Honey Mustard Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and creamy condiment that’s incredibly versatile and easy to make at home. Whether you use it as a dip, a salad dressing, or a sandwich spread, this sauce delivers a perfect balance of flavor with just the right kick. Made with pantry staples in just minutes, it’s a go-to for elevating everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with just a handful of ingredients
- Ready in under 5 minutes
- Versatile as a dip, dressing, or marinade
- Easily adjustable to suit your taste
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients—just fresh, simple flavor
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor
directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) to balance the sweetness and create a creamy texture.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Optional: add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.
- Taste and adjust any ingredient as needed for your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.
- Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
Makes about 3/4 cup of sauce (enough for 4–6 servings as a dip or dressing).
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
No cooking required
Variations
- Spicy honey mustard: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Greek yogurt version: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
- Whole grain mustard: Use whole grain mustard for extra texture and a bold flavor twist.
- Maple mustard: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
- Low-sugar: Reduce the honey and increase vinegar or lemon juice for a more savory version.
storage/reheating
Store honey mustard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
No reheating needed—just give it a stir before serving if it separates slightly.
FAQs
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, yellow mustard will give it a milder, more classic American flavor.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the mustard and other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayo and a plant-based sweetener like agave nectar instead of honey.
What can I use honey mustard sauce for?
It’s perfect as a dip for chicken tenders, soft pretzels, veggies, or fries. Also great as a salad dressing or sandwich spread.
How do I thin it for a salad dressing?
Add a splash of water, lemon juice, or extra vinegar and whisk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Absolutely—it works wonderfully on chicken, pork, or even tofu before grilling or roasting.
Is there a low-fat option?
Yes, replace the mayonnaise with low-fat Greek yogurt or light mayo.
How long does homemade honey mustard last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to one week when stored in a sealed container.
Can I freeze honey mustard sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as it may separate and lose its creamy texture.
Why is my sauce too tangy or too sweet?
Adjust by adding more honey for sweetness or more mustard/vinegar for tanginess—it’s easy to tweak to taste.
Conclusion
Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce is a quick, customizable, and delicious addition to your kitchen. With its balanced sweet and tangy flavor and smooth texture, it enhances everything from snacks to main dishes. Skip the store-bought version and enjoy a fresher, tastier sauce that comes together in minutes.
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Honey Mustard Sauce
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ¾ cup
- Category: Sauce, Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy honey mustard sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It comes together in just minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Great as a dip for chicken tenders, a spread for sandwiches, or a dressing for salads.
Ingredients
-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
-
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
-
3 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and vinegar (or lemon juice) until smooth and creamy.
-
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
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For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayo.
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Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
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Makes a great sandwich spread or burger topping.