How long does salmon last in the fridge?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Raw: 1–3 days · Cooked: 3–4 days
- In the freezer
- Raw: 2–3 months
Sources: FoodSafety.gov — Cold Food Storage Chart, USDA FoodKeeper · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Fresh raw salmon is one of the most fragile foods in the fridge — 1–3 days at 4°C or below. Buy and cook the same day when possible. Smoked salmon lasts longer: 5–7 days refrigerated unopened, 3–5 days once opened. Cooked salmon keeps 3–4 days in a sealed container. Frozen, raw salmon holds quality 2–3 months; longer than that and the texture degrades. Color shifts toward orange-grey are normal; an ammonia smell, slime, or sour smell means it's done.
How to store salmon
Store raw salmon on the coldest part of the fridge, ideally on ice in a sealed container, on the bottom shelf so juices can't drip. Buy from a trusted source and check the use-by date. If you can't cook the same day, freeze immediately — re-wrap tightly in freezer paper or vacuum-seal to prevent freezer burn and odor transfer. Thaw in the fridge overnight, never on the counter. Smoked salmon should stay sealed until ready to eat.
- Coldest part of fridge, on ice if possible
- Bottom shelf in sealed container
- Freeze the day of purchase if not cooking same day
- Vacuum-seal to prevent freezer burn
- Thaw overnight in fridge
Signs it has gone bad
- Ammonia, sour, or sharply fishy smell
- Slimy or sticky surface
- Grey or dull color (not just normal pink-grey)
- Soft, separated flesh that flakes apart
Frequently asked questions
How long does raw salmon last in the fridge?
Raw salmon lasts 1–3 days in the fridge at or below 4°C. Cook the same day or freeze immediately.
Can you eat salmon past the date?
Best to follow the date strictly for raw — fresh fish goes off fast. For smoked or canned salmon, sealed lasts longer than the date; once opened, 3–5 days.
Can you freeze salmon?
Yes — vacuum-seal raw salmon for 2–3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.