Ever wonder if making salad dressing from scratch is worth it? The answer is a resounding yes! Homemade salad dressing recipes are always more flavorful than store-bought ones and are a cinch to pull together. You need only a bowl, a whisk and four simple ingredients to make this thick, tangy honey mustard dressing recipe.
Honey mustard dressing is super versatile and stores in the fridge for weeks. Use it on fresh greens, as a dip for wings and other snacks, or as a sauce for fried chicken and other sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
Honey Mustard Dressing Ingredients
- Honey: Honey brings sweetness to the party. Use your favorite local honey or choose the best honey brand at the store. Did you know that pure honey never expires? It’s a great white sugar alternative.
- Dijon mustard: Mustard is a condiment that we always have on hand in our fridge. Made with brown mustard seeds, white wine and vinegar, Dijon adds a smooth, creamy texture and sharp, tangy flavor to the dressing. Make Dijon mustard from scratch for a twist. Avoid using yellow and whole-grain mustards for this recipe; they don’t have the right taste or texture.
- Cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has many uses, but here it adds a light fruit tang to the dressing’s flavor profile. Use red wine vinegar in a pinch.
- Canola oil: Canola oil’s relatively neutral flavor is perfect for letting the other ingredients shine in this honey mustard dressing recipe.
Directions
Step 1: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, combine the honey and mustard. Add the vinegar and whisk until blended. Gradually whisk in the oil.
Editor’s Tip: The slower you add the oil, the smoother the emulsion, leading to a thick and creamy dressing.
Step 2: Store the dressing
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the oil: For a more complex flavor, replace canola with olive oil in this recipe. The more delicately flavored extra virgin olive oil is ideal for salad dressing recipes. As with any dressing or vinaigrette, using the best olive oil you can buy is worth it in the flavor department.
- Introduce herbs: Stir in your favorite fresh herbs for additional flavor. Freshly chopped tarragon, chives, basil or oregano would all be tasty options. Note that adding fresh herbs will decrease the shelf life of your dressing to just one week.
- Add a punch of heat: For a kick of spice, stir in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Make it creamy: For a creamy honey mustard dressing, stir in 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt.
How to Store Honey Mustard Dressing
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks (only one week if fresh herbs were added). This dressing is not ideal for freezing.
Honey Mustard Dressing Tips
How do you use honey mustard dressing?
This honey mustard dressing recipe is delicious served over fresh green salads, but it also makes a flavorful glaze or marinade for baked chicken breasts or baked salmon. Try it as a spread on your favorite summer sandwich recipes. You can also use it as a drizzling sauce over roasted vegetables or your favorite grain bowls. If you’re feeling a little more decadent, try it as a dip for your next batch of sweet potato fries or as a chicken wing sauce.
Can you make honey mustard salad dressing in a jar?
You can skip the whisk and make this dressing in a jar instead. Add all the ingredients to a clean jar, cover it tightly with a lid, then shake it vigorously until all the ingredients are incorporated. Serve the dressing immediately or chill until ready to serve.
