A warm summer’s day calls for a barbeque and, of course, some coleslaw. It’s refreshing, creamy, and filled with veggies.
Perhaps you had a barbeque a week ago, but you still have some leftover coleslaw, and you think to yourself: Has my coleslaw gone bad? How long does it last?
Here are the answers to your questions: coleslaw lasts as long as the label on the packaging states. This is usually 2-3 days after opening. Homemade coleslaw, on the other hand, lasts 3-5 days.
How To Tell If Your Coleslaw Has Gone Bad
The longer you hold onto your coleslaw, the more it loses quality. The vegetables will lose their crispness, and the salad will become watery. Although this isn’t a sign of spoilage, you may want to get rid of it anyway because of the loss of quality.
Here are the telling signs that your coleslaw has probably gone bad:
- Mold: If you find any mold on your coleslaw, it is time to get rid of it.
- Color: Discolorations as such dark spots tell you that your coleslaw is beginning to spoil. Discard it as soon as possible.
- Smell: If it has an off or sour smell, it has probably gone bad. Remember: sometimes a recipe may include lemon juice, which would account for a sour aroma.
- Storage: Storing your coleslaw for a long time isn’t worth the trouble. Rather throw it out as it may be spoiled without any visible signs.
- Taste: If there are no other clear signs, give it a taste. This should let you know if it is spoiled or not.
How To Store Coleslaw
Whether your coleslaw is a creamy mayonnaise-based recipe or the tangy vinaigrette-based recipe, always store it in the fridge. To ensure that containments don’t spoil your coleslaw and to prevent air from drying it out, keep it sealed in an airtight container.
The longer you keep coleslaw at room temperature, the quicker it may spoil. So try not to keep it out on the dinner table for longer than 2 hours.
How Long Does Coleslaw Last?
Unfortunately, coleslaw’s shelf-life is really short. For store-bought coleslaw, have a look at the best-by date. This will tell you how long the coleslaw will last. It may only last a few days after this date, so it’s better to keep to the best-by date.
Once you have opened your coleslaw, its shelf-life decreases again. Check the label on the packaging for how long it will last, but it is usually only 2-3 days.
Homemade coleslaws last a little longer, for 3-5 days, in the fridge.
Remember: keep your coleslaw refrigerated in order to retain its freshness for as long as possible.
The Verdict
Having a barbeque and need the perfect homemade coleslaw recipe? Look no further. This recipe will leave your guests craving for more, so there’s no need to worry about it going bad.
While it may be a favorite side dish, this salad does not last long. Keep it in the fridge and check the labels for the dates which indicate how long it will last.
