How Long Can Potato Salad Be Left Out?

If you're from the South like I am, you know that no barbecue is complete without potato salad. But, leaving it out without proper food safety measures can put everyone at risk for food poisoning. If potato salad sits out too long in unsafe temperatures, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and insects.

The Food and Drug Administration advises that food should not remain in the 'Danger Zone' (between 40°F and 140°F) for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it's above 90°F. In this range, bacteria can multiply quickly, leading to spoilage and illness.

Many people assume that mayonnaise is the primary culprit for bacterial growth in potato salad, so they think salads without mayo are safer. However, it's actually the potatoes themselves that pose the biggest risk. Like rice, potatoes are a low-acid food, making them a prime environment for bacteria to thrive. So, potato salad without mayo is still not safe to leave out for too long.

How Long Can Potato Salad Sit Out?

According to FDA guidelines, potato salad should not sit out for more than two hours, or just one hour if the temperature exceeds 90°F.

To ensure the safety of your potluck items, it’s a good idea to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, especially during picnics. For dishes like potato and chicken salad, store them in coolers until it’s time to serve them to prevent harmful bacteria from growing.

How Long Can Potato Salad Be Stored in the Fridge?

The USDA recommends that egg and mayonnaise-based potato salad can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if stored properly. However, a German-style potato salad can last up to 5 days when kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

While summer gatherings are fun, keeping your guests safe during potlucks and barbecues is crucial. If you have any questions about how to safely serve food or need further guidance, you can call the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.