present after cooking can multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F-140°F. Storing chicken salad properly in the fridge keeps it out of this temperature danger zone.
2. Ingredients
The mayonnaise or dressing in chicken salad has a fairly short shelf life on its own of about 3-4 months unopened. Once combined with the cooked chicken in the salad, the perishable mayo shortens the entire dish’s fridge life. The protein and moisture also create the ideal environment for bacteria growth.
Proper Storage To Maximize Freshness
Follow these tips for safe storage and longest lasting chicken salad:
-
Keep chicken salad chilled at 40°F or below in the fridge.
-
Store in an airtight glass or plastic container, not aluminum which can cause off-flavors.
-
Keep container tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
-
Label container with date prepared or opened.
-
Use within 3-4 days for homemade chicken salad.
-
Use store-bought chicken salad by sell-by or use-by date on package.
-
Don’t leave chicken salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
-
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
You can safely use up chicken salad in ways other than eating it as-is if you have leftovers after the expiration date. Here are some creative ways to use up chicken salad that is getting close to its expiration date:
-
Make chicken salad sandwiches or wraps.
-
Stuff into a pita pocket or hollowed out tomato half.
-
Mix with pasta or rice for chicken salad bowls.
-
Top a fresh green salad or baked potato.
-
Fill celery sticks for an easy appetizer.
-
Use as a protein-packed filling in deviled eggs.
-
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:
-
Appearance: Mold, sliminess, dried out texture, or unappetizing color changes
-
Smell: Foul, sour, or very “off” odors
-
Taste: Strong bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavors
-
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 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.
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: Once it’s opened, sour cream stays fresh for one to three weeks. But if it starts to pool or grow mold, it’s time to throw it away.
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. The short answer is that chicken salad should be kept in the fridge or cooler for no more than four days in a sealed container. Nov 7, 2024.
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?
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.