Hi, Risha. Here's the actual salad dressing preparation instructions if you don't have a Good Seasons cruet:

Pour 1/4 cup of vinegar into a cruet or jar. Add 3 tablespoons of water, then the dressing mix. Seal and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup of oil and shake until well blended.

I use red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. I don't refrigerate it. The dressing will keep for a month or so.

A good-quality olive oil will keep for several months without going rancid. You need to store it away from light and heat. But you should never refrigerate olive oil.

Actually, I go through olive oil so fast, what with using it in cooking and dressings, it never has time to go rancid.

;-Deb