Much like chicken, salmon is an extremely versatile food in that there are countless ways to prepare it. Because it's a healthy option with a quick cook time, it's perfect for those who meal prep. But how long does cooked salmon stay good in the fridge? According to the USDA, cooked salmon leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days. However, you can technically store the leftovers for up to seven days tops, although you will be compromising both taste and safety.
"The texture of fish can change in storage, so it might have a weird texture if you wait all seven days to eat it," Janilyn Hutchings, Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS) and StateFoodSafety's in-house food safety specialist, told POPSUGAR. "The FDA Food Code states seven days is the absolute maximum amount of time you should store cooked fish in the fridge." Hutchings shared that if you keep the leftovers any longer than one week, you may be taking a risk that Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can grow in refrigerator temperatures, has grown on the fish to dangerous levels. "The sooner you eat the leftovers, the better they'll be," she added.
If you're storing cooked salmon leftovers, Hutchings advised that it should be stored in airtight containers as it will help maintain the fish's freshness. To keep track of when exactly it was cooked, make sure to label the container with a "use by" date so you remember to eat it before it spoils. Also be conscious of any odors or signs of mold that may appear over time, and be sure to throw it away if you believe it could be unsafe to eat.
