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Home » Dressing, Dip & Sauce » 20 Vegan Jam Jar Salad Dressings

20 Vegan Jam Jar Salad Dressings

Modified: Apr 25, 2025 · Published: Jun 21, 2021 by Jacqueline Meldrum 14 Comments

20 delicious and easy vegan salad dressings made and stored in a jam jar.

a selection of jam jar salad dressings

20 VEGAN JAM JAR SALAD DRESSINGS

Salad dressings are so simple to make at home and you can tweak them to suit your own tastes.

They are fresh without all the additives and preservatives in shop-bought salad dressing.

You know exactly what is in them!

I have 20 delicious homemade salad dressings for you to try today.

This is going to perk up your summer!

empty jam jar

WHY MAKE SALAD DRESSING IN JAM JARS?

Jam jars are the perfect container to make salad dressing in. Here's why:

  1. They are clear so you can see at a glance what's in it
  2. You can see how much dressing you have left
  3. You can make the dressing in the jar and store it in the jar
  4. Add the lid and it's the perfect shaker (salad dressing will separate as it lies)
  5. Glass is easy to clean and can be used again and again
  6. Glass is eco-friendly
  7. You can wash it in the dishwasher

TYPES OF SALAD DRESSING

There are three types of salad dressing, but only two of them are vegan. The third type is cooked and includes eggs. So let's concentrate on the first two types.

  1. VINAIGRETTE - These start with a mixture of oil and vinegar (or citrus fruit juice instead of vinegar) and then other flavours such as mustard, herbs and spices are added.
  2. CREAMY - Creamy sauces often start the same way as a vinaigrette, but a creamy element is added with mayo, sour cream, yoghurt, milk or cream.
If you are dining out as a vegan it is safer to go for the vinaigrette unless it's marked as vegan.
Of course, if you make a creamy dressing at home you can use dairy-free alternatives to dairy.

HOW TO MAKE A CREAMY DRESSING WITHOUT DAIRY OR VEGAN DAIRY

You don't have to use vegan alternatives to dairy to make a creamy salad dressing.
Here are a few ingredients you can add to make a salad dressing creamy:
  • Tahini paste
  • Peanut butter
  • Almond butter
  • Avocado (mashed)
jam jar with oil and lemon juice

WHAT'S THE RATIO OF OIL TO VINEGAR IN A VINAIGRETTE?

The standard ratio when making a vinaigrette is 1 part vinegar to 3 parts oil.

Of course, you can play about with this.

More vinegar and less oil will give more of a tangy finish and reduce the fat and calories in the dressing.

I personally prefer 1 part vinegar to 2 parts oil.

WHICH OIL IS BEST FOR A SALAD DRESSING?

Olive oil is the best oil for a salad dressing.

A good quality extra virgin olive oil is good in a simple vinaigrette.

However extra virgin olive oil can be quite overpowering sometimes, so a mild olive oil is best if you want the other flavours to shine.

HOW TO CORRECT A SALAD DRESSING THAT'S GONE WRONG

There are a few simple things you can do if your salad dressing goes wrong.

TOO SALTY

If your salad dressing is too salty, try adding a pinch of sugar, a little fruit juice or a little maple syrup or agave syrup.

Just add a little, mix and taste to see if you need more. It's easier to add than take away.

TOO SWEET

Instead of adding salt, why not add a little soy sauce, vegan Worcestershire sauce, miso or some tahini paste?

TOO ACIDIC

If you have added too much vinegar or lemon juice, it is easy to correct the balance, just add a bit more oil or you can add a pinch of sugar or maple syrup.

TOO BLAND

If your salad dressing doesn't have enough flavour, try adding some herbs or some mustard.

Greek Salad Wrap

HOW TO USE UP LEFTOVER SALAD DRESSING

Here are a few ways you can use up your salad dressing:

  1. SALAD - the obvious choice, but always delicious
  2. WRAP - drizzle some on your wrap filling before you wrap it to take your wraps to the next level, but don't add too much
  3. PITTA - also good drizzled over your pitta filling
  4. COUSCOUS - mix it through your couscous to give it more flavour
  5. BULGUR WHEAT - same as couscous, mix through for flavour
  6. QUINOA - same again, mix through for flavour
  7. PASTA SALAD - mix it through your pasta salad
  8. PASTA - try it mixed through hot pasta with roasted vegetables
  9. POTATO SALAD - use salad dressing instead of mayo
  10. VEGETABLE KEBABS - once your kebabs come off the BBQ, drizzle them with salad dressing

VEGAN JAM JAR SALAD DRESSINGS

Greek Salad Dressing

EASY GREEK SALAD DRESSING

recipe from The Vegan Lunchbox
An easy small batch salad dressing with all the flavours of Greece. Drizzle over salads, mix through pasta salad or add to your salad wrap or pitta to add a delicious zing.
 
 
vegan ranch salad dressing

VEGAN RANCH SALAD DRESSING

recipe from watch.learn.eat

 

This creamy and flavorful Vegan Ranch Dressing tastes so much like its dairy-based counterpart, you won't believe it's dairy-free! Not only is this dairy-free ranch dressing perfect for salads, but it also makes a delicious dip for veggies, chips and more.
sesame salad dressing

SESAME SALAD DRESSING

recipe from Instant Veg
This sesame dressing is the perfect blend of sweetness, acidity and umami. Great for dressing salads and buddha bowls and why not add extra sesame seeds?
pin it for later
20 delicious and easy vegan salad dressings made and stored in a jam jar.
Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

 
Then join my Facebook group Living on the Veg. It's a very friendly community with lots of recipes and chat. I'm in there every day chatting.
 
red pepper miso dressing

RED PEPPER MISO DRESSING

recipe from Instant Veg
A tasty dressing with a bright pop of orange colour. Add is to salad and buddha bowls or drizzle it over sweet potatoes.
cranberry orange dressing

CRANBERRY ORANGE VINAIGRETTE

recipe from Veggie Chick

Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette- oil-free and super healthy! This dressing has an addicting sweet-tart flavour, and is a great alternative to oil-packed dressings.
 
 
 
5 fruity vinaigrette

5 FRUITY VINAIGRETTES

recipes from The Veg Space
This raspberry vinaigrette and other easy-peasy fruit salad dressings are simple to make but taste sensational, and liven up even the most boring green-leaf salad!

 

 
jalapeno ranch dressing

JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING

recipe from Veggie Fun Kitchen

 

This vegan Jalapeño Ranch Dressing is whole-food plant-based, and oil-free. It's made with cashews and creamy delicious!  Because it's vegan, you can be sure it's dairy-free and egg-free as well! Drizzle this dressing on a salad,  potatoes, or my awesome vegan chili. Use it as a dip for vegetables, chips, or pizza.
 
 
date sweetened honey mustard dressing

EASY DATE-SWEETENED VEGAN HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

recipe from Sarah's Vegan Guide
This vegan honey mustard dressing is naturally sweetened with dates, which makes it a delicious & healthy recipe. You can use it as a salad dressing, but also as a dipping sauce for potato fries or vegan chickn nuggets.
 
 
 
Easy vegan French dressing

EASY VEGAN FRENCH DRESSING

recipe from Yum Vegan Food

 

This delicious, classic vegan French dressing is easy to make with a few simple ingredients. It compliments green salads perfectly to give extra flavour and creaminess.
 
 
 
Japanese Sesame Dressing

EASY JAPANESE GOMAE STYLE SESAME DRESSING

recipe from The Vegan Larder
This easy vegan Japanese style sesame dressing is inspired by a Japanese dish called Gomae. It's a simple dressing of ground sesame seeds, mixed with some soy sauce & vinegar or citrus, which then dresses a spinach salad. 
 
 
 
light lemon vinaigrette

LIGHT LEMON VINAIGRETTE

recipe from Strength and Sunshine
A little acidic vinaigrette with some bright and zesty in-season lemons!

 

 
Easy sweet orange vinaigrette

EASY SWEET ORANGE VINAIGRETTE

recipe from Lovely Jubley

 

This deliciously tart vegan summer citrus salad dressing with orange and lemon juice is an excellent way to bring any salad alive! Essentially a simple balsamic vinaigrette with a few extra bits and it's bursting with zingy summertime flavours. 
 
 
 
Savoury Garlic Dressing

SAVOURY GARLIC DRESSING

recipe from A Plantiful Path
If you like garlic, you're going to love this Savory Garlic Dressing! Almond based and oil free, it's a delicious topping for your salad.
 
 
 
Buddha Bowl Dressing

BUDDHA BOWL DRESSING

 recipe from Happy Kitchen
A delightfully sweet and tart creamy vegan tahini dressing for salads or buddha bowls. This dressing will make any plate more delicious.
 
 
 
avocado cilantro lime dressing

AVOCADO CILANTRO (CORIANDER) LIME DRESSING

recipe from Profusion Curry
Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing is a superfood dressing packed with delightful flavours. This fresh and vibrant vegan sauce is super easy to make in less than 5 minutes.
roasted garlic salad dressing

ROASTED GARLIC SALAD DRESSING

recipe from Happy Kitchen

 

 

This thick and creamy vegan roasted garlic salad dressing is perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, burgers, and more. Use it instead of mayonnaise or even your favourite vinaigrette. Healthy, flavorful, refreshing!

 

 

 

I hope you found some inspiration for your next salad. My current favourite dressing is a small batch easy vegan ranch recipe or my creamy Italian dressing, which is also a small batch recipe.

 

Have a great summer!

More Easy Dressing, Dip and Sauce Recipes

  • Creamy Mango Chutney & Herb Dressing - Vegan Dip.
    Creamy Mango Chutney & Herb Dressing - Vegan Dip
  • easy lentil and salted peanuts pate for crackers.
    Quick Lentil & Salted Peanuts Pate - Vegan Recipe
  • Easy homemade sundried tomato paste.
    Homemade Sundried Tomato Paste (Quick & Easy Recipe)
  • quick hot harissa sauce for tofu and tempeh.
    Easy Hot Harissa Sauce Recipe for Tofu & Tempeh

Comments

  1. Kate says

    June 21, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    What a gorgeous selection - no more boring salads for me, and love that they are all so easy to make in a jam jar. Yum!

    Reply
  2. Alejandra says

    June 21, 2021 at 9:03 pm

    Great selection of vegan dressings! I will definitely be trying a couple of these. Also I completely agree, jam jars are the perfect containers for salad dressings!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    June 21, 2021 at 9:04 pm

    Jam jars are the best for making salad dressings (and for shaking up sushi rice seasoning too!). What a fabulous collection of dressings to try!

    Reply
  4. Tara says

    June 21, 2021 at 9:04 pm

    Such a wonderful collection of vegan salad dressings! The Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing and Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette especially look amazing.

    Reply
  5. Wimpy Vegetarian says

    June 21, 2021 at 9:04 pm

    This is absolutely perfect for me. I'm finally accepting that I'm lactose-intolerant and having to find ways to get around dairy. This is a fabulous selection of dressing for me now!! Thanks!!

    Reply
  6. Beth says

    June 22, 2021 at 7:48 am

    Oh wow! What a bunch of yummy choices! I’m definitely going to try all of these. They look so delicious and very tasty. Very excited to try these!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    June 22, 2021 at 7:53 am

    I am going to try a couple of these this week. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  8. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    You are very welcome. Enjoy them!

    Reply
  9. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    I think you will really enjoy then and they will take you through the summer.

    Reply
  10. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    They really are! Enjoy those salad dressings!

    Reply
  11. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    Oh yes good tip! A jam jar is definitely a useful thing to save.

    Reply
  12. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    They do look especially good. Enjoy them!

    Reply
  13. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    Well make sure to avoid creamy Dressings unless you know they are definitely dairy-free. This selection is perfect for you.

    Reply
  14. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

    Yes they do perk up the most basic of salads. Hope you try some of them

    Reply

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Jacqueline Meldrum - Recipe Developer.

Welcome to The Vegan Lunchbox.

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