Can You Freeze Potato Salad? (2 Methods)

It’s the age-old question: can you freeze potato salad?

Though many people debate whether or not this dish is freezer-friendly, the answer is actually quite simple. 

Potato salad can be frozen, but it usually doesn’t taste as fresh once thawed. Since many potato salad recipes are made with mayonnaise (or other cream-based ingredients, such as Greek yogurt), it’s likely the dish will thaw and become watery. This includes the potatoes as they sit in the liquid.

When you think about it, you can freeze pretty much anything. So really, the question should be: should you freeze potato salad?

Either way, let’s go over the basics, including tips and tricks to preserve the original flavor as much as possible.

Can You Freeze Potato Salad?

So, the short answer is: yes, you can freeze potato salad. But you should keep a few things in mind before doing so.

Potato salad will freeze well in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag. It’s the thawing that often causes the issues. If the salad was made with mayonnaise, it will often separate and become watery. To avoid this, add an extra dollop of mayonnaise to the salad before freezing it.

Another option is to use a vinegar-based potato salad recipe. That way, you remove the issue of the creamy ingredients turning soggy.

It will just have a different flavor.

However, no matter which recipe you choose, the freezing process will be the same.

NOTE: if you overcook the potatoes to the point they’re already kind of mushy, they will be even mushier when they’re thawed.

With that in mind, check out this post on how long to boil potatoes for potato salad. That way, they’ll go into the freezer with the right texture.

How to Freeze Potato Salad 

As I already said, freezing potato salad is rather easy and can be done in a variety of ways.

It’s important to note that you should freeze your potato salad as soon as possible, so it doesn’t get contaminated with other foods or debris. 

I recommend splitting it as soon as it’s made and freezing it in smaller, fresh batches.

Use one of the two methods below for optimal freezing results:

Freezing Potato Salad in an Airtight Container

If you can find containers that suck the excess air out, those will be the best option. I use them all the time for guacamole, and it stays fresh for days!

Otherwise, you just want a decent container with a secure lid.

1. Use the correct container size – make sure that the container is not too small or too big.
   • If there’s too much free space, it can foster gas collection at the top, which will ruin the salad.
   • If it’s too small, the container may explode because the salad expands as it freezes.
   • The best rule of thumb is to leave around 1 inch from the top.
2. Use a spoon to place the salad in the container – go slow and easy to avoid crushing the potatoes.
3. Close the container – make sure to put a label on the container to know how long it’s been in the fridge, and be sure the top is tight.

Freezing Potato Salad in a Plastic Freezer Bag

1. Use thick freezer-friendly bags – make sure that the ziplock mechanism is of good quality so that it doesn’t break as the salad expands in the freezer.
2. Squeeze out the air from the bag – be careful when doing this to avoid mashing the potatoes. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid the formation of gas which spoils the salad.
3. Labels – add a label with the date of freezing.

How Long Does Potato Salad Last in the Fridge?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to how long your food will last once it’s been prepared.

But when it comes to potato salad, it’s worth taking a closer look.

This popular dish is often made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, but how long does it really last?

Potato salad will last in the fridge for three to four days after it’s been prepared, provided the potatoes are properly cooked, and it’s allowed to cool completely before going in the fridge. It also needs to be covered or in an airtight container – this is especially true if you add boiled eggs.

How to Thaw Potato Salad

Thawing potato salad quickly can be tempting, but I strongly urge you not to do that.

Because of the sensitive ingredients commonly found in potato salads, it’s prone to bacteria growth and can lead to food poisoning.

So, never thaw potato salad at room temperature or in the microwave. Instead, follow the steps below:

1. Remove the potato salad from the freezer.
2. Ensure the temperature of the refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4°C).
3. Put the potato salad in the fridge and wait a couple of hours for it to thaw.
4. Once done, mix the salad thoroughly and add more mayo if necessary.

More “Can You Freeze It?” Article To Check Out

Can You Freeze Hummus?
Can You Freeze Salsa?
Can You Freeze Sweet Potatoes?
Can You Freeze Stuffed Peppers?