Some like it hot. Some like it mild. However you like it, salsa is undeniably one of those food items you'll never regret having on hand. Snack on it with chips, use it as a taco Tuesday accouterment, or spoon some over eggs to add a zesty touch to your breakfast.
A great tasting salsa offers the flavors of fresh tomato, onions and garlic, lime juice and a bit of cilantro. And with so many options for conveniently jarred salsa on the market, you're likely to find the perfect one to suit your taste. Of course, if you don't end up emptying the jar within a few days, you're likely to wonder just how long that open jar will stay good for in the fridge.
Is There a Difference Between Homemade and Jarred Salsa?
Recipes for a homemade salsa commonly call for ripe tomatoes, yellow and green onions, an acid like lime or lemon juice, garlic, and fresh cilantro. A jalapeno pepper is optional for adding a kick of heat to the ingredients. Seasonings include salt and maybe an earthy touch of cumin.
A salsa made in your own kitchen is made with fresh ingredients and will last for about 1-3 days when properly covered and refrigerated.
7 Secrets for Sensational Homemade Salsa
A store-bought salsa with relatively the same ingredients will also contain preserving agents. An airtight unopened jar of a commercially-produced salsa can stay fresh for up to a year, even without any kind of refrigeration. Jarred salsas are specifically made to be stored on shelves and in pantries for extended periods of time.
How Long Can You Store Salsa in the Pantry?
Most unopened store-bought salsa brands will last for 12-18 months in a kitchen cabinet or pantry. Just be sure the salsa jars are stored in a cool and dark place. You should always check the expiration date printed on the jar before opening a container and serving.
How Long Does an Open Jar of Salsa Last in the Fridge?
Once you open a container of a store-bought salsa, it must be refrigerated in an airtight glass jar or plastic container.
An open jar of store-bought salsa will last about 2–4 weeks in the fridge but you should always check for signs of spoilage before serving.
It is also an option to further extend the shelf life of the opened salsa by freezing it. Fill a plastic freezer bag (marked with the date) with salsa and press to remove air before sealing the bag closed and freezing.
Do not save salsa that has been served in open bowls and used by guests. These leftovers should be discarded to avoid contamination.
How Do You Know if a Jar of Salsa Might Be Spoiled?
Always inspect a jar or container of salsa that has been stored before opening it to serve. Look for any signs of dents or swelling of the lid on a jar, which indicate spoilage of the contents.
A sure sign to proceed with caution is when a previously unopened jar doesn't "pop" when you're opening the lid.
If there is no popping noise when opening a jar of salsa, that means there is no longer any pressure in the jar, which preserves the freshness of the ingredients. This can indicate it was never sealed properly or that the contents have gone bad inside the container. These are telltale signs that the salsa is not safe to eat.
When To Throw Out a Jar of Salsa
There will be times when even if you have followed all safety precautions, something has gone wrong and the salsa should not be consumed. You should get rid of any jar of salsa with signs of spoilage.
The warning signs of a jar of salsa gone bad:
- A change in color. The ingredients should retain a bright appearance of red tomatoes, white and green onions, and herbs.
- Signs of mold, fuzz, or unidentified bits in the container.
- A noticeable separation of ingredients.
- It is a considerable amount of time past the recommended expiration date.
- An unappetizing or "off" odor upon opening the jar.
- A bad taste.
If you have gone through all the other items on the checklist and they indicate a problem with the jar of salsa?
Don't taste it, toss it.
Related:
- How Long Does Jarred Pasta Sauce Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Does Boxed Chicken Broth Stay Good in the Fridge?
- How Long Does Bacon Last?
FAQs
An open jar of store-bought salsa lasts about 2–4 weeks in the fridge, but you should always check for signs of mold, fuzz, funky smells, and any other signs that something is awry before diving in. If you make your own salsa, it'll stay good for just five to seven days in the fridge.
Does jar salsa go bad in the fridge? ›
Once you open a container of a store-bought salsa, it must be refrigerated in an airtight glass jar or plastic container. An open jar of store-bought salsa will last about 2–4 weeks in the fridge but you should always check for signs of spoilage before serving.
How long is tostitos salsa good for after opening? ›
Tostitos salsa can be eaten for up to 2 months after it has been opened. This is only true if it is kept in ideal conditions, such as refrigerated and in an airtight container.
How long does fresh salsa last after opening? ›
Shelf Life of Salsas:
Homemade salsa generally lasts for 3-7 days in the fridge. Store-bought salsa lasts up to 2 weeks after opening if refrigerated properly. An unopened jar of store-bought salsa can last up to a year without refrigeration.
How long does pace salsa last after opening? ›
Once open, it can be used for up to 1 month (refrigerate after opening). WHOLE INGREDIENTS: Pace Picante Sauce is made with tomatoes, crisp onions, and the freshest hand-picked jalapeño peppers, and is free from artificial additives, added preservatives , thickeners, and flavors.
How to know if salsa has gone bad? ›
How to Know When Open Salsa Has Gone Bad
- Off Odor: Trust your nose – if it smells off, toss it! ...
- Mold: Any sign of fuzzy bacterial growth means it's time to go.
- Color changes: If an opened jar of salsa looks different from when you bought it or the color has turned grey it is a sign of the presence of mold.
Once opened, it's best to use your jar of pasta sauce in about five to six days. For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern — of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow.
Is fermented salsa safe to eat? ›
As long as the fermentation process is done properly, fermented salsa is safe to eat. The beneficial bacteria that grow during fermentation help preserve the salsa and prevent harmful bacteria from growing. However, if you notice any mold, an off smell, or unusual colors on the salsa, it should be discarded.
How long is chili's salsa good for in the fridge? ›
Store in the fridge in an air tight container. The flavors blend together as it sets, so it is best after a few hours or over night. Chili's salsa will last in the fridge for about a week.
How to make salsa last longer? ›
Go ahead and make a big batch, because salsa lasts a long time! You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 1 week. Mine often lasts even longer with the lime juice included — the acidity acts as a natural preservative. Time can vary a bit depending on how fresh your veggies are, though.
Unopened Jar: An unopened jar of store-bought salsa typically remains safe to consume for 1 to 2 months past the best before date if stored in a cool, dry place. After opening, it should be refrigerated and used within 1 to 2 weeks to ensure safety and quality.
How long is Newman's salsa good for after opening? ›
Typically, the product will last 3 to 7 days when refrigerated. It is advisable that any leftover salsa be used as soon as possible or removed from the glass jar and frozen until used.
Did not refrigerate salsa after opening? ›
Time Limits for Unrefrigerated Salsa: Salsa should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, as bacterial growth accelerates at room temperature. Sealed and Stored Correctly: Once opened, ensure the salsa container is sealed tightly before refrigeration.
Can I eat salsa past the expiration date? ›
No, you should not eat expired salsa—those expiration dates are there for a reason. Even if there is no weird odor, visible mold, or discoloration, it could still give you food poisoning.
How long does Mateo's salsa last after opening? ›
If all of the following criteria are met: 1. The product is not allowed to warm to room temperature 2. Headspace in the jar is minimized 3. Product is not cross contaminated with other food or utensils Generally speaking, the product should be good for 2 weeks after opening.
Does pace picante sauce have an expiration date? ›
12 months/unopened-unrefrigerated. Recommend use by date on bottle.
