Here is the best way to freeze chicken salad. To save your leftovers to enjoy later, follow these steps to freeze, defrost, & bring your chicken salad back to life. These are the best tips & tricks so it will taste yummy & have great texture.
Dressing of choice / from the original recipeMayo, Miracle Whip, etc
fresh herbs
fresh vegetablesonions, celery, etc
fresh fruitsapples, grapes, etc
chopped nutsalmonds, cashews, etc
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Instructions
Freeze the Chicken Salad
Remove any items that will not store well in the chicken salad - such as fresh herbs and fruits.
Select air-tight freezer containers or Ziploc bags that will fit the amount of chicken salad you will be freezing. Do not pick a container that is too large, you want the chicken salad to just fit in so that there are no exposed areas for air to also be sealed inside. Vacuum sealer bags would be great for this.
Spoon the chicken salad into the container or bag. Seal tightly and try not to leave any air inside that will expose the chicken salad to possible freezer burn. Press out any air you can if using a vacuum sealer or Ziploc.
Label it with the use-by date and what it is. Place in the freezer. Store for 1-3 months.
Defrost the Chicken Salad
Place the unopened Ziploc bag or container full of frozen chicken salad in the refrigerator.
Let it defrost for 1-2 days. It will depend on how small or large of an amount you are thawing.
Refresh the Chicken Salad
Once it is defrosted, check for any separation before mixing. If there is a watery layer on the top, carefully pour or spoon that off.
Mix the chicken salad to see how dry or moist it is. Based on its texture and consistency, add an additional dressing of choice - mayo, Miracle Whip, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or other dressings.
Add any additional ingredients to freshen it back up and add crunch and texture. This is a great time to add fresh minced onions, celery, etc.
Add fresh herbs or season with salt & pepper. Stir to combine & taste test.
Enjoy within 48 hours of defrosting. Do NOT refreeze.