Jam Jar Salad Dressing – Easy Homemade Vinaigrette

Jam Jar Salad Dressing

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Simple, sweet, and totally customizable!

Thank you so much for being here — because if you’re tired of store-bought dressings with long ingredient lists and mystery additives, this Jam Jar Salad Dressing is going to change your salad game. It’s sweet, tangy, and ready in seconds, made with just a handful of pantry staples — and the best part? You shake it all up in the jar the jam came in. No mess.

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What Is Jam Jar Salad Dressing?

Jam Jar Salad Dressing is a quick vinaigrette made directly in a nearly-empty jam jar. You add a few simple ingredients — like vinegar, oil, and mustard — give it a good shake, and voilà! You’ve got a bright, sweet-tart dressing perfect for any salad. It’s sustainable (zero waste!) and customizable based on whatever jam you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✅ Zero waste – uses up the last bit of jam

  • ✅ Takes 1 minute to make

  • ✅ Totally customizable – swap vinegars, jams, or herbs

  • ✅ No whisk, blender, or mess

  • ✅ Fresh and flavorful with no preservatives

What It Tastes Like

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, with a silky texture that clings beautifully to greens. The flavor changes depending on the jam you use — raspberry adds brightness, apricot is mellow and sunny, fig feels rich and gourmet.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Eliminates food waste by using every last bit of jam

  • Doubles as a marinade for meats or veggies

  • Great for meal prep – make a batch and store in the fridge

  • Works with any diet – vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free

  • Elevates any salad in seconds!

Ingredients for Jam Jar Salad Dressing

Here’s the base formula — use it with any flavor of jam:

  • 1 tablespoon jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, fig, etc.)

  • 1½ tablespoons vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, red wine, or white balsamic)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or another neutral oil)

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic, or chopped fresh herbs

💡 Tip: If you’re using the last 1–2 tablespoons of jam in a jar, just add everything right into that jar, screw the lid on, and shake!

Tools You’ll Need

  • Nearly empty jam jar with a lid

  • Measuring spoons (optional – eyeballing is totally fine here)

  • Your hands — for shaking!

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ons

Jam Jar Salad Dressing – Easy Homemade Vinaigrette

Swap the Jam:

  • Strawberry or raspberry jam – classic and vibrant

  • Peach or apricot jam – mellow and lightly sweet

  • Fig or plum jam – rich and elegant

  • Blueberry jam – great with arugula or spinach salads

Try Different Vinegars:

  • Balsamic vinegar – rich and sweet

  • Red wine vinegar – sharp and bright

  • Apple cider vinegar – fruity and tangy

  • Champagne vinegar – delicate and light

Boost the Flavor:

  • Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives

  • Stir in minced garlic or shallot for sharpness

  • A touch of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness

  • Red pepper flakes for a little kick

How to Make Jam Jar Salad Dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add Your Ingredients

Spoon the jam, vinegar, mustard, oil, and any extras into your jam jar.

2. Shake It Up

Screw on the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the dressing emulsifies (becomes thick and smooth).

3. Taste and Adjust

Open the jar, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity if needed.

4. Pour and Enjoy

Drizzle over your favorite salad greens, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or even grilled meats.

What to Serve With Jam Jar Dressing

This dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:

  • Mixed greens with goat cheese and berries

  • Spinach salad with toasted almonds and apples

  • Arugula + roasted beet salad with walnuts

  • Grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or couscous

  • Grilled chicken or shrimp for a quick marinade or glaze

  • Roasted veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts

Tips for the Best Jam Jar Salad Dressing

  • Use quality olive oil – it makes a difference in flavor and texture.

  • Warm the jam slightly (10–15 seconds in the microwave) to help it mix more easily.

  • Balance sweetness with acid – if your jam is very sweet, use a more acidic vinegar like red wine or cider.

  • Make extra! Just double or triple the recipe and keep it in the fridge.

  • Shake before each use – oil and vinegar naturally separate over time.

Storage Instructions

  • Store in the refrigerator in the same jar for up to 1 week.

  • The dressing may thicken slightly in the fridge — let it sit at room temp for a few minutes or give it a quick shake before using.

General Info About Jam Jar Dressings

Jam Jar Salad Dressing – Easy Homemade Vinaigrette

Jam jar dressings are a clever kitchen hack that originated from chefs and home cooks who hate wasting good jam — and love quick, fresh vinaigrettes. They’ve gained popularity for being eco-friendly, no-fuss, and totally customizable. Think of it as your gateway to more DIY condiments — with no food waste and all the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jelly instead of jam?

Yes! Jelly works just as well — it might take a little extra shaking, but the flavor is just as delicious.

What kind of oil should I use?

Extra virgin olive oil is classic, but avocado oil or grapeseed oil work too. Avoid strongly flavored oils like sesame unless you’re going for a specific twist.

Is this dressing vegan?

Yes — just use a vegan jam and check your mustard label.

Can I use sugar-free jam?

Absolutely! Just taste and adjust — sugar-free jams tend to be less sweet, so you might want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Conclusion

This Jam Jar Salad Dressing is proof that the easiest recipes are often the most brilliant. It’s fast, fun, waste-free, and makes any salad taste like something from a bistro menu. With just a little jam and a shake, you’ll have a delicious homemade vinaigrette that’s totally craveable and endlessly adaptable.

And if you love this trick, don’t miss my Mason Jar Overnight Oats or Jar Layered Salad recipes — because good food can be this simple.

Show Me Your Jars!

Did you shake up your own jam jar dressing? I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag your creations on Pinterest or leave a review — I love hearing your flavor combos and seeing what you’re drizzling it on!

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per 2 Tbsp Serving)

  • Calories: 120

  • Fat: 10g

  • Sugar: 4g

  • Carbs: 5g

  • Protein: 0g

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