Can you freeze chicken salad? Yes and no. It depends on the recipe. This guide will show you how to freeze and defrost this classic dish—the right way.
Freeze-ability Index
How Long in Freezer
3 months
Best Stored In…
Airtight container or freezer bag
How to Thaw
Refrigerator
What to Expect
A bit watery
Can I Re-Freeze?
Not recommended
Can chicken Salad Be Frozen?
Now, when it comes to chicken salad, there are a few rules:
- First, don’t let it sit in the fridge for a day or two and then freeze it. When it comes to freezing food, the sooner, the better. Freeze chicken salad on the same day it was made or opened (prior to the best-before date.)
- Second, never freeze chicken salad that has come to room temperature (at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.) Bacteria thrive between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezing just inactivates them—it doesn’t remove them.
- Third, the ingredients you use will determine how well the salad will freeze, so let’s review a couple of ingredients that typically go into chicken salads:
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad With Mayo?
Yes and no. Mayonnaise is notorious for separating when frozen. But yes, you can freeze chicken salad made with commercially processed mayo.
Commercially processed mayonnaise (basically anything you buy in-store that isn’t homemade) is typically pasteurized and has added thickeners and preservatives. All of these ingredients will help prevent the mayo from separating.
Don’t freeze your chicken salad if you made it with homemade mayonnaise. It will separate after defrosting (pretty unappetizing.)
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad With Miracle Whip?
Yes. Miracle Whip freezes much better than mayonnaise because it technically isn’t mayonnaise. Consider making your salad with Miracle Whip for better results than mayonnaise if you plan on freezing a batch of chicken salad.
Don’t Freeze These Ingredients
Don’t freeze chicken salad if it contains any of these ingredients:
- Celery
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Peppers (especially green)
- Radish
- Sprouts
- Salad greens (like arugula, curly endive, escarole, etc.)
- Apple
- Grapefruit
- Grapes
- Watermelon
- Whole citrus fruit (slices of orange, lemon, or lime)
You can freeze most of these foods on their own—frozen grapes are a lovely summertime treat, and we’ve looked at how to freeze tomatoes. But chicken salad isn’t cooked or eaten from frozen, and these ingredients will turn to mush when defrosted.
How To Freeze Chicken Salad In Airtight, Resealable Containers
Equipment
- A spoon (preferably slotted)
- Clean airtight, freezable containers
- Cling-wrap
- Freezer labels
- A permanent marker
- Space at the back of your freezer
Instructions
- Fill the container. Important: Leave 1 inch of space at the top of the container.
- Cover the top of the container with cling wrap and then put the lid on. Make sure the container is sealed tightly.
- Add a freezer label to the container and write today’s date on it.
- Store the container at the back of your freezer.
The Best Airtight Containers (Glasslock)
• Over 3,700 Reviews
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These airtight glass containers from Glasslock don’t leak or absorb food smells, they’re oven-safe, freezer-safe, microwavable, and affordable.
How To Freeze Chicken Salad in Freezer Bags
Equipment
- A spoon (preferably slotted)
- Medium-sized, resealable, plastic freezer bags
- Freezer labels
- A permanent marker
- Space at the back of your freezer
Instructions
- Fill the freezer bag with chicken salad. Important: Gently squeeze the air out of the bag before you seal it. if you have a vacuum sealer, use it.
- Write today’s date on a label and stick it to the bag.
- Store the bag at the back of your freezer.
Equipment Shopping List
I made this quick list for you in case you noticed that you were low on freezer bags or realized it was time for a new slotted spoon (I mean, you do deserve a present after all!)
I’ve either used these tools or added them to my own shopping list because they’re affordable and they get great reviews. Add them to your next Amazon order!
The Best Slotted Spoon (OXO)
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• Solid, stylish, & dishwasher safe
The Ultimate Freezer Bags (Hefty)
• Over 2,000 Reviews
• 4.5 out of 5 Stars
• Tough and easy to fill
The Handiest Freezer Labels (Chinco)
• Hundreds of Reviews
• 4.5 out of 5 Stars
• Water-resistant, easy to remove, no residue
The Clingiest Plastic Wrap (Freeze-Tite)
• Hundreds of Reviews
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• Amazon’s Choice
How Long Does chicken Salad Last in the Freezer?
Chicken salad has a freezer shelf life of 3 months. For better results, aim to defrost and eat your salad within 1 month.
How Do I Thaw chicken Salad?
There are two ways to thaw chicken salad:
- Defrosting in the refrigerator, the safest and easiest method, or
- In cold water, which is faster than thawing in the fridge.
How NOT to Thaw chicken Salad
How NOT to Thaw chicken SaladDon’t thaw frozen chicken salad at room temperature, in warm/hot water or in the microwave. This is one of those foods you need to thaw slowly and always keep cold at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees C) or less to stop bacterial growth.
Best Way To Thaw Chicken Salad
Equipment
- A kitchen towel OR a plate
- A mixing bowl
- A mixing spoon
- 1/2 tablespoon (optional)
- Mayonnaise or cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Place the container(s) or freezer bag(s) of frozen chicken salad onto a plate/towel, and then into the refrigerator.
- Leave to thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Once the salad has defrosted, carefully drain any excess liquid and empty the contents into a bowl.
- Stir it a few times to re-incorporate the ingredients. Try adding a little extra mayonnaise to help things mix. Serve chilled.
How To Quickly Thaw Chicken Salad In Cold Water
Equipment
- A large bowl OR a sink
- Cold water (not warm or hot)
- A mixing bowl
- A mixing spoon
- 1/2 tablespoon (optional)
- Mayonnaise or cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a sink or bowl with cold water.
- Place the container or bag into the cold water.
- Replace the water with fresh cold water every 30 minutes. The chicken salad should defrost after 1 hour, but it may need more time depending on volume.
- Once the salad has defrosted, carefully drain any excess liquid and empty the contents into a bowl.
- Stir it a few times to re-incorporate the ingredients. Try adding a 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise or cornstarch to help things mix. Serve chilled.
What to Expect After Defrosting chicken Salad
This dish just doesn’t taste the same as when it’s prepared fresh. Here’s what to expect in terms of taste and texture after you’ve defrosted chicken salad:
- Excess liquid is common. Drain it and add more mayonnaise to thicken the salad up.
- If you included any of these vegetables or fruits with high-moisture content, expect those ingredients to be mushy and watery.
- Frozen mayonnaise or sour cream separates when defrosted.
- Doesn’t taste quite like freshly made.
Can You Re-Freeze It?
As long as you keep the thawed chicken salad chilled at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and re-freeze within 24 hours of defrosting it, it can be refrozen.
We probably wouldn’t do it because the texture will worsen every time you put it back in the freezer, but it’s your call.
Ok, But What About…
Do you know a better way to freeze chicken salad? Or are you looking for info on something else? Leave a comment below or email us—we’d love to hear from you!
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