Chicken salad is a staple in many households It’s tasty, easy to make, and versatile – you can put it between bread slices for a sandwich, serve it over lettuce for a salad, or eat it with crackers as an appetizer
But like any perishable food, homemade chicken salad has a limited fridge life So how long does chicken salad last in the fridge before it goes bad? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview: Chicken Salad Can Last 3-4 Days In The Fridge
The USDA recommends using cooked chicken within 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. Since chicken is the main ingredient in chicken salad, the same 3-4 day rule applies to homemade chicken salad stored in the refrigerator.
After 4 days, it’s best to throw out chicken salad to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Some types of dangerous bacteria can grow even when refrigerated.
For store-bought chicken salad, check the use-by date on the packaging and don’t eat it past that date.
Why Chicken Salad Goes Bad
There are two main types of bacteria that can make chicken salad go bad:
Spoilage Bacteria
These bacteria cause food to smell bad, change texture, and develop an unappealing taste. Eating spoiled chicken salad may cause stomach upset.
Pathogenic Bacteria
Pathogenic bacteria are more dangerous because they can cause food poisoning without altering the taste, smell, or look of food. Chicken salad can harbor Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria, which can all lead to serious illness if consumed.
Other perishable ingredients like mayonnaise, fruits, and veggies also introduce spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.
Proper Storage Is Key
To maximize fridge life, store chicken salad:
- In an airtight container
- At 40°F or below
- In the back of the fridge where it’s coldest
- With the prep date written on it
The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is 40°F to 140°F. So when transporting chicken salad, use a cooler with ice packs. Never let chicken salad sit at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended. Thawed chicken salad tends to turn watery and mushy. While it may be safe to eat, the texture will be unappealing.
Other Tips
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Add acid like citrus juice or vinegar to chicken salad. Acidity inhibits bacteria.
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Don’t rely on smell or taste alone to determine if chicken salad is spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.
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Repurpose leftovers into wraps, melts, or salads with new mix-ins within 4 days.
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Don’t leave chicken salad in a warm lunchbox or picnic cooler all day.
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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.
The Importance of Proper Storage and Temperature
Here’s where things get crucial: room temperature is the enemy of chicken salad. The U.S. Department of Agriculture identifies a temperature range between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C) as the “Danger Zone” for foodborne illnesses.
Leaving chicken salad at room temperature for even a few hours allows bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
Never, ever leave your chicken salad out on a hot day. This is just asking for trouble!
How long would chicken Salad last in the fridge?
FAQ
Can I eat 7 day old chicken salad?
How long does chicken salad with mayonnaise last in the refrigerator?
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.
Is chicken salad good for 5 days?
Some spoilage bacteria can grow at cold temps too, so even when carefully stored and refrigerated, toss that chicken salad after four days.
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).
How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, chicken salad will retain its best quality for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If your chicken salad is homemade, it will also last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. You should know that the ingredients in your chicken salad play an essential role in its shelf life.
Can you eat chicken salad after 3 days?
But if it has been properly stored, you can eat it within five days. Vegetables would begin to lose their nutritional value after 3 days in the fridge. The right time to eat your chicken salad that has been stored in the fridge for its best quality and nutritional value is within the first three days.
How do you store chicken salad in the fridge?
To tackle temperature, store your chicken salad in the coldest spot in the fridge. Usually, this is in the back or bottom. It is definitely not in the door, which is opened frequently and exposed to warm outside air. An airtight seal on whatever bag or container you use to store your salad will lock out oxygen and moisture.
How long can chicken salad sit at room temperature?
The FDA guidelines state that chicken salad should not sit at room temperature for longer than two hours. And if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the chicken salad should be refrigerated after only one hour. The average room temperature ranges from 68 to 78°F (20 to 26°C). And this temperature can be several degrees higher on a hot summer day.
How long does it take to eat chicken salad?
But once you’ve shredded your chicken, chopped your add-ins, and mixed in mayo, you only have three to four days to enjoy it, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Two main ingredients in chicken salad are ripe for harboring bacteria: cooked chicken and mayo.
Can you freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended. Although 32°F is well below the 40°F safety threshold, chicken salad isn’t a good candidate for storing in the freezer. It usually turns watery and loses its texture when thawed, so although it might be safe to eat, it’s no longer enjoyable.