Spinach salad
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A fresh spinach salad, often featuring tender spinach leaves, various vibrant vegetables, protein additions, and a flavorful dressing, is a delightful and healthy meal. Proper storage is crucial to maintain its crisp texture and prevent foodborne illness, especially once ingredients are combined and dressed.
Storage Time
An undressed spinach salad, with ingredients stored separately, can last 3–5 days in the refrigerator. Once dressed, a spinach salad should be consumed within 1–2 days for optimal freshness and safety, as the dressing can cause the delicate greens to wilt quickly.
Temperature
Keep all components of spinach salad, especially the prepared salad, consistently refrigerated at a cool temperature of 0–4°C (32–40°F) to inhibit bacterial growth and preserve crispness.
Signs of Spoilage
- Slimy or excessively wilted leaves: Fresh spinach should be crisp; a slimy or heavily wilted texture indicates spoilage and a loss of freshness.
- Sour or off odor: A fresh spinach salad should smell clean and vibrant. Any sour, pungent, or unpleasant smell is a clear sign it has gone bad and should be discarded.
- Mold growth: Visible fuzzy white, green, or black spots on any ingredients, especially the spinach or other vegetables, means the salad must be discarded immediately.
- Discolored or separated dressing: If the dressing appears unusually dark, cloudy, or has visibly separated into its oil and water components in an unappealing way, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid consumption.
