How long Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) keep
Situation
Keeps for
Unopened · pantry
10–12 months
Opened · fridge
1–3 months
Only situations with a published figure are listed. A blank isn't “forever” — it means no reliable number is published for it.
Storage
Store at: Cool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening
Refrigerate after opening: Yes — refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
USDA FoodKeeper v128 tip (pantry storage): Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time.
USDA FoodKeeper v128 tip (pantry storage): Shelf-stable commercial salad dressing is safe when stored at room temperature after opening.
USDA FoodKeeper v128 tip (pantry storage): Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening.
How to tell if Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) has gone bad
Mould around the rim, cap, or surface
An off, fermented, or yeasty smell
Fizzing, bubbling, or a bulging lid
Separation or a colour change that won't stir back in
USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) specifically, so these are the general signs for condiments & sauces — never taste something to test it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
How long do Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) last after opening?
About 1–3 months refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Do Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes — keep Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Cool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening.
How can you tell if Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) are bad?
Look for: Mould around the rim, cap, or surface; An off, fermented, or yeasty smell; Fizzing, bubbling, or a bulging lid; Separation or a colour change that won't stir back in. Those are the general signs for condiments & sauces — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Salad dressings (commercial, bottled) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.