Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Quick & Tangy Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Whipping up a delectable homemade honey mustard dressing can elevate any salad from mundane to magnificent.

Smooth and tangy ingredients blend perfectly in this simple recipe.

Creamy condiments often seem complicated, but this version breaks down those barriers.

Sweet golden honey meets sharp mustard in a magical culinary dance.

Restaurant-quality flavor emerges right from your kitchen with minimal effort.

Whisking these ingredients together takes mere minutes and delivers incredible taste.

Get ready to become the dressing master of your kitchen!

Why Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing Is Always a Hit

  • Perfect for busy home cooks who want a quick, delicious dressing without complicated steps.
  • Easily adjust ingredients to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible and adaptable.
  • Prepare homemade dressing at a fraction of store-bought prices, saving money while enjoying fresh, preservative-free ingredients.
  • Drizzle over salads, use as a dip, or marinade for meats, transforming multiple dishes with one simple recipe.

Ingredients to Gather for Honey Mustard Dressing

Base Ingredients:
  • Dijon Mustard: Tangy and sharp base that gives the dressing its signature flavor, choose a high-quality smooth variety.
  • Honey: Sweet counterpoint to mustard, provides natural sweetness and smooth texture, opt for local raw honey if possible.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Creamy and acidic components that balance and blend flavors, helps create smooth consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps emulsify and creates creamy texture, extra virgin recommended for best taste.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile, adds depth and complexity to the dressing, adjust to personal taste preference.

How to Make Honey Mustard Dressing From Scratch

Step 1: Blend Base Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Mayonnaise
  • Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy, creating a vibrant golden base.

Step 2: Create Silky Texture

Start drizzling olive oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously. Keep whisking constantly to help the oil blend seamlessly, transforming the liquid into a luxurious, creamy dressing.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Sprinkle in:
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings until it hits that perfect tangy-sweet spot that makes your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Chill and Store

Pour the dressing into a clean glass jar or bottle. Pop it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let all those delicious flavors mingle and get acquainted.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Creation

Pull out your freshly made dressing and drizzle over salads, use as a dip, or spread on sandwiches. Your homemade honey mustard is ready to elevate any dish!

Tips That Help Honey Mustard Dressing Taste Better

  • Whisk with Precision: Combine ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats salads perfectly.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust honey quantity to match your taste preference, starting with less and gradually adding more for balanced flavor.
  • Customize Consistency: Add more olive oil for a thinner dressing or increase mayonnaise for a richer, thicker sauce that clings to ingredients.
  • Store Smartly: Keep the homemade dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, shaking well before each use to reincorporate ingredients.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayo to create a plant-based alternative that's equally delicious.

How to Store Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing Safely

  • Store homemade honey mustard dressing in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
  • Always give the dressing a good shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur during storage.
  • Do not freeze this dressing, as the emulsion will break down and separate, ruining the smooth texture and taste.
  • If the dressing becomes too thick, whisk in a tiny splash of water or vinegar to restore its original consistency before serving.

Serving Ideas for Honey Mustard Dressing

  • Drizzle over mixed baby spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce for a tangy, refreshing salad experience that highlights the dressing's zesty flavor profile.
  • Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts, roasted turkey, or baked salmon as a vibrant, creamy dipping sauce that adds bright, complex notes to lean meats.
  • Use as a delectable dip for raw vegetable sticks like carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and celery, transforming simple crudités into an exciting, flavor-packed appetizer.
  • Spread generously on turkey club sandwiches, grilled paninis, or wraps to instantly elevate the taste and add a delightful sweet-tangy kick.

New Twists on the Classic Honey Mustard Dressing

  • Vegan Honey Mustard: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use vegan mayonnaise or tahini for creamy texture. Perfect for plant-based diets.
  • Low-Fat Lighter Version: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu. Reduce oil quantity and use extra vinegar for tang. Great for calorie-conscious individuals.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha sauce or cayenne pepper to boost heat. Include a dash of smoked paprika for depth. Ideal for spice lovers seeking extra flavor.
  • Herb-Infused Blend: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. Incorporate finely minced fresh garlic or green onions. Excellent for herb enthusiasts wanting more complexity.

Honey Mustard Dressing FAQs

  • What type of mustard works best for this recipe?

Dijon mustard is the ideal choice because it provides a sharp, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey.

  • Can I make this dressing without mayo?

Yes, you can skip the mayonnaise. The dressing will be slightly thinner but still delicious and creamy from whisking the ingredients together.

  • How long will this homemade dressing stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the honey mustard dressing will keep for about 7-10 days.

  • Is this dressing suitable for those with dietary restrictions?

This recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free Dijon mustard, and you can use a vegan mayo alternative to make it dairy-free.

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Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey mustard dressing elevates simple salads with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Home cooks can whip up this creamy condiment in minutes, making it a delightful addition to meals you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil or neutral oil (like canola)

Acidic Components:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather a medium mixing bowl and a whisk to prepare for blending the condiment components.
  2. Pour Dijon mustard into the bowl, creating a tangy base for the dressing.
  3. Drizzle honey into the mustard, balancing the sharp mustard flavor with sweet undertones.
  4. Add mayonnaise to enhance the creamy texture and provide rich consistency.
  5. Incorporate apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice to introduce brightness and acidity.
  6. Whisk the initial mixture vigorously until the components are thoroughly integrated and smooth.
  7. Gradually stream olive oil into the blend while continuously whisking to create a velvety emulsion.
  8. Sprinkle garlic powder to infuse subtle aromatic depth into the dressing.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavor profile as desired.
  10. Transfer the completed honey mustard dressing into a clean glass jar or sealed container.
  11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow the ingredients to harmonize and develop complex flavors.
  12. Give the dressing a gentle shake before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients and ensure optimal taste.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting honey levels, allowing for personal taste preferences and diet restrictions.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a milder flavor profile and smoother consistency.
  • Enhance dressing versatility by experimenting with different vinegars like white wine or champagne vinegar for subtle flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 135
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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