How to store meals and leftovers
Where to keep chicken salad, egg salad, guacamole, hummus, pasta, pizza, potato salad, tofu, and tuna salad, and how long each one lasts there, straight from its own guide.
Food storage chart
How long each food keeps at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer.
| Food | Room temperature | Fridge | Freezer | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken salad | Not given | 3-5 days | Not given | |
| Egg salad | Not given | 3-4 days | Not given | |
| Guacamole | Not given | 3-4 days | 3-4 months | |
| Hummus | Not given | 7 days | Not given | |
| Pasta | up to 2 years | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | |
| Pizza | Not given | 3-4 days | 1-2 months | |
| Potato salad | Not given | 3-5 days | Not given | |
| Tofu | Not given | 1 week | 5 months | |
| Tuna salad | Not given | 3-4 days | Not given | |
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Can you freeze chicken salad? Not recommended
Chicken salad keeps 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, and USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing it. Discard it if it sits out more than 2 hours.
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How long is egg salad good for in the fridge?
Egg salad keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge by USDA FoodKeeper, or 3 to 5 days by the USDA's refrigeration chart. Freezing isn't recommended.
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Can you freeze guacamole? Yes, for 3 to 4 months
Guacamole lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Don't leave it out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
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How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers last 3 to 4 days in the fridge and stay safe indefinitely frozen. Refrigerate them within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F.
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How long is pasta good for in the fridge?
Cooked pasta and spaghetti last 3 to 5 days in the fridge and 1 to 2 months in the freezer. Dry pasta keeps 2 years from purchase.
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How to reheat pizza and how long it lasts
Leftover pizza lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 1 to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat it to 165°F, measured with a food thermometer.
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Questions people ask
Can you put hot pizza straight in the fridge?
Yes. The USDA says hot food can go straight into the refrigerator. Make sure the pizza gets there within 2 hours of cooking.
Does pasta expire?
Yes. Dry pasta without eggs keeps 2 years in the pantry from the date of purchase, and cooked pasta keeps 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Does tofu expire?
FoodKeeper gives tofu 1 week in the fridge and 5 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. Use it or freeze it before the week is up.
Does chicken salad need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Cold perishable food, such as chicken salad, should be kept at 40°F (4°C) or below.
How long can potato salad sit out?
Potato salad can sit out for 2 hours at most at room temperature, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). After that, throw it out.
How long does homemade guacamole last?
USDA FoodKeeper lists guacamole at 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and doesn't give a separate time for homemade.