How long does salad dressing last?
Short answer: Salad dressing (commercial, bottled) keeps 1–3 months once opened in the fridge and 10–12 months in the pantry.
Storage chart
| Type | Pantry | Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| commercial, bottled | 10–12 months | 1–3 months (after opening) |
| creamy | 6 months | 3–4 weeks (after opening) |
| vinaigrette,homemade | — | 2–3 weeks |
| vinaigrette | 6 months | 4 weeks (after opening) |
| dry,packaged | Until the package use-by date | 4 weeks (after opening) |
| homemade | — | 2 weeks (after opening) |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen stays safe indefinitely.
Storage tips
- Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time. Shelf-stable commercial salad dressing is safe when stored at room temperature after opening. Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening.
- Freezing not recommended.
Keep it longer
Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder and the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Write the date on containers when you open or cook something.
Common questions
How long does salad dressing last in the fridge?
1–3 months once opened in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper data.
How long does salad dressing last at room temperature?
10–12 months in a cool, dry pantry.
How can I tell if salad dressing has gone bad?
Throw it out if you see mold, a slimy texture, an off smell or an odd color. For anything perishable, go by the storage time rather than smell: bacteria that cause food poisoning don't usually change how food looks or smells.
More condiments, sauces & canned goods
Source: USDA FoodKeeper data (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service). Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.