Well, to be precise, it’s “How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?” The shelf life of chicken salad depends on various factors, including the best before date, the preparation method, and how it was stored.
For example, when made with mayonnaise which contains eggs and oil, the chicken salad will typically stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When made without mayonnaise and stored in an airtight container, it can last for 5 to 7 days.
So, how long does chicken salad last? When properly stored, the shelf life of chicken salad past its best before date is 5 to 7 Days!
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
It depends upon your system of storage. If you keep chicken salad in the fridge and follow the rules, it stays fresh for 5 to 7 days. If you eat it after 2 or 3 days of preparation and stored under normal circumstances, it is safe for up to 1 week.
But when made with oil and eggs, mayonnaise-based chicken salad can stay good for up to 4 days.
- Store-bought chicken salad can last for 4 weeks.
- Chicken salad made with mayonnaise can last for 2 to 3 days.
- Deli-made chicken salad is safe for only up to 1 week if kept in the fridge.
- Never reheat any chicken salad more than once.
- Vegetarian versions of mayo can last up to 2 days in the fridge.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches are always the main dish at picnics, barbeques and luncheons because they are quick and easy to prepare for large groups of people.
You can also freeze the chicken salad. It would be best to be very careful while storing it since the mayonnaise makes the food highly perishable.
You must always follow certain rules when you plan to store the chicken salad in the freezer; otherwise, the chances are that you will get an unpleasant surprise after you thaw it at home.
7 Best Ways to Store Chicken Salad?
You can store the chicken salad in these easy steps:
1. Place the chicken salad in a clean, airtight container. Please keep it in a cold place till you plan to eat.
Chicken Salad stays fresh for up to 7 days when stored this way. When taking it out from the fridge, don’t forget to set it on the kitchen counter for 30 minutes before you plan to serve it.
2. Store the chicken salad in the fridge in an airtight container or tightly covered jar, with all excess air removed. This method will keep your chicken salad fresh for up to 3 days.
3. Store the uneaten chicken salad by tightly wrapping aluminium foil around its container and placing it back in the fridge. This method will keep it fresh for up to 2 days.
4. You can also store this salad in small, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags; make sure you push out all excess air before sealing it. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you plan to eat it. The shelf life, in this case, is 1 month in the freezer.
5. You can also pack cooked and chopped chicken for salads or sandwiches with mayonnaise to make it last longer in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container and use it within 3-4 days after preparing it.
6. You can add a few teaspoons of vinegar and store it in the fridge to use within 3-4 days.
7. Remember, even when the chicken salad is past its best before date, it will be safe to eat if kept in the freezer for more than a month. Just make sure you thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator before eating!
Safe Storage of Chicken Salad
You need to follow some basic rules during chicken salad storage. These simple steps can help you keep your food safe to eat:
1. Place the chicken salad in a clean, airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag with all excess air removed. Please keep it in the coldest part of the fridge at all times. Don’t stack anything on top of the food.
2. You must immediately place leftover chicken salad in shallow containers after serving. If you plan to refrigerate it overnight, keep it in a cooler with ice packs until you plan to eat it.
3. Never thaw your chicken salad at room temperature or in warm water. It can be done in the microwave or the fridge.
4. You must always wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water after handling raw chicken and before touching any other food during meal preparation.
5. Be sure to return the wrapped container of cooked chicken salad to refrigerate within 2 hours of taking it out from the oven or warmer.
6. Do not keep cooked chicken salad in the oven for more than 2 hours.
7. Always reheat leftovers of chicken salad to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve read this blog and still have questions about how to make chicken salad last as long as possible, we would love to hear from you! We know that recipes can be confusing sometimes.
If there is anything else in the future that might help us answer your query, please let us know. The comments section below will always be open for dialogue with our readers on any topic.
And if it isn’t, feel free to email or call us anytime (insert contact information). We hope all of these tips help make sure your next batch of delicious homemade chicken salad lasts longer than ever before!
