Tomato Salad

Homemade tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh but can last in your refrigerator for up to 2 days. Its shelf life depends on the ingredients used in the salad. If it's a basic tomato salad with just tomatoes, onions, and dressing, it should be fine for up to 2 days if refrigerated properly. If you have added dairy products like feta cheese or fresh herbs, the salad might spoil faster.

Tomato salad is pretty straightforward to assess when it's no longer good to eat. If the tomatoes have become mushy or slimy, or there's a sour smell, it's time to toss it. Any visible mold (could be green, black or white) is also a sure sign of spoilage. If the salad has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it's better to play it safe and discard it.

• Always refrigerate your tomato salad in an airtight container. Limiting air contact will often slow down the oxidation process and keep the salad fresh for longer. • If your tomato salad contains fresh herbs or cheese, adding a little lemon juice can help keep them fresh. • Separating the tomatoes from the dressing can extend the life of your salad. You can store them separately and mix them just before eating. • You can extend the shelf life by storing individual components of the salad separately if you're preparing in advance. Tomatoes can go in one container, onions in another, and so on. This way, each ingredient keeps its freshness.