How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge? (Raw, Cooked & Smoked)

Salmon is one of the most perishable foods in the fridge. Raw fresh salmon lasts just 1–2 days — one of the shortest shelf lives of any protein. Cooked salmon gives you a little more time at 3–4 days, and smoked salmon lasts 3–5 days after opening. Getting the timing wrong with fish carries real food safety risk. Fango tracks salmon and all your other perishables with push notifications so you always know what needs to be eaten — and when to freeze it before it's too late.

Salmon Storage Times at a Glance

How Long Does Raw Salmon Last?

Raw fresh salmon lasts 1–2 days in the fridge. This is one of the shortest shelf lives of any fresh protein — shorter than chicken (1–2 days) and significantly shorter than beef or pork (3–5 days). Fish contains enzymes and bacteria that cause rapid deterioration even at fridge temperature.

The use-by date on the packaging is the hard deadline. The UK Food Standards Agency is unambiguous: do not eat food past its use-by date. Harmful bacteria including Listeria and Vibrio can be present in fish at dangerous levels without any visible or olfactory warning sign.

The practical rule: buy salmon to cook that day or the next. If plans change, freeze it immediately — do not leave it to push the boundary of the use-by date.

How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last?

Cooked salmon lasts 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking — do not leave it at room temperature to cool overnight.

Cooked fish reheated thoroughly (piping hot, 70°C throughout) is safe within this window. However, many people prefer to eat leftover salmon cold — in salads, grain bowls, or on bread — which is fine within 3–4 days. Do not eat cooked salmon that has been in the fridge for more than 4 days.

How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last?

Smoked salmon is a ready-to-eat product and carries a Listeria monocytogenes risk — particularly for pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, for whom the UK FSA advises avoiding it entirely.

• Unopened — keep in the fridge and follow the use-by date on the packet (typically 2–4 weeks from purchase)
• Opened — 3–5 days; reseal the original packet tightly or transfer to an airtight container
• Gravlax — same as smoked salmon: 3–5 days after opening

• Always follow the use-by date on smoked salmon — do not eat past it even if it smells fine
• Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should avoid smoked salmon and other cold-smoked fish
• Do not leave smoked salmon at room temperature for more than 2 hours

How to Tell If Salmon Has Gone Bad

1. 1
   Smell — Fresh salmon has a mild, clean, oceanic smell. Spoiled salmon smells strongly fishy, sour, or ammonia-like. This is the most reliable indicator.
2. 2
   Texture — Fresh salmon flesh is firm and springs back when pressed. Spoiled salmon is soft, mushy, or slimy. The flesh should hold its shape when handled.
3. 3
   Colour — Fresh salmon is vibrant pink-orange. Dull, grey, or discoloured flesh — especially if also soft or smelly — indicates spoilage. Some browning at cut edges is normal oxidation; grey all the way through is not.

How to Freeze Salmon

For freezing tips that cover all proteins and other foods, see: how to freeze food — complete guide.

1. 1
   Freeze on the day of purchase. Do not wait until the use-by date is tomorrow — freeze as soon as you know you won't cook it in time.
2. 2
   Portion into single servings. Freeze fillets individually so you only defrost what you need. Lay on a tray to freeze solid first, then transfer to a zip-lock bag.
3. 3
   Remove all air from the bag. Air causes freezer burn, which dries out the surface and dulls the flavour. Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
4. 4
   Label with date. Raw salmon keeps quality for 2–3 months frozen. After that it remains safe but flavour and texture decline.
5. 5
   Thaw in the fridge overnight. Never thaw fish at room temperature. Once thawed, cook within 24 hours — do not refreeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does raw salmon last in the fridge?

1–2 days. Follow the use-by date on the packaging strictly — do not eat raw salmon past it, even if it smells fine.

How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?

3–4 days in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and do not eat it after 4 days.

How long does smoked salmon last after opening?

3–5 days. Reseal the original packet tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Always follow the use-by date on the packaging regardless.

Can you freeze salmon?

Yes — raw salmon freezes well. Freeze on the day of purchase before the use-by date. It keeps quality for 2–3 months. Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months.

How can you tell if salmon has gone bad?

Strong fishy or sour smell, soft or mushy flesh, and dull grey discolouration are the main signs. Fresh salmon has a mild smell, firm flesh, and vibrant pink-orange colour. When in doubt, discard it.