Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Couscous Salad expire?
Unopened store-bought couscous salad usually lasts for about 3 to 5 days beyond the sell-by date printed on the package. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3 days. If it's homemade, you should ideally consume it within 3 to 4 days. As for freezing, couscous salad can be frozen for up to 6 months. However, the texture might change slightly upon defrosting. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
How do you tell if Couscous Salad is bad?
Smell is your first hint. If the couscous salad has a sour or unusual odor, it's likely spoiled. Also, if the flavor seems more tangy or strange than the usual, it might not be safe to eat. Lastly, if there's visible mold on the salad, you should certainly toss it.
Tips for storing Couscous Salad to extend shelf life
• Always store the couscous salad in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours as bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F.
• If you're planning on freezing the salad, secure it in a freezer-safe container. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn.
• Remember to rotate your supplies and use the old ones before the new to keep everything as fresh as possible.
• Label your containers with the date when it was frozen to help you keep track of its lifespan.