ISO...Shelf life of homeade salad dressing?

[SHERRY]

Hello everyone, my dad loves the dressing on the Spinach and Strawberry Salad CL 98...He is wanting me to make a pint jar of it for him to keep on hand...I was wondering what the shelf life of it would be and if you can store it on the counter or if it needs to be refrigerated...it contains:
Olive Oil
Vinegar
Red Onion
Sugar
Paprika
Poppy Seed
Sesame Seed

Will the sugar or onion make it need refrigeration? If I do refrigerate, oil hardens, does this effect dressing at all?

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I know this is a lot of ???? but I knew you CL cooking experts would know the answers...TIA sherry

[Leanne]

I always refridgerate my dressings. Doing so - I've used them for at least a week & a half. I've never had a problem or had it taste funny. Mine always have either onion or garlic in them. Hope that helps.

[funnybone]

I try not to make too much dressing, so I never have any past 3 or 4 days. However, you are best to refrigerate it. The oil will cause it to cloud, but just take it out about 30 mins before you plan to use is and it should be clear again.

I know that garlic can cause dressings to turn rancid, but not sure if onion will do the same.