Can you freeze potato salad? Yes. Should you? Probably not. Read on to learn why.
Can You Freeze Potato Salad?
Updated on Aug. 05, 2024
You can freeze almost anything, especially if you have the right freezer products to help. But because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Of course, we get it. We’ve found ourselves with a ton of leftover potato salad after a summer barbecue. It never feels good to waste food, which brings us to the question at hand: Can you freeze potato salad?
How long does potato salad last in the fridge?
According to the USDA, leftovers like potato salad should last in the refrigerator for three to four days. Store-bought potato salad will be stamped with a best-by date. You’ll want to keep the “two-hour rule” in mind, though. If your potato salad was held at room temperature for two hours, throw it away instead of returning it to the refrigerator.
It’s important to think about the ingredients here, too. Did you make a vinegary German-style potato salad without mayonnaise? That will last slightly longer than a potato salad made with mayo or hard-boiled eggs.
Can you freeze potato salad?
Yes: You can freeze potato salad. Keep in mind that it won’t have the same texture when it thaws, though. A number of ingredients can be affected. Mayonnaise is an emulsion, so it doesn’t hold in the freezer. The individual ingredients will separate and make the thawed potato salad look and taste a little weird. The same can be said for potato salad made with sour cream or other dairy-based ingredients, which also don’t freeze well. While you’re better off freezing an oil- or mustard-based potato salad, the salad simply won’t be the same when it thaws. The potatoes will be soggy and can turn gray in the freezer.
Instead of freezing it, we recommend thinking of creative ways to use up leftover potato salad. Try stuffing it inside a tortilla for a fun spin on a wrap, or mashing the whole mixture to make potato croquettes.
You can also roast potato salad: Put it in a colander, wash off the excess mayonnaise and pop it in a 425°F oven for about 30 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through. (Trust us: You’ve gotta try it.)
How to Freeze Potato Salad
If you must freeze potato salad, here’s how to do it. Before getting started, check out our ultimate guide for freezing food. In general, frozen vegetables last about eight months in the freezer. Since potato salad has added ingredients, you can probably count on about three to six months until the quality really starts to decline.
Freezing homemade potato salad
To freeze homemade potato salad, place the salad in a freezer-safe bag. Press the salad into a single layer and squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze the potato salad flat, as this will help it thaw out more quickly and keep the potatoes from getting too soggy. We recommend this for potato salad recipes made with mustard or oil.
Freezing store-bought potato salad
To freeze store-bought potato salad, remove it from the container it came in. Freezing it in a square container will keep the middle of the potato salad frozen as the exterior thaws, leading to deteriorated texture. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and follow the instructions for freezing homemade potato salad.
Freezing potato salad with mayo
We don’t recommend freezing potato salad made with mayonnaise or dairy-based ingredients like sour cream. These ingredients don’t freeze well, leading to a weird texture when the potato salad thaws. If you do freeze potato salad with mayonnaise, we recommend serving it warm.
How to Thaw Potato Salad
The best way to thaw frozen potato salad is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re running short on time, you can place the freezer bag in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the salad is thawed. Keep in mind that the potato salad can become waterlogged if there is a hole in the bag, so be sure your bag is airtight.
Our Top Potato Salad Recipes
Southern Potato SaladThis easy southern potato salad recipe is an old-fashioned favorite that fits in perfectly at potlucks, luncheons, backyard cookouts and more.
Sicilian Potato SaladFresh basil is the star of this mayo-free, Italian-inspired take on potato salad. It's one of our favorite light potato salad recipes. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan
Cleo’s Potato SaladMy mom, Cleo Lightfoot, loved cooking all kinds of recipes, but her favorite meal was one she made when hosting backyard barbecues in the summer. She would make her famous ribs, baked beans and this delicious potato salad. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Potato Salad with BaconIt's like a loaded baked potato, but in salad form!
Dill Pickle Potato SaladThis creamy dill pickle potato salad makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper.—Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Chipotle Sweet Potato SaladI love the velvety taste and texture of sweet potatoes. A friend served sweet potatoes cooked with peppers, and they tasted so delicious together. I took those flavors and developed them into this creamy, smoky potato salad. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
Dilled Potato SaladWhat's a picnic without potato salad? This recipe will add delightful new flavor to yours. The spices make the difference. —Cam Cox, Hemet, California
Grilled Firecracker Potato SaladI can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut VinaigrettePotato salad tossed with vinaigrette has a lighter taste than traditional mayo versions. I add velvety avocado and hazelnuts for cool texture and crunch. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Loaded Baked Potato SaladThis loaded baked potato salad turns everyone's favorite game-day food into an irresistible summer side! Plus, the ingredients can be customized for your crew's liking, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings.
Herb-Vinaigrette Potato SaladThis is a great way to celebrate early produce from the garden. To add some more crunch, sprinkle with croutons. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Hot German Potato SaladThis hot German potato salad is a deliciously downsized version of a favorite picnic salad. —Jennie Voigt, Marathon, Wisconsin
Grandma’s Potato SaladOur Fourth of July feast wouldn't be complete without this chilled old-fashioned potato salad. It's my grandma's treasured recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Homemade Potato SaladThis homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Three Potato SaladThis pretty salad - made with white, red and sweet potatoes - tastes as good as it looks. The mild dill dressing enhances the tender spuds and onion, especially if you refrigerate it overnight. Even those who don't like sweet potatoes like this salad.
-Nan Cairo, Greenwood, Delaware
Dilly Potato & Egg SaladEveryone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Grilled Potato SaladTo avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just about everything—including this creamy grilled potato salad. My friends have dubbed this ‘The Best Potato Salad You’ll Ever Put in Your Mouth!—and I love that! —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia. Try out one of these grilled potato recipes that will make the perfect side dish for any style of cookout.
Cajun Potato SaladHere in Louisiana we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This does the trick. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Red and Sweet Potato SaladTwo types of potatoes help this creamy side dish stand out at warm weather get-togethers. People love the spicy mustard dressing. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Green Goddess Vegan Potato SaladDon't be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It's perfect for potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Pressure-Cooker Potato SaladI used to rarely make potato salad because it can be somewhat time-consuming, but because of this easy pressure-cooker potato salad recipe, I'll be making it more often! We prefer this salad with unpeeled red potatoes but you can use any potato—with or without the skin. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Red, White & Blue Potato SaladTossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Mexican Roasted Potato SaladMy husband is the No. 1 fan of this south-of-the-border potato salad. The leftovers make an awesome late-night snack, straight from the fridge. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Italian Potato SaladA lighter take on the traditional potato salad that packs Italian flavors.
German Potato Salad RecipeThis authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Fried Potato SaladThis recipe began with leftover fried potatoes I had on hand. We liked it so much that now I fry potatoes just to make this unique potato salad. Sometimes I add grated sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist. —Leann Stallard, Dryden, Virginia
French Potato SaladFrench potato salad is vinegar-based instead of creamy, made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, scallions or shallots, and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Tzatziki Potato SaladMy son has an egg allergy, so this potato salad is perfect for him. For extra color, add radish, apple and garlic dill pickles. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Cauliflower Potato SaladCauliflower in potato salad? You bet, along with carrots, olives and other yummy surprises. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan
Grandma’s Potato SaladThis salad is a must for the Fourth of July feast. The red potatoes hold their shape and texture even after they are boiled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
White Ale Potato SaladTake this one outside! My grown-up recipe uses beer instead of mayo, so you don't need to worry about keeping it cool. It's a really popular recipe on my blog, girllikestoeat.com. —Jenny MacBeth, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sour Cream Potato SaladItalian dressing and horseradish make this sour cream potato salad different from most, plus those ingredients really add some zip! It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. —Veda Luttrell, Sutter, California
Ranch Potato SaladI make this creamy ranch potato salad with cheese, bacon and ranch salad dressing. My sister asked for the recipe as soon as she tried it. —Lynn Breunig, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Red Potato Salad RecipeThis creamy red potato salad recipe is a classic for cookouts, potlucks and any festive get-togethers.
Creamy Potato Salad RecipeMy grandma makes the best potato salad, but she doesn't use a recipe! So I watched while she put together "a little of this and a little of that" and jotted a creamy potato salad recipe that comes close. The dressing also works well for making deviled eggs. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota. If you love experimenting with classic recipes, then you need to try out this deviled egg potato salad.
Old-Fashioned Potato SaladWe live at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where there are lots of small farms. Country markets are plentiful here, so potatoes are a staple. I use them up in this delicious old-fashioned potato salad recipe. —Nancy Grove-Nichols, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania
Loaded Potato SaladGet a load of this loaded potato salad with sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and more. The ingredients come together to give you all the richness of restaurant potato skins at your next picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova Scotia
Green Bean Potato SaladFor family reunions, my mom would make everybody's favorite green bean and potato salad. Now I'm the one who brings it. —Connie Dicavoli, Shawnee, Kansas
Instant Pot Potato SaladStarting this potato salad off in the Instant Pot speeds up the potato prep and creates a creamy and satisfying potluck and party favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Greek Potato SaladExperience a taste of the Mediterranean with our flavorful Greek potato salad recipe featuring Yukon Golds, red onion, olives, feta cheese and aromatic herbs.
