Freezing chicken salad that contains mayonnaise is a common question for home cooks. Mayonnaise, which is made from egg yolks, vinegar, and oil has a reputation for not freezing well. However, with some precautions, you can successfully freeze chicken salad with mayonnaise for later use.
Can You Freeze Mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise on its own does not freeze well. When frozen, mayonnaise tends to separate, with the oil solidifying and the other ingredients becoming watery. This leaves you with a runny, curdled mess when thawed. So straight mayonnaise should not go directly into the freezer.
However, when mayonnaise is incorporated into dishes like chicken salad, freezing is possible. The key is to prevent the mayonnaise from separating from the other ingredients.
How to Freeze Chicken Salad with Mayonnaise
Here are some tips for successfully freezing chicken salad with mayonnaise:
- Use high-quality, fresh mayonnaise. Old or poorly made mayonnaise is more likely to break down during freezing.
- Mix the mayonnaise well with the other ingredients like chicken, vegetables, seasonings, etc. Even distribution helps prevent separation.
- Freeze chicken salad in an airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Air exposure can cause oxidation and separation of the mayo.
- Portion the chicken salad into usable amounts before freezing. This prevents repeated thawing and refreezing.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken salad before sealing the container. This protects it from freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and food safety.
Thawing Frozen Chicken Salad
Properly thawing your frozen chicken salad will also help maintain its texture and prevent the mayo from breaking down.
Try one of these thawing methods:
- Refrigerator thawing – For best results, thaw the frozen chicken salad overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thawing helps the ingredients re-emulsify.
- Cold water thawing – Place the frozen chicken salad container in a bowl of cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Thaw until the salad can be stirred. This should take 1-2 hours.
- Microwave thawing – Heat the frozen chicken salad on LOW power in short intervals, stirring between each. Watch carefully to prevent cooking the salad.
Once thawed, stir the chicken salad well before serving to evenly distribute the mayo. Add a little extra mayo or Greek yogurt if needed to adjust the texture.
How to Use Thawed Chicken Salad
Thawed, previously frozen chicken salad with mayonnaise can be used in any recipe calling for chicken salad:
- Sandwiches – Spread on bread, rolls, or croissants for chicken salad sandwiches.
- Lettuce wraps – Scoop into lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
- Salad topping – Sprinkle over greens for an easy protein-packed salad.
- Snack – Eat as-is with crackers or vegetable crudités.
- Stuffed tomatoes – Fill hollowed out cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Filling – Use as a filling for stuffed pitas, wraps, or avocado halves.
Well-frozen and thawed chicken salad can be used just like fresh-made. The key is following the proper freezing, storage, and thawing guidelines to maintain the texture and prevent the mayo from breaking.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad without Mayo?
Chicken salad made without mayonnaise is much easier to freeze. Ingredients like cooked chicken, vegetables, and seasonings freeze well on their own.
To freeze chicken salad without mayo:
- Make the chicken salad per your recipe, omitting the mayonnaise.
- Portion into airtight containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Seal, label, and freeze for up to 4 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Once thawed, mix in fresh mayonnaise or Greek yogurt before serving.
Freezing chicken salad without mayo eliminates concerns about the mayo breaking down. Just be sure to incorporate it fresh once thawed and ready to eat.
Ingredient Substitutions for Freezing
You can also make some ingredient substitutions in your chicken salad recipe to make it more freeze-friendly:
| Instead of Mayo | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-fat mayonnaise | Greek yogurt | Provides creamy texture and tangy flavor |
| Mayonnaise | Mashed avocado | Adds creaminess without the egg-based mayo |
| Mayonnaise | Hummus | Provides protein and moisture |
Sour cream and oil-based salad dressings are other possible substitutes. For best results, choose thick, creamy dressings over vinaigrettes.
Instead of Dairy Milk or Cream
| Instead of | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Milk | Non-dairy milk like almond or soy |
| Heavy cream | Full-fat coconut milk |
| Sour cream | Plain non-dairy yogurt |
Dairy products can sometimes curdle or separate when frozen. Using non-dairy substitutes prevents this.
Instead of Lettuce
| Instead of | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Lettuce | Chopped cabbage |
| Lettuce | Thawed frozen spinach or kale |
| Lettuce | Chopped celery |
Lettuce and greens get limp and soggy when frozen. Use sturdier veggies instead.
Storing Thawed Chicken Salad
Properly stored in the refrigerator, thawed chicken salad with mayonnaise will keep for:
- 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- 6-8 months in the freezer
To maximize freshness and shelf life:
- Keep thawed chicken salad refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Store in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
- Use within recommended time frames for food safety.
- Do not refreeze thawed chicken salad.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these food safety guidelines when making and storing chicken salad:
- Refrigerate chicken salad within 2 hours of preparation.
- Freeze chicken salad that won’t be eaten within 3-4 days.
- Thaw frozen chicken salad in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Discard chicken salad that smells bad or shows signs of spoilage.
- Store leftovers in a shallow container for quick cooling.
- Consume thawed chicken salad within 3-5 days.
Using freshly cooked chicken, washing produce, and proper refrigeration helps keep chicken salad safe to eat.
Freezing Large Batch
It’s easy to freeze a big batch of chicken salad to have on hand for quick lunches and dinners. Here’s a process for freezing large batches:
- Prepare the chicken salad – Make a double or triple batch of your favorite chicken salad recipe. Allow it to chill fully in the fridge.
- Portion it out – Spoon the salad into individual freezer-safe containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch of headspace. Flatten the surface and smooth it out.
- Seal and label – Attach lids tightly, then label the containers with the contents and freeze date.
- Freeze promptly – For best quality, freeze the chicken salad immediately at 0°F or below.
- Thaw in fridge – When ready to use, thaw the desired container(s) of chicken salad overnight in the refrigerator.
Frozen chicken salad can also be thawed in a bowl of cold water or the microwave on defrost setting. Avoid thawing at room temperature.
Conclusion
Chicken salad with mayonnaise can be frozen for long-term storage, if proper precautions are taken. Use high-quality ingredients, emulsify the mayo, freeze in airtight containers, and thaw slowly in the fridge. With these tips, your frozen chicken salad will retain its flavor, texture and creaminess when thawed. Adjust seasonings to taste and incorporate additional mayo or yogurt as needed before serving to enjoy delicious chicken salad even when made ahead.