This Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe brings bright, balanced flavor to salads and makes a great all-purpose marinade. Sweet honey and tangy mustard combine with olive oil and apple cider vinegar to create a dressing that tastes far fresher than most store-bought options. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Sweet and tangy with fresh flavor that far surpasses most commercial dressings.
- Ready in about 5 minutes with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile: use as a salad dressing, a dip, or a flavorful marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it convenient for meal prep.
Recipe ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil – provides a rich base; use a good quality oil for best flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – adds bright acidity that complements honey and mustard.
- Coarse ground mustard – offers texture and assertive mustard flavor; dijon can be substituted.
- Honey – balances the mustard; reduce for a lower-sugar option or substitute maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Fresh lemon juice – a small amount lifts the flavors (optional but recommended).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
How to make honey and mustard dressing
The method is simple and quick: combine the ingredients, seal, and shake to emulsify. This yields a smooth, well-blended dressing in minutes with no special equipment required.
Pro tip: Taste your mustard before adding it. If it’s particularly sharp, start with a smaller amount (about 1 tablespoon) and increase to taste.
- Place all ingredients in a small jar or container.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Recipe FAQs
This homemade version uses extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, coarse ground or dijon mustard, honey, a touch of fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper. It omits the preservatives and refined oils often found in commercial dressings.
Is honey mustard dressing healthy?
Compared with many store-bought dressings, this recipe is a healthier option because it uses whole, simple ingredients without preservatives or refined vegetable oils. You can also reduce the honey to lower the sugar content.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes. It makes an excellent marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp—just allow time for the flavors to penetrate the protein before cooking.
Serving suggestions
This honey mustard dressing is versatile. A few ways to enjoy it:
- Toss with spring mix, butter lettuce, or a composed salad like a chicken cobb.
- Use on pasta or bean salads to add a sweet-tangy finish.
- Drizzle over grilled vegetables, roasted asparagus, or air-fried broccoli for a flavor boost.
- Marinate chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or shrimp before grilling or baking.
Recipe notes
- Mustard choice: Coarse ground mustard adds texture; dijon provides a silkier, sharper taste.
- The dressing will solidify when refrigerated. Let it warm 5–10 minutes at room temperature and shake vigorously before using.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse ground mustard (or dijon)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (local preferred; maple syrup to make vegan)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small to medium jar or container.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or honey as needed. Serve or refrigerate.
Notes
- If refrigerated, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes and shake well before using.
- Reduce the honey for a lower-sugar version, or substitute with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
Nutrition (per ~1.5 tbsp)
Calories: ~135 kcal; Carbohydrates: ~4 g; Protein: ~0.1 g; Fat: ~14 g; Sugar: ~3 g. Nutrition is an estimate for informational purposes only.
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