Honey Mustard Sauce is a sweet and tangy classic that works as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or sandwich spread. Made with just a few simple pantry staples, this golden sauce balances smooth honey sweetness with the sharp bite of mustard for a versatile and flavorful finish to any dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This honey mustard sauce is fast, foolproof, and far better than anything from a bottle. It comes together in under five minutes and adds instant flavor to chicken tenders, fries, veggies, sandwiches, and more. With a smooth, creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
directions
- In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Whisk together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and timing
Makes about 1 cup of sauce. Total time: 5 minutes.
Variations
- Use whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for a bolder kick.
- Replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a more acidic tang.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.
- Make it vegan by using vegan mayo and plant-based sweeteners.
storage/reheating
Store honey mustard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before each use. This sauce does not require reheating and is best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and more classic diner-style than tangy.
Is honey mustard sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ingredients (especially mustard) are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this without mayo?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
How long does homemade honey mustard last?
It lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Absolutely. It’s excellent drizzled over greens or grain bowls.
What can I dip in honey mustard?
Chicken tenders, fries, pretzels, roasted veggies, or even fresh-cut raw veggies like carrots or celery.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add a bit of hot sauce, cayenne, or a dash of horseradish.
What type of honey works best?
Any runny, mild-flavored honey will work. Avoid strongly flavored varieties like buckwheat honey unless you want an earthy taste.
Can I freeze honey mustard sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may break upon thawing.
Is this the same as honey mustard dressing?
They are very similar, though dressings may be thinner. You can thin this sauce with a little water or extra lemon juice for salad use.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Sauce is a quick and easy way to bring sweet and tangy flavor to your meals. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, this homemade version is creamy, balanced, and incredibly versatile. Once you make it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.
Honey Mustard Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 2/3 cup
- Category: Sauce, Condiment, Dip
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy honey mustard sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s incredibly versatile—great as a dip for chicken tenders, a drizzle for roasted veggies, a sandwich spread, or even a salad dressing. Made with just a few pantry staples!
Ingredients
-
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
-
1/4 cup honey
-
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Whisk ingredients: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayo, and apple cider vinegar.
-
Season: Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk again until smooth and creamy.
-
Taste & adjust: Add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or mayo for creaminess.
-
Serve or store: Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
-
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or a little hot sauce.
-
Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier twist.
-
Delicious on grilled chicken, sandwiches, salads, or as a veggie dip.
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