Salsa will last in the fridge for 3 days once it has been opened. Homemade salsa will last for less time as it often contains less preservatives. Use homemade salsa within 3 days. Salsa sold in the refrigerated section of your grocery store should also be eaten within 3 days of opening.
This article will explore how long salsa lasts in the fridge, how to store it safely once it has been opened and how to tell if it has gone bad.
How long shelf temperature salsa lasts in the fridge
3 Days
Salsa that is sold in the shelves of your grocery store at room temperature will last for 3 days in the fridge after it has been opened. These salsa dips will have been heat treated in the jar getting rid of any bacteria or fungi in the sauce.
Salsa on shelves include Tostitos Salsa, Paul Newman’s Salsa, Herdez, Taco Bell Salsa, Cha-Chi’s Salsa, On the Border Salsa, Pace Salsa and Green Mountain Gringo.
Check the side of the pack and follow the manufacturers recommendation for fridge storage time. This Doritos salsa recommends a maximum of 3 days storage in the fridge after opening.
Once the sauce has been opened bacteria can get into the sauce and can eventually grow. Keeping it stored in the fridge with an airtight lid will keep it fresh for longer.
Most salsa sold in the grocery store contain more sugar and salt than homemade salsa so will often keep for slightly longer. It will also keep well due to the heating process it goes through when being jarred.
Salsa in the refrigerator isle
3 Days
Salsa sold in the refrigerator isle will last for 3 days in the fridge. These salsas will often be heat treated and sealed so they keep bacteria out until the package has been opened.
Fresh salsas sold in supermarkets have similar recipes to those sold in jars so will contain sugar and salt which can prevent bacterial growth.
How long homemade salsa lasts in the fridge
Up to 3 Days
Homemade salsa will last up to 3 days in the fridge after it has been made. The chili, sugar and salt will help to preserve the salsa for a short period of time.
If you have added vinegar to the salsa this will also help to reduce bacterial and fungal growth. Always check the surface of your salsa before eating it to make sure there is no mold growth.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure the fridge is set at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the salsa good for as long as possible.
How long Salsa Verde will last in the fridge
Salsa Verde will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Check out my previous article here for more on storing homemade salsa Verde: How Long Does Homemade Salsa Verde Last? | 3 Days Refrigerated
How to store salsa after it has been opened
Once you have opened salsa bacteria in the air can get in. It is important to store it properly after opening. Here are a few tips to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
1. Spoon out on the amount of salsa you are planning to use
Avoid eating directly out of the salsa jar if you want to store the rest for later. Spoon out the amount you are planning to eat into a separate container and eat out of that.
Eating straight out of the jar can introduce extra bacteria and carbohydrates for those bacteria to feed on. Dipping Doritos into the jar is delicious but you can leave bits in the jar which can make the salsa go off quicker.
2. Make sure your fridge is at the correct temperature
Storing salsa in the fridge after opening is essential but it is important to make sure it is at the correct temperature. Set the temperature for 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less (less than 4 degrees Celsius).
Placing the salsa in a container near the back of the fridge will keep it as cold as possible. This will keep the temperature down and slow any bacterial growth.
3. Seal salsa in an airtight container
Salsa left in the jar that has not been eaten out of can be placed straight in the fridge. Put the lid back on tightly and place it near the back of the fridge.
You can also move salsa to an airtight container that fits the amount of salsa left. The less air that is left in the container the better. This will reduce contact with airborne bacteria and keep the salsa in good condition for longer.
How to store salsa before it has been opened
Here are a few easy tips to store salsa before you open it.
Shelf stable salsa (jars)
Jarred salsa bought from the shelf isles of the grocery store can be store in a cool, dark cupboard at home. Avoid leaving glass jars in direct sunlight as the salsa can heat up.
Refrigerated salsa
Put refrigerated salsa straight back into the fridge after getting it home. Avoid leaving it out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
Homemade salsa
Homemade salsa should be stored in the fridge. Avoid freezing salsa as it can change the taste and texture. Use the salsa within 3 days after opening. Often these salsas can last up to 2 weeks if unopened but always check the label first.
How to tell if salsa has gone bad
Before eating any salsa it is important to make sure it has not gone bad.
Look out for white mold
Check the surface of the salsa for white mold. It is best to discard the salsa if this happens. Mold can easily get mixed through the rest of the salsa and make you unwell if you eat it.
The salsa smells bad
If the salsa smells bad in any ways including overly sour or like vinegar then discard it. Salsa should have a fresh smell.
How Long Does Salsa Last in the Fridge? | Summary
Jarred salsa will last for 3 days in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Homemade salsa will usually last for a little less time as it will not have been heat treated. The jarring process for commercially produced salsa will kill any bacteria in the salsa.
Salsa will last for longer in the fridge if you do not eat directly out of the jar. Dipping corn chips into the dip can introduce bacteria and carbohydrates for them to feed on.
This can make the salsa go off quicker. To keep any leftovers as long as possible spoon out the amount you are planning to eat in a separate container.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.