{"id":967,"date":"2019-04-02T14:00:49","date_gmt":"2019-04-02T14:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/?p=967"},"modified":"2023-05-09T08:09:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-09T08:09:09","slug":"can-salad-dressing-go-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-salad-dressing-go-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Salad Dressing Go Bad? [Shelf Life and Spoilage]"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:150%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-block-group-test is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>In a Nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Shelf Life:<\/strong>&nbsp;Store-bought salad dressings can last for over a year unopened, and 6+ months after opening. Homemade salad dressings typically only keep for about one week in the refrigerator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spoilage Signs:<\/strong>&nbsp;Check for changes in color, smell, and texture. If your dressing starts to separate, develop a funky smell, or show signs of mold, it&rsquo;s time to toss it out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Storage Methods:<\/strong>&nbsp;Refrigeration is key for open bottles and homemade dressings. Keep your dressings in an airtight container, in the coldest part of your fridge, to extend their freshness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Ever found yourself staring suspiciously at a bottle of leftover dressing, questioning its life expectancy or mulling over the potential dangers of food poisoning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;re a lover of store-bought salad dressings or you&rsquo;ve taken a more culinary approach and started making your own, we&rsquo;ve all been there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will be your go-to guide on the shelf life, spoilage signs, and best storage methods for salad dressings. So, keep reading and say goodbye to the guesswork!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Vegetable salad\" class=\"wp-image-970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20600%20400'%3E%3Crect%20width='600'%20height='400'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Vegetable salad\" class=\"wp-image-970 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-600x400.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-300x200.jpg.webp 300w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(credit:  <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/V2Kw-YC7Cls?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Jasmin Schreiber<\/a> )<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#how-long-does-salad-dressing-last\">How Long Does Salad Dressing Last?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-tell-if-salad-dressing-is-bad\">How to Tell if Salad Dressing is Bad?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#when-its-weird-but-its-fine\">When It&rsquo;s Weird, But It&rsquo;s Fine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#does-salad-dressing-need-to-be-refrigerated\">Does Salad Dressing Need to Be Refrigerated?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-store-salad-dressing\">How to Store Salad Dressing<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-does-salad-dressing-last\">How Long Does Salad Dressing Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>Unopened salad dressing typically has a shelf life of up to a year, and it retains quality for at least a couple of months beyond the best-by date. Once opened, most salad dressings keep quality for 6 to 9 months, or until the printed date, if refrigerated.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s the high-level overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let&rsquo;s dive into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"unopened\">Unopened<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Salad dressing, whether a tangy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/does-italian-dressing-go-bad\/\">Italian<\/a> or a creamy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/how-long-does-ranch-last\/\">ranch<\/a> dressing, has a shelf life of about a year, and it keeps good quality for at least a couple of months beyond the best-by date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So don&rsquo;t sweat if you cross the best-by date printed on the label &ndash; it&rsquo;s not an expiration date but rather a peak quality guideline. If the salad dressing is unsealed and the bottle intact, that expired salad dressing should be safe to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(That doesn&rsquo;t mean the quality will be great, but we&rsquo;ll get to that in a bit.)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1505714197102-6ae95091ed70?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Chicken and pine nut salad, dressing on the side\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1505714197102-6ae95091ed70?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Chicken and pine nut salad, dressing on the side\" data-mvt-skip=\"src\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@shutters_guild?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Travis Yewell<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"after-opening\">After Opening<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Once you break that seal, your salad dressing should typically retain quality for 6 to 9 months or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.litehousefoods.com\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">until the printed date<\/a>. Most store-bought bottled salad dressings last quite a while after opening thanks to preservatives added in the production process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-hot-sauce-go-bad\/\">hot sauce<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-soy-sauce-go-bad\/\">soy sauce<\/a>, which don&rsquo;t need extra help to stay safe for such a long period.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, some dressings out there have a much shorter shelf life after opening. And that&rsquo;s why you should closely examine the label, looking for&nbsp;<strong>instructions related to handling the leftovers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, the bottle will say &ldquo;Refrigerate after opening,&rdquo; meaning it&rsquo;ll retain quality for a while. But if it says something like &ldquo;Refrigerate for up to 5 days,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s pretty clear you need to use the leftovers quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings.jpg\" alt=\"Salads and dressings\" class=\"wp-image-968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Salads and dressings\" class=\"wp-image-968 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings-200x300.jpg.webp 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Salads_and_dressings.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(credit:  <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/EvoIiaIVRzU?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Taylor Kiser<\/a> )<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"expired\">Expired<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>What if you&rsquo;ve stumbled upon a bottle of salad dressing well past its use-by date? Should you use it or lose it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, bottled salad dressings typically keep well beyond the printed date. And that means you can eat expired salad dressing as long as it doesn&rsquo;t show any spoilage signs and the quality is good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, your senses are your best guide here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it smells, looks, or tastes off, toss it. No Caesar salad is worth the risk of food poisoning. But if everything seems okay, and the dressing isn&rsquo;t like two years past its date or opened for more than 12 months, it&rsquo;s likely okay to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(We&rsquo;ll explore signs of spoilage later in the article.)<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"homemade\">Homemade<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Homemade salad dressings keep for about a week in the fridge. And that&rsquo;s true whether it&rsquo;s an oil-based salad dressing (like a balsamic vinaigrette) or a dairy-based one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to keep it extra safe, limit that storage time to 3 to 4 days, the standard storage period for&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/food.unl.edu\/article\/leftover-food-safety\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">perishable leftovers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1570197571499-166b36435e9f?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Summer salad and dressing on the side\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1570197571499-166b36435e9f?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Summer salad and dressing on the side\" data-mvt-skip=\"src\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@dovilerm?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dovile Ramoskaite<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dry-mixes\">Dry Mixes<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Dry salad dressing mixes are the marathon runners of the dressing world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Much like dry <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/spices\/\">spices<\/a>, a dry mix can last up to two years in your pantry if kept in a cool, dry place. And it&rsquo;ll retain decent quality for months, if not years, beyond the printed date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once mixed with oil or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-vinegar-go-bad\/\">vinegar<\/a>, however, the shelf life reduces to that of a typical homemade dressing. And again, it doesn&rsquo;t matter if we&rsquo;re talking about oil-based dressings or dairy-based ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you&rsquo;re all brushed up on salad dressing shelf life, it&rsquo;s time to put on your detective hat. Next up, we&rsquo;re diving into how to spot the telltale signs of spoilage.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Two bolws of salad and salad dressing\" class=\"wp-image-971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing-600x400.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Two bolws of salad and salad dressing\" class=\"wp-image-971 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing-300x200.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Two-bowls-of-salad-and-dressing.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(credit:  <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/UaQCpG0frpI?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Travis Yewell<\/a> )<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-tell-if-salad-dressing-is-bad\">How to Tell if Salad Dressing is Bad?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>As a general rule of thumb, if your salad dressing has a rancid smell, changes color, or shows signs of bacterial growth such as mold, it&rsquo;s time to bid it farewell.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let&rsquo;s break down these signs and get into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"off-smell\"><strong>Off Smell<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The first telltale sign of a spoiled dressing is a&nbsp;<strong>rancid smell<\/strong>. Much like when your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/does-sriracha-go-bad\/\">sriracha<\/a> has turned rogue, or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/does-fish-sauce-go-bad\/\">fish sauce<\/a> has sailed to stinky shores, your nose is your greatest ally in this investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dressing has developed an off smell, it&rsquo;s a clear signal to show it the bin, not your salad.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mold\">Mold<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The most definitive sign that your dressing is ready for the trash can is mold. So if you see any greenish-blue or white fuzz, it&rsquo;s time to say goodbye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This holds true for all your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/condiments\/\">condiments<\/a>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/does-tartar-sauce-go-bad\/\">tartar sauce<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-mustard-go-bad\/\">mustard<\/a>. If it&rsquo;s fuzzy and it&rsquo;s not a peach, it&rsquo;s probably no good!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1631311309788-9a37722d05f6?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Bowl of salad next to a bowl of dressing\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1631311309788-9a37722d05f6?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Bowl of salad next to a bowl of dressing\" data-mvt-skip=\"src\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@cbw15?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Caroline Green<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"color-changes\">Color Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The next sign to look for is a&nbsp;<strong>change in color<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, it&rsquo;s not as clear cut as mold or rancid smell. Slight hue changes are expected for salad dressings, especially those stored for quite a long time after opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(It works the same for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-ketchup-go-bad\/\">ketchup<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if the color has changed completely, be cautious. Start by shaking the dressing, then taste a tiny bit. If the taste is okay, chances are the dressing is too. But if it tastes off, its place is in the trash.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quality\">Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The last thing to assess is the overall taste and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the dressing has been stored properly and doesn&rsquo;t show any spoilage signs mentioned above, it&rsquo;s time for the good old taste test. Eat a bit and decide whether the quality is good enough for your liking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it&rsquo;s not, it&rsquo;s time to open a fresh bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we&rsquo;ve covered the clear red flags, let&rsquo;s move on to the subtler signs and understand what&rsquo;s okay and what&rsquo;s not.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1623855244697-5d8fbe9c7892?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Dressing the salad\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1623855244697-5d8fbe9c7892?ixid=Mnw0MzYwMTZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxzYWxhZCUyMGRyZXNzaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTY4MzYwNTc4NQ&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;w=800&amp;h=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"Dressing the salad\" data-mvt-skip=\"src\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@bartoshevicz?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Adam Bartoszewicz<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=CIGB&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-its-weird-but-its-fine\">When It&rsquo;s Weird, But It&rsquo;s Fine<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Here are some signs that might worry you but are completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"separation\">Separation<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Ever picked up your vinaigrette or oil-based dressing and noticed it has separated? Don&rsquo;t fret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Separation is natural<\/strong>&nbsp;in such dressings, much like it is in natural <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-peanut-butter-go-bad\/\">peanut butter<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/does-almond-butter-go-bad\/\">almond butter<\/a>. A quick shake should reunite the components, and your dressing will be ready to grace your greens once again.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"texture-change\">Texture Change<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, your dressing might&nbsp;<strong>thicken up or become clumpy<\/strong>, especially if it&rsquo;s been sitting in the fridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This doesn&rsquo;t necessarily mean it&rsquo;s spoiled. It&rsquo;s just&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/newmansown.com\/faqs\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the chilly temps causing the <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/fats\/\">fats<\/a> to solidify,&nbsp;much like what happens to some oils. A quick stir or a few minutes at room temperature (after pouring) should bring it back to its pourable self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, when in doubt, it&rsquo;s better to be safe than sorry. So if you&rsquo;re unsure, it might be time to whip up a fresh batch of dressing or grab a new bottle from the store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing that, let&rsquo;s talk about storage practices.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"does-salad-dressing-need-to-be-refrigerated\">Does Salad Dressing Need to Be Refrigerated?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>In a nutshell, unopened store-bought salad dressing doesn&rsquo;t usually need to be refrigerated, much like your favorite bottle of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-barbecue-sauce-go-bad\/\">barbecue sauce<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/does-teriyaki-sauce-go-bad\/\">teriyaki sauce<\/a>. But once opened, it&rsquo;s best to keep it chilled.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unopened salad dressings are shelf-stable condiments in most cases. So unless you buy yours in the refrigerated section, room temperature is good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once opened, things change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To maintain the best quality and prevent bacterial growth, opened salad dressings should be&nbsp;<strong>kept in the refrigerator<\/strong>. This is similar to the storage rule you&rsquo;d follow for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-mayonnaise-go-bad\/\">mayonnaise<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-horseradish-go-bad\/\">horseradish<\/a> sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"homemade-rules\">Homemade Rules<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>For homemade dressings, the fridge is always your best bet, from the moment they&rsquo;re made. Think of them like any other homemade sauce or dip &ndash; without the preservatives found in their store-bought counterparts, they&rsquo;re a bit more high-maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alright, we&rsquo;ve got the refrigeration part down. Now, let&rsquo;s look at the broader picture of salad dressing storage.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-store-salad-dressing\">How to Store Salad Dressing<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Storing salad dressing properly is just as important as proper food storage for any other product. Here are a few storage tips to ensure your dressings are always ready to dress up your salads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sealing the Deal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether store-bought or homemade, keeping your salad dressing&nbsp;<strong>sealed tightly<\/strong>&nbsp;is crucial. Half-open bottles are a big no-no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like you wouldn&rsquo;t leave your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/how-long-does-anchovy-paste-last\/\">anchovy paste<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/can-dijon-mustard-go-bad\/\">Dijon mustard<\/a> lids ajar, make sure your dressing is locked up tight to keep out unwanted bacteria and odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Keep it Cool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your refrigerator is your salad dressing&rsquo;s best friend. The back of the fridge, far from the door, is the&nbsp;<strong>coldest and most stable area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Away from the Light<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like your favorite superheroes (or vampires?), salad dressings do their best work in the dark. Store your dressings&nbsp;<strong>away from direct light and heat sources<\/strong>&nbsp;to maintain their quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following these storage guidelines, you&rsquo;ll ensure your salad dressings retain their delicious flavors and textures, ready to bring your salads to life at a moment&rsquo;s notice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a Nutshell: Ever found yourself staring suspiciously at a bottle of leftover dressing, questioning its life expectancy or mulling over the potential dangers of &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":970,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[242],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-600x400.jpg",600,400,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",546,364,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",546,364,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",546,364,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_med_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",360,240,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_low_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",240,160,false],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_create_1x1":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",200,133,false],"mv_create_1x1_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",320,213,false],"mv_create_1x1_medium_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",480,320,false],"mv_create_1x1_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_create_4x3":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",320,213,false],"mv_create_4x3_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",480,320,false],"mv_create_4x3_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_create_3x4":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",240,160,false],"mv_create_3x4_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",360,240,false],"mv_create_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",540,360,false],"mv_create_16x9":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",270,180,false],"mv_create_16x9_medium_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",405,270,false],"mv_create_16x9_high_res":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_create_no_ratio":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false],"mv_create_vert":["https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad.jpg",600,400,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Marcin Skrzypiec","author_link":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/about\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"In a Nutshell: Ever found yourself staring suspiciously at a bottle of leftover dressing, questioning its life expectancy or mulling over the potential dangers of &hellip;","mv":{"thumbnail_id":970,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vegetable-salad-300x200.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/967"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=967"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/967\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canitgobad.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}