Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe — a bright, sweet-and-tangy dressing that lifts any salad above the ordinary. Made with simple pantry ingredients in about 5 minutes, this homemade version delivers fresh flavor you won’t find in most store-bought dressings. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight salads.
I make a small selection of homemade dressings and keep one or two ready in the fridge so my salads are always flavorful. Homemade dressings like this honey mustard are free of industrial preservatives and refined oils and let the natural ingredients shine. The balance of honey’s sweetness with the sharpness of mustard gives a lively flavor that pairs well with greens, roasted vegetables, and grilled proteins.
This dressing works equally well as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables and grain bowls. It’s adaptable — use dijon or coarse-ground mustard, swap maple syrup to make it vegan, and reduce honey for a lower-sugar option.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Fresh, balanced flavor — sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp from the mustard.
- Ready in about 5 minutes with common ingredients.
- Versatile — use as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce.
- Keeps for up to two weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.
Recipe ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil — provides body and a pleasant, fruity richness.
- Honey — adds sweetness and balance; use less for lower sugar or swap maple syrup to make it vegan.
- Mustard — coarse-ground mustard adds texture and visual interest, while dijon gives a smooth, pungent flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar — gives tang that complements the honey and mustard; other vinegars can be used as well.
- Fresh lemon juice — a small amount brightens the dressing and sharpens the flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper — to taste, to enhance all the flavors.
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and a printable ingredient list.
How to make honey and mustard dressing
This dressing is made by combining the ingredients and whisking or shaking until emulsified. It’s quick, reliable, and easy to adjust: taste as you go and add more mustard or honey to reach your preferred balance.
Pro tip: If your mustard is particularly strong, start with a smaller amount and add more after tasting.
- Combine all ingredients in a small jar or container.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed.
The dressing will thicken when chilled; let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes and shake again before using.
Recipe FAQs
This simple homemade honey mustard contains extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, coarse ground or dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup for vegan), a splash of fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper. No preservatives or refined oils.
Compared with many commercial dressings, this homemade version is cleaner because you control the ingredients and their quality. To reduce sugar, simply use less honey or replace it with a lower-sugar alternative.
Yes. It works well as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp. For marinating, allow at least 30 minutes for flavors to penetrate, or longer in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.
Serving suggestions
This honey mustard dressing enhances a wide range of dishes. Try these ideas:
- Toss with butter lettuce, mixed greens, or spring mix for a bright everyday salad.
- Dress pasta or grain salads like orzo or farro to add a sweet-tangy note.
- Drizzle over grilled vegetables, roasted asparagus, or air-fried broccoli for a flavorful side.
- Use as a marinade for grilled or baked chicken, salmon, or shrimp.
- Serve as a dip for raw vegetables, chicken tenders, or roasted potatoes.
Recipe notes
- Mustard choice: Coarse ground mustard offers texture; dijon is smoother and more pungent. Taste your mustard and adjust the amount accordingly.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The dressing may thicken when cold — let it warm slightly and shake before using.
- Vegan option: Substitute maple syrup for honey.
More salad dressing recipes you’ll love:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
- Champagne Vinaigrette
- Citrus Vinaigrette
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
- Homemade Italian Dressing
- Homemade Louie Dressing
- Raspberry Vinaigrette
- Red Wine Vinaigrette
Did you try this recipe? If so, leave a review and tag @flavorthemoments on social media to share your results.
Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
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 (or maple syrup for 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 the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed. Refrigerate in an airtight container and shake before serving.
Notes
- Use a mustard you enjoy and adjust the amount to taste.
- The dressing will thicken when chilled; allow it to warm briefly and shake to re-emulsify.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition (per 1.5 tbsp)
Approximate: 135 kcal, 14 g fat, 4 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g protein, 3 g sugar. Values are estimates for guidance only.