Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

A classic chicken salad is a mainstay of a barbecue, cookout, or casual bagel and salad brunch.  Whether incorporating it into tea sandwiches, a lunch, or enjoying it as a snack, it’ll hit the spot and satisfy – and is easy to make. There’s many ways to enjoy chicken salad, whether we go with an old-fashioned Southern variation or a modern spin involving pecans and grapes. But chances are, when serving it, we’ll end up making a whole lot so there will be plenty of leftovers to go around.

It seems to be second-nature to freeze leftovers – but they don't all freeze equally. So, can we freeze chicken salad? Yes, actually, but with some careful caveats and considerations.

Should You Freeze Chicken Salad?

In the spirit of saving food, freezing chicken salad – dressed or not – is plenty feasible. The question is what level of quality do you want once you have thawed the product and put it to use.

“The biggest question is whether the chicken salad is left over, or you are making a batch either to freeze as a project, or use in part immediately and save a portion for later in the week,” says  Jonathan Hunt, Senior Culinary Product Developer at Amazon Fresh. These differences refer directly back to the original train of thought – what are your quality expectations?

You may want to consider freezing components instead. “I would strongly advise against freezing chicken salad as a complete recipe,” notes Executive Chef Zach Preece of Josephine. “Mayonnaise is often one of the main ingredients in a traditional chicken salad recipe and it does not freeze well, and will develop ice crystals over time,” adds Preece. There are other common ingredients typically used in chicken salad, including fresh celery and onions, which won’t do well in the freezer due to their water content.

Meet The Experts

• Jonathan Hunt is the Senior Culinary Product Developer at Amazon Fresh

• Zach Preece is the Executive Chef of Josephine in Jacksonville, Florida

Guidelines For Freezing Chicken Salad

There are two approaches to freezing chicken salad, and both have their benefits and drawbacks.

Without Mayo

1. If making in bulk, either to use in part immediately and freezing the rest, don’t add mayo to the portion you want to freeze. “Best practice would be to add a little olive oil to coat the salad as is, and add mayo once the salad has been thawed,” advises Hunt, who explained that the olive oil will help protect the exterior of each bulk ingredient (chicken and vegetables) while in the  freezer and permeate those ingredients with some flavor as well.”

2. Once the chicken salad is thawed, add your mayonnaise to order and use as you normally would. If overly moist, add a little bit of breadcrumb to stiffen,” says Hunt.

With Mayo

If freezing leftover chicken salad with mayo, keep your quality expectations low. “Most important is to freeze chicken salad that has not been sitting out for an excessive amount of time. Two hours max,” adds Hunt.

Or if it has already been made, freeze before it’s three days old. “Place chicken salad in a Ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before placing it in the freezer,” advises Hunt.

Expert Tip

Always leave a small opening and suck out the air, cinching in the bag tight to the salad. “Label and date your salad and place it in the freezer. Use within three months. [For best results use a vacuum sealer and proper vacuum bag if you own one],” says Hunt.

Potential Risks Of Freezing Chicken Salad

We get it. No one wants to waste food, and freezing chicken salad means those leftovers can be used at another future time. But proceed with caution. “Freezing salad already dressed with mayo will give you a final product that is separated and affects texture and mouthfeel, and taste,” says Hunt.

How To Thaw Frozen Chicken Salad

• In the fridge: With frozen chicken salad, microwave at your own quality risk. “Best practice is to thaw in the refrigerator overnight,” says Hunt. Gentle and slow.

• In the sink: You can also place the sealed bag under running cold water in a bowl for an hour or so [depending on the size of bag].”

• In the microwave: If needed in a pinch, use your microwave, but you must use the defrost function, and flip over perhaps more than it pings you to do so,” notes Hunt.

How Long Is Frozen Chicken Salad Safe To Eat?

Food safety for chicken salad is all about what you start with. “Don’t freeze anything that has been sitting at ambient temperature for more than two hours. If the product has been under refrigeration the entire time, discard product older than 3 days and you will minimize risk,” says Hunt.

Related: 14 Easy Chicken Salad Recipes That'll Be Instant Classics

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