The Best Restaurant-Quality Honey Mustard Dressing

A person holding a spoonful of Restaurant-Style Honey Mustard Dressing over a glass jar holding the same in front of a side salad on a salad plate.

The Best Restaurant-Quality Honey Mustard Dressing

Course: Dressing or Dip

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

chill time (recommended): 1

Total Time: 1 5

Servings:

Calories: 124kcal

Author: Kris Longwell

This creamy Restaurant-Style Honey Mustard Dressing strikes the perfect balance between sweet honey and tangy mustard with a hint of smoky spice. Ready in just five minutes, it’s the ultimate upgrade for salads, sandwiches, and dipping your favorite appetizers.

Print Recipe

Equipment

1 medium bowl for mixing
1 whisk or fork/spoon
1 jar with lid, or container with lid

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh, usually from one half of a lemon
1 teaspoon whole milk or water, see NOTES
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, milk (if using), garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until fully combined.
½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon whole milk, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and pepper
Transfer to a jar (or container) and cover. Serve at once, or better, chill for at least one hour. Give the jar a good shake (or stir) before serving.

Video

Notes

NOTE: Watch the video in the recipe card for visual guidance.

Adjusting Thickness: For a thick, rich consistency perfect for dipping chicken tenders or pretzels, omit the milk (or water) entirely. Only add the liquid if you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing for salads.
Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the spices to meld and the mustard’s sharpness to mellow slightly.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar for up to two weeks. If the dressing separates slightly while sitting, simply give it a quick stir or shake before using.
Customizing Heat: The cayenne pepper provides a very subtle depth. If you prefer a "spicy" honey mustard, feel free to double the cayenne or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Nutrition