Foods that cannot be eaten within a few days may be frozen to preserve their life and to create an easy meal for another day. Chicken salad is a dish that can be made in bulk, making it a popular choice for part appetizers and picnics. Leftover chicken salad may be safely frozen for up to four months, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Instructions
1. Keep your friends and family safe from possible food-borne illness by freezing leftover chicken salad before its "use by" or "best by" date. If your chicken dish is homemade, eat it or freeze it within three to five days of preparation to avoid bacteria from forming.
2. Reduce the amount of mayonnaise in your homemade chicken salad if you are making your recipe with the express intention of freezing it. Upon thawing, the chicken salad may become watery if there is too much liquid content. By using 1 to 2 tbsps. less of a creamy binding agent, the consistency of your frozen chicken salad may not change too much.
3. Place the chicken salad in a plastic bag or container that is airtight when closed. Zip-top bags are an ideal storage container. Press out all excess air from the bag before closing it.
4. Mark your container with the date as you place it in the freezer. Having the date written on the package will remind you to thaw and eat the dish in a timely manner.
5. Thaw frozen in the refrigerator to avoid the possibility of spoilage. When completely defrosted, add fresh mayonnaise to taste, to recreate the texture you desire.
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