The short answer
In the fridge, these 5 foods last from 3 days (chicken salad) to 5 days (pasta salad). The chart compares counter, fridge and freezer; each food has its own section below with how to store it, whether it freezes and what to do after a night on the counter.
Side by side
How long do deli salads last in the pantry, fridge and freezer?
| Food | Counter | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
 Chicken salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
 Egg salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
 Pasta salad | 2 hours | 3–5 days | Not recommended |
 Salmon salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
 Shrimp salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
How long does chicken salad last?
Chicken salad lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator and only 2 hours out of the fridge.
| Where | Counter | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
- Can you freeze chicken salad? Not recommended. FoodKeeper advises against freezing chicken salad: the texture falls apart, or the thawed result can't be trusted to be safe.
- Left out overnight? Discard. Chicken salad kept out at room temperature beyond 2 hours (just 1 hour once the room tops 90°F / 32°C) should go in the trash. Bacteria grow fastest anywhere from 40°F to 140°F, and some of the toxins they leave behind survive reheating.
How long does egg salad last?
Egg salad lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator and only 2 hours out of the fridge.
| Where | Counter | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
- Can you freeze egg salad? Not recommended. FoodKeeper advises against freezing egg salad: the texture falls apart, or the thawed result can't be trusted to be safe.
- Left out overnight? Discard. Egg salad kept out at room temperature beyond 2 hours (just 1 hour once the room tops 90°F / 32°C) should go in the trash. Bacteria grow fastest anywhere from 40°F to 140°F, and some of the toxins they leave behind survive reheating.
How long does pasta salad last?
Pasta salad lasts 3–5 days in the refrigerator and only 2 hours out of the fridge.
| Where | Counter | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta salad | 2 hours | 3–5 days | Not recommended |
- Can you freeze pasta salad? Not recommended. FoodKeeper advises against freezing pasta salad: the texture falls apart, or the thawed result can't be trusted to be safe.
- Left out overnight? Discard. Pasta salad kept out at room temperature beyond 2 hours (just 1 hour once the room tops 90°F / 32°C) should go in the trash. Bacteria grow fastest anywhere from 40°F to 140°F, and some of the toxins they leave behind survive reheating.
How long does salmon salad last?
Salmon salad lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator and only 2 hours out of the fridge.
| Where | Counter | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
- Can you freeze salmon salad? Not recommended. FoodKeeper advises against freezing salmon salad: the texture falls apart, or the thawed result can't be trusted to be safe.
- Left out overnight? Discard. Salmon salad kept out at room temperature beyond 2 hours (just 1 hour once the room tops 90°F / 32°C) should go in the trash. Bacteria grow fastest anywhere from 40°F to 140°F, and some of the toxins they leave behind survive reheating.
How long does shrimp salad last?
Shrimp salad lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator and only 2 hours out of the fridge.
| Where | Counter | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp salad | 2 hours | 3–4 days | Not recommended |
- Can you freeze shrimp salad? Not recommended. FoodKeeper advises against freezing shrimp salad: the texture falls apart, or the thawed result can't be trusted to be safe.
- Left out overnight? Discard. Shrimp salad kept out at room temperature beyond 2 hours (just 1 hour once the room tops 90°F / 32°C) should go in the trash. Bacteria grow fastest anywhere from 40°F to 140°F, and some of the toxins they leave behind survive reheating.
Before you take a bite
How can you tell if deli salads have gone bad?
- Odor: A sour, yeasty or just plain wrong smell compared with how the dish smelled when fresh.
- Texture: A slimy coating, or liquid pooling and separating where the dish should be smooth.
- Color: Patches that have gone dark or dull, or spots of any unusual color.
- Mold: Fuzz of any kind means the entire container goes in the trash, not only the visible patch.
Storage tips
How should you store deli salads?
- Move it into shallow, airtight containers and get it into the fridge no more than 2 hours after cooking (only 1 hour when it is above 90°F).
- Set the fridge to 40°F (4°C) or colder; shelves in the door are the warmest part.
- Bring leftovers back to 165°F (74°C) when you reheat them, and warm only the amount you plan to eat.
Reader questions
Deli salads: frequently asked questions
How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
Chicken salad lasts 3–4 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or colder. That figure comes from USDA FoodKeeper.
How long does egg salad last in the fridge?
Egg salad lasts 3–4 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or colder. That figure comes from USDA FoodKeeper.
How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?
Pasta salad lasts 3–5 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or colder. That figure comes from USDA FoodKeeper.
How long does salmon salad last in the fridge?
Salmon salad lasts 3–4 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or colder. That figure comes from USDA FoodKeeper.
How long does shrimp salad last in the fridge?
Shrimp salad lasts 3–4 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or colder. That figure comes from USDA FoodKeeper.
More leftovers & deli guides
Figures here are drawn from USDA FoodKeeper plus FSIS guidance. Data re-checked November 2026. How we check our numbers · Spotted an error? Tell us