Honey Mustard Dressing
Ingredients
&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. While whisking steadily, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified, glossy, and slightly thick enough to cling to a spoon, 1–2 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt for savoriness, a little honey for sweetness, or a splash of vinegar for extra tang as needed.
4. Let the dressing stand 10 minutes to meld. Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed jar up to 1 week; shake before serving.
Honey Mustard Dressing is a bright, tangy-sweet vinaigrette that balances the gentle heat of mustard with the round sweetness of honey. The texture is smooth and lightly clingy, perfect for coating tender salad greens without weighing them down. Its flavor profile is versatile enough to complement everything from crisp vegetables to grilled chicken, and it can double as a quick dip or light marinade.
Though mustard and honey have been paired for centuries, the recognizable American honey mustard dressing gained broad popularity in the late 20th century. It moved from home kitchens and delicatessens to restaurant menus and bottled dressings, becoming a staple alongside ranch and Italian dressings. Over time, regional and personal spins emerged—some creamy, some grainy—but the core sweet-tangy balance and mustard backbone remain its signature.