Toss Your Salad Dressing Immediately If You Notice These Signs
We’ve all been there—staring into the depths of the fridge, only to find that bottle of ranch or Italian dressing lurking in the back, covered in a fine layer of dust (or worse, mystery condensation). Salad dressings are one of those sneaky condiments that seem to last forever—until they don’t. And when they go bad, they can turn your crisp greens into a regrettable meal.
So, how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye? We’ve got the expert-backed red flags to watch for.
It Fails the Sniff Test
Your nose knows best. If your salad dressing smells funky, sour, or just plain wrong, trust that instinct. According to food scientist Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, spoilage in dressings happens when yeasts start producing gas, leading to off-putting odors.
Dairy-based dressings like ranch or Caesar are especially prone to developing a sour, almost spoiled-milk scent. Some people even describe expired dressing as smelling like wet cardboard—definitely not the vibe you want drizzled over your salad.
There’s Discoloration and Separation
Most dressings need a good shake before use, but if you notice the oil has completely separated and formed a thick layer on top, that’s a bad sign. Bubbles on the surface? Even worse.
Even if the dressing looks mixed but has darkened or faded from its original color, it’s time to toss it. Discoloration is a clear indicator that the ingredients have broken down, and no amount of shaking will fix that.
It Tastes Off (Like, Really Off)
If your dressing tastes bitter, overly vinegary, or just wrong in a way you can’t quite pinpoint, don’t ignore it. Spoiled dressings can develop a rancid, stale, or excessively oily flavor—especially if the oil has already risen to the top.
A good rule of thumb? If it makes you pause mid-bite and think, "Hmm, that’s not right," then it’s probably not.
How Long Does Salad Dressing Actually Last?
Store-bought dressings have a decent shelf life—up to a year unopened (check the expiration date). Once opened, the USDA recommends refrigerating them and using them within two months.
Homemade dressings, however, are a different story. Creamy, mayo-based dressings last three to five days (maybe a week if you’re pushing it), while vinaigrettes can stretch to two weeks. But honestly? If you’re questioning it, just make a fresh batch.
Bottom Line
Expired salad dressing won’t just ruin your meal—it could make you sick. So if your dressing smells funky, looks weird, or tastes off, do yourself (and your taste buds) a favor and toss it. Your salads deserve better.
Now, go forth and dress your greens with confidence—just maybe check the expiration date first.
