Alabama Sweet Tea Jelly Vinaigrette

A light, Southern-inspired vinaigrette with just the right touch of sweetness.

A refreshing twist on Southern tradition — this Sweet Tea Jelly Vinaigrette blends the familiar, comforting taste of real sweet tea with tangy vinegar and a touch of sweetness, turning it into a bright, flavorful dressing. It’s light but full of character: think sweet tea’s mellow depth meeting the zing of a classic vinaigrette.

The result? A versatile dressing that elevates everything from crisp green salads to grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with seasonal fruits, salty cheeses, and crunchy nuts — delivering that perfect balance of Southern warmth and garden-fresh brightness.

Yields: Approximately 1 cup 
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Sweet Home Alabama Sweet Tea Jelly
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon or Creole mustard to acts as a thickener
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine the sweet tea jelly, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the jelly has dissolved into the vinegar mixture.
3.  Add the olive oil to the jar.
4. Shake again with great vigor until the dressing is thickened and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Shake thoroughly before each use, as the mixture may separate over time.

Perfect Pairings

This dressing is excellent over fresh greens, especially with ingredients like spinach, hard-boiled eggs, and bacon, or as a light dressing for a fruit salad.