How Long Does Opened, Store-Bought Pesto Last In The Fridge? - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Opened, Store-Bought Pesto Last In The Fridge? - Tasting Table? ›

Once you remove the lid, however, the sauce starts to expire quickly. In fact, it's possible for store-bought pesto to go bad after just three days, and it is guaranteed that it won't be any good once it gets past the two week mark.

After preparing, your homemade pesto should be immediately stored in the fridge where it will last for up to four days before you notice a drastic shift in taste and possibly smell. You can, however, safely freeze your homemade pesto for up to six months to elongate its freshness.

If you see a dramatic change in color, such as the sauce getting much darker, or if you smell a rancid or funky odor, then you can assume the product has spoiled. In these cases, it's best to discard the pesto and open a new jar instead of eating it.

Some users on Reddit claim to have used the Costco pesto for up to four months, but officially you should go by the date on the jar for safety's sake.

1-3 weeks is the recommendation. But it will actually last untill the oil goes rancid or grows mold on top. I can tell you I have far exceeded the 3 weeks, and the pesto was fine.. So I'm not crazy!

Just make sure to leave some headroom at the top of the container so the pesto has room to expand as it freezes. Pesto will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you've stored it in the freezer, it will last for 6 months.

While you can freeze pesto in full-batch amounts, it is also convenient to freeze pesto in smaller portions to be used as quick flavor-enhancers (without being the full flavor force of the dish)—swirl in soups or stir into salad dressings, or add a dollop to a bowl of rice.

The Bottom Line. Pesto is higher in calories than some sauces but it's also made with super-healthy ingredients, like basil, olive oil and nuts. I find it's a great way to add more flavor to pasta dishes and even vegetables and proteins.

This oxidation is largely unavoidable and isn't dangerous per se. Even though it's unlikely to make you sick, we recommend throwing away the jar. People eat with their eyes as much as their mouths, and life is too short to eat pesto that isn't in anything other than peak condition.

Barilla recommends storing an opened jar of sauce in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The remaining sauce may be frozen at any time during the 3-5 days; simply transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and it will be good for up to 3 months.

Why should pesto not be heated? ›

The primary ingredients in pesto — basil and olive oil — are sensitive to heat. Basil can lose its vibrant color and fresh flavor when exposed to high temperatures, turning it a darker, more muted green. Olive oil can also lose some of its health benefits and can develop a bitter taste when heated excessively.

Here is a quick one on how I like to freeze pesto. The short version is that I put the fresh pesto in a decent Ziploc back, cut a corner of the bag (1/2" size hole) and squeeze like icing into ice cube trays. Freeze the trays and then transfer into freezer bags.

Spread the pesto in a thin layer. Freeze. 2- Remove from freezer and break pesto into pieces. 3- Place in a zip lock bag and freeze!

Once opened, a jar of pesto lasts in the fridge for three days without any dramatic loss of quality. It will be perfectly safe for another two days, but leave it any longer, and its quality will decline to the point that it will no longer be enjoyable to eat.

™: Kirkland Signature is a trademark owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation and is used under licence in Canada.

TO STORE: Refrigerate pesto pasta in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. TO FREEZE: Freeze pasta in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

Swirl into soup before serving, add a spoonful on the side of roast chicken and salad, or dollop over your favourite lasagne. If you've only got a scraping left, pour a little extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar into the jar, screw on the lid and shake to make a salad dressing.

Storing Pesto in a Jar

Make your classic pesto and then fill a jar to to almost the very top. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and seal closed to keep pesto green. This can keep for a few weeks in the fridge if you continue to cover the top with olive to keep the herbs fresh.

Once opened, it's best to use your jar of pasta sauce in about five to six days. For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern — of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow.

Because its ingredients include olive oil, nuts, and cheese, pesto can be high in calories and fat. However, the fat is primarily unsaturated and may have heart health benefits. Pesto is also full of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.