The Truth About Refrigerating Vinaigrette: To Chill or Not to Chill?

While vinegar and oil do not need to be refrigerated, homemade vinaigrettes should be stored in the fridge, especially if they contain perishable ingredients like eggs, cream, citrus juice, fresh herbs, or vegetables. Store-bought vinaigrettes should also be refrigerated after opening. Homemade vinaigrettes with shelf-stable ingredients can be left unrefrigerated, but refrigeration is recommended for optimal flavor. Properly stored vinaigrettes can last around 3 days for homemade versions with fresh ingredients, 3 to 5 days for preservative-free refrigerated store-bought vinaigrettes, and longer for inexpensive, shelf-stable bottled dressings.