Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

We’ve all been there after lunch or dinner, staring at leftovers that we’re not quite sure what to do with and wondering to ourselves, "Can you freeze chicken salad?" Is it worth the hassle to prepare it for freezing or is the bin an easier final destination? Can you freeze homemade chicken salad? So many questions, so little time, but ultimately we decide to freeze because what’s one more item taking up space in the freezer?

You can’t go wrong with a chicken salad; it’s simple, scrumptious, versatile and a fine addition to your weekly meals. Occasionally, you might find yourself with extra chicken salad and while you’re better off consuming it fresh, freezing can be a practical solution to avoid saying goodbye too soon. In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of the question, “Can you freeze chicken salad?” and explore the best methods to freeze it, ensuring it stays tasty even after a stint in the freezer.

 Jump to Section

• Can Chicken Salad Be Frozen?
• How To Freeze Chicken Salad
• How To Defrost Chicken Salad

Can Chicken Salad Be Frozen?

Can you freeze chicken salad? The simple answer is yes, you can freeze a chicken salad. Whether you’ve made a scrumptious buffalo chicken salad, a nutritious keto chicken salad or a BBQ chicken salad, freezing is a fantastic way to avoid wasting food if you're not quite ready to part with your leftovers.

However, while you can freeze a chicken salad, the real question is, should you? If you can avoid it, the answer is no — it's generally not recommended. There are also things to consider before popping your chicken salad in the freezer — namely, are you prepared for the unavoidable change in texture and taste once it’s thawed?

Can You Freeze Homemade Chicken Salad?

If you’re wondering whether you can freeze homemade chicken salad, the answer is yes. You can freeze a chicken salad made from scratch at home, especially if it's made with minimal ingredients such as chicken, nuts and grapes and uses Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This combination tends to freeze well and defrost without too much hassle. Just make sure your chicken salad is fully cooled and that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before freezing.

Can You Freeze Leftover Chicken Salad? 

Can you freeze leftover chicken salad? While you can freeze a chicken salad as part of dinner leftovers, how well it freezes (and thaws) depends largely on the age of the chicken salad and of course the specific ingredients used. Freezing won't magically make a week-old salad fresher; bacteria growth resumes where it left off before freezing. This is something to consider when you’re wondering if you can freeze leftover chicken salad.

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad With Mayo?

Can you freeze chicken salad with mayonnaise? While celery and onions, which have high water content, can affect how your chicken salad freezes and thaws, it's the mayonnaise that really takes the cake and will greatly impact your salad upon defrosting. Simply put, mayonnaise doesn't freeze well — it wasn't designed for it. If you do decide to freeze your chicken salad with mayo, be prepared for an oily, separated salad once thawed. However, it’s not all doom and gloom — a quick stir, some seasoning and the addition of some fresh mayo can help bring it back to life. 

How To Freeze Chicken Salad

Now that we know you can freeze a chicken salad, the next question is how exactly should you go about doing it. The process for freezing chicken salad can vary slightly depending on whether it contains mayonnaise or not. 

With Mayo

First, while you can freeze chicken salad, you should ensure that you do so before it reaches three days old. It’s the best way to maintain freshness and ensure proper food safety. 

• Begin by portioning out your chicken salad into manageable servings. This step is optional but it makes it easier to thaw only what you need later.
• Next, transfer your chicken salad, whether homemade or store-bought, into an airtight container or a ziplock freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. 
• Once properly sealed, label the container or bag with the date and pop it into the freezer. It’s that simple! 

Without Mayo

You can freeze a chicken salad made without mayonnaise; the process is just as straightforward but with an extra step. 

• Start by coating your chicken salad with a drizzle of olive oil. This will help lock in the flavors of each ingredient before freezing.
• After coating, separate your mayo-free chicken salad into servings that work for you. 
• Place each portion into a ziplock freezer bag or airtight container and double-check that it’s sealed tightly to keep it fresh. 
• Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date before freezing. 

How Long Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

You can freeze a chicken salad safely for up to three months, but for the best quality and taste, you’re better off consuming it within one to two months. If a chicken salad is left in the freezer for too long, its texture and flavor can start to change, especially if it contains mayonnaise. As an extra tip, to keep your salad from getting freezer burn during its frozen vacation, make sure the container it’s stored in is airtight. This will keep it as fresh as possible until you're ready to thaw and enjoy it.

How To Defrost Chicken Salad

So far, we've covered whether you can freeze a chicken salad, how long it can be frozen and even “Can you freeze homemade chicken salad?” But what about defrosting it? When it comes to defrosting your chicken salad, planning helps. Depending on the method you choose, it can take up to 24 hours, and spoiler alert, the slow method is the way to go for the best results.

If you’re in a hurry, the quickest way to defrost your chicken salad is by using your microwave's defrost setting. While convenient, the downside to this method is that it may cause your salad to heat up, which can lead to further separation of the mayonnaise. 

Another option for thawing your chicken salad is to use your kitchen sink. Simply place your sealed ziplock bag in the sink and let the running water do the work. To spare your water bill for the month, you can also put the chicken salad (inside the ziplock) in a bowl of water instead. It’s just as effective, though it might take a bit longer.

Finally, the best and safest method for thawing your chicken salad is to simply let it defrost overnight in your refrigerator. This gradual thawing process will preserve the texture and flavor of the salad while keeping it at just the right temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Once defrosted, chicken salad can be great as a sandwich spread, eaten with crackers, used as a filling for wraps and much more.

Is Frozen Chicken Salad Safe To Eat? 

Yes, you can freeze a chicken salad and it will generally be safe to eat as long as it is properly stored and thawed. This means it should have been frozen before it reached three days old, not left at room temperature for more than two hours and thawed correctly, all of which helps to prevent bacterial growth. 

While a frozen chicken salad is safe to eat in most cases, it’s important to look out for telltale signs that it has gone bad, both before and after freezing. Check for obvious color changes, an off smell or a slimy texture. If you're still unsure about whether your chicken salad is safe to eat after these checks, it's best to discard it — better to be safe than sorry!

By now, you know the answer to the question, “Can you freeze chicken salad?” Yes, you can freeze a chicken salad, and now that you know how to do it, how to thaw it and some ways to enjoy it afterward, there's nothing stopping you from making a surplus! However, while you can freeze a chicken salad, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before committing to it. Freezing can, of course, extend the life of your salad, but it may come at the cost of texture and flavor, especially if ingredients like mayonnaise or eggs are involved.

If, after everything you’ve learned by this point, you decide to freeze your chicken salad, proper storage and careful thawing will go a long way in preserving the best possible quality. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but with these tips in mind, you can make an informed decision on whether to freeze it or stick to enjoying your chicken salad fresh.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.