Restaurants always seem to have the upper hand when it comes to dips and sauces, and the store-bought renditions never seem to taste quite as good. Here’s some good news: You no longer need either, because now, you can make a classic Honey Mustard Dressing as good as your favorite restaurant. One that’s perfect for both drizzling and dipping.
This Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is sweet and tangy perfection, and it all comes together in 2 minutes or less.
WHAT’S IN HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING?
Honey Mustard Dressing is a creamy condiment used for topping all kinds of salads, sandwiches, and of course, for dipping. It’s on the menu at just about every salad-serving restaurant and on the condiment aisle of every grocery store, but nothing compares to a homemade rendition.
It’s made up of three main ingredients, two of which will not surprise you at all — honey and mustard. For a classic Honey Mustard Dressing, you’ll want to go with plane Jane yellow mustard. The last ingredient, however, might be somewhat of a revelation to you. It’s mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise is what gives a classic, restaurant-style Honey Mustard its creamy consistency, making this dressing perfect for both topping a salad or for dipping.
HONEY MUSTARD INGREDIENTS
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Yellow Mustard
In addition to the 3 main-stays, a pinch of salt and a little cayenne is the only seasoning you’ll need. The cayenne is optional, but it does add a nice kick to the dressing.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING
Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing comes together in three simple steps:
- Measure out the mayonnaise, honey, and yellow mustard.
- Add a pinch of salt and cayenne
- Stir to combine.
Yes — it’s really that easy. All you have to do is measure your mayonnaise, honey, and yellow mustard and add them to a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, and that’s all there is to making this beloved salad topper. Recipes do not get a whole lot easier than this, folks.
IS HONEY MUSTARD GOOD FOR YOU?
While Honey Mustard Dressing is both gluten-free and dairy-free, it may not necessarily be the healthiest of choices. It is mayonnaise-based after all. It weighs in at about 276 calories for a 3 tablespoon-sized serving. If you’re looking for a sweet dressing on the healthier side, you might want to try a vinaigrette instead.
However, everything in moderation, and this Honey Mustard Dressing is a small indulgence well-worth taking.
DRESSING, DIP, OR SAUCE — YOU CHOOSE.
In addition to topping your homemade house salad, this creamy Honey Mustard Dressing is wonderful as a sandwich condiment and as a dipper for both chicken tenders and baked pretzels, but the fun doesn’t stop there…
Use your homemade Honey Mustard on any of the following main dishes for the perfect sweet and tangy upgrade:
- Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon and Cheese
- Breaded Pork Chops
- The Ultimate Club Sandwich
- Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich
Honey Mustard is one of my personal favorites, and in our home, we use it a lot. My oldest daughter requests it every time we serve baked chicken tenders, and we actually got her to try a salad for the first time thanks to a drizzle of homemade Honey Mustard Dressing.
It’s quick to make, extremely versatile, and better than any store-bought rendition. Guaranteed. Pleaes, enjoy!
5 MORE DRESSINGS YOU’LL LOVE (+ SALAD SUGGESTIONS)
- Easy Ranch Dressing features the perfect blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic and a simple mix of herbs and spices. It’s perfect on top of a Classic House Salad…or anything with lettuce, really.
- Green Goddess Dressing comes together quickly in a blender and is made with creamy avocado and tangy buttermilk. You’ll find it featured in a simple and healthy Shrimp and Tomato Salad.
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is a healthy take on Ranch Dressing, made up of Greek yogurt and comes with a kick thanks to chipotle and lime. Use it to top Southwest Chopped Chicken Salad Tacos or any salad with a Southwest vibe.
- Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing comes together fast with a quick mix of mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and poppy seeds. Use it on any number of salads, but it is particularly lovely on this Kale Broccoli Salad.
- Balsamic Dressing is tangy, a little sweet and way easier to make from scratch than you might think. Use it to top off Bruschetta Chicken Salad.
Two minutes and a few ingredients is all you need to make this classic, restaurant-style Honey Mustard Dressing featuring mayonnaise, honey, and yellow mustard.
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
-
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, mustard, salt and cayenne. Whisk until well blended and serve.
For a thinner dressing, add 1 tablespoon of water and stir until it has reached the desired consistency.
I’m obsessed with the color of this!! I love honey mustard dressing, but have never thought to make my own. Since I don’t really like to buy salad dressings, that just means I haven’t had it in a while. I need to change that!
Thank you, Sues!
My mom, sister and niece love honey mustard. I will have to make this for them.
Honey mustard dressing is one of my absolute favorites! I love how easily it comes together. Definitely need to try this at home some time.
I love a dressing that’s also a dip, and a spread. I would especially love this in a sandwich (like the one above)! And I’m all about moderation. 🙂
Ha! Me too 😉 So much better than sacrifice! HA!
Honey mustard is one of my fav dipping sauces. Can’t wait to try this!
I love honey mustard dressing! It’s my favorite dressing to order at restaurants, but I never thought about making it at home. Looks so easy!
Honey Mustard Dressing is one of my favorite dressing. Looks easy. Would love to use this dressing on my Chicken Drumstick Platter this weekend.
Homemade dressings are always better, and I really love honey mustard! Can’t wait to make this!
Wow I never thought of adding mayo, I usually just combine honey and mayo, I’ll have to give this version a try.
Thank so much for posting this recipe. I buy this dressing from the store all the time, so it’s good to know I can make a better version at home in 2 minutes.
Homemade dressings are always great. thanks for sharing the recipe from scratch. I have not yet started making them at home. so bookmarking.
Pass the chicken fingers – this sauce is calling!! I love honey mustard for a dressing but my favorite is for dipping too!
Honey mustard is my favorite dipping sauce!!! SOOOO GOOD!
Nothing like a homemade dressing, your version for honey mustard sounds delicious and looks so creamy. Need to try it at home as I know it will enhance my meals.
Honey mustard is my all-time favourite dressing! This looks absolutely gorgeous, lovely colour and I bet it goes with heaps of different dishes!
Funny – I just introduced my son to honey mustard dip the other day – can’t wait to make our own now!
I looove this dressing so much! Just made it for a lunch salad and it was delicious!
Honey mustard is a favorite for me! Thanks for sharing.
Honey Mustard is probably one of my all-time favourite dressing – such an easy and quick sauce that always brings a burst of flavour to salads! I love to use it on my roasted veggies too!
Honey mustard dressing is my favourite, I don’t know why I have never thought to make my own!
Amazing! I have been looking a recipe for this kind of dressing and fortunately I found yours. I am absolutely trying this on my salad.
Fast and easy, that’s what I love. I need a salad now.
You just cannot beat a homemade salad dressing; you never really know what goes into the stuff they sell in the shops!
I am going to try this dressing in my salad. Looks absolutely tempting, the colour and the creaminess from the mustard is so inviting.
I’ve been obsessed with the honey mustard combination this year. This dressing looks aboslutely like my thing – pinning for later!
This honey mustard would be so versatile for dipping, dressing, and even burgers. Thanks for the great idea!
This sauce sounds so delicious and I love how vibrant the color is.
This looks amazing!! WHy have I never thought of making my own honey mustard dressing?
I can think of so many dishes where this honey mustard dressing will come in handy for. Chicken tenders and salads are two that I definitely want to use it on first though!
I have to admit, honey mustard has never been a favorite of mine, but homemade makes all the difference! I love the pinch of cayenne, perfect for dipping some nice crispy chicken!
Thank you, Mikayla!
Wow, this looks extremely delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
I love honey mustard, I can’t wait to give this a try!
Katie xoxo
Hmm yum! This Honey Mustard Dressing looks really tasty! This will be perfect for my salads. Can’t wait to try this!
Loving this dressing so much! And you are right when you said it would be perfect for salads, sandwiches and dipping. I must go make this.
Honey-mustard is one of my absolute go-to flavor combos! It’s so true, though, that bottled dressings just don’t capture the magic at all – how wonderful to have this (super-easy!) recipe to create all the deliciousness at home (no need to make dinner reservations)! I love that you offer so many ideas for how to use it, too – plus other salad dressings and recipe inspo (while I’m totally in the mood for salads now anyway)!
This is the only dressing I ask for on my salads. I love Honey Mustard dressing.
This is seriously like the best dressing and goes with so many things. Thanks for another great recipe.
This looks good! I wold probably dip soft pretzels in it, or maybe drizzle it on a sandwich. Oh the possibilities are endless!
Honey Mustard is one of my all-time favorite sauces. The application of uses is endless – from sandwiches to salads, pizzas to slaws. Loving the vibrant yellow color too1
Honey mustard dressing is my favorite! I dip my chicken nuggets and french fries in the stuff. I’m like a little kid! SO excited to try your recipe.
I love this recipe for Honey Mustard..such simple ingredients. I had all of these ingredients on hand and made it as a dipping sauce for the chicken strips I made for dinner. My family loved it ..Thanks!!
Really enjoyed reading your honey mustard post! Have never tried adding mayo to mine. Thanks so much for all the helpful honey mustard info :).
I love how simple this dressing is! You can never go wrong with a delicious honey mustard.
This Honey Mustard Dressing looks fantastic, I bet it tastes great too. The colour really pops. Mayo, who would have thought, nice one!
Love the idea of adding a little cayenne! Such a great idea for just a little kick!
This is such an easy dressing, and I just love Honey Mustard. It’s one of my favorites. The added kick of the cayenne really rounds out the flavors.