How long can salad dressing go unrefrigerated?

Salad dressings, particularly mayonnaise-based dressings, should not be left unrefrigerated for an extended period to maintain their safety and quality. Most homemade dressings, including those containing mayonnaise, sour cream, or raw eggs, should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

Commercial salad dressings, on the other hand, often have preservatives and stabilizers that enable them to withstand room temperature for a longer duration. However, it's generally recommended to refrigerate store-bought dressings after opening to preserve their optimal taste and quality. The "refrigerate after opening" instruction is usually mentioned on the product's label.

To ensure food safety, avoid leaving any perishable food, including salad dressings, unrefrigerated for more than two hours, especially in warm or humid environments.