Hot Honey Mustard Salad Dressing Recipe
If you’re craving a dressing with a perfect balance of tang, spice, and sweetness, this Hot Honey Mustard Salad Dressing is just what you need. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this creamy, spicy honey mustard sauce can elevate anything from green salads to chicken fingers and roasted veggies. With a base of Greek yogurt, mustard, and hot honey, this dressing offers a zesty flavor profile that’s both versatile and easy to make. Plus, for those following a dairy-free diet, there’s a simple swap to make it just as delicious.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (Fage is my favorite greek yogurt OR substitute with vegan sour cream for a dairy free option)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons hot honey (like Mike’s Hot Honey)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired level of heat)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional for extra tang)
- Pinch of salt to taste
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Heat: Add the hot honey to the mixture. If you want to up the heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with ¼ teaspoon for a mild kick, and increase from there if you prefer more spice. This combination of ingredients will provide the signature zesty flavor that makes this dressing so irresistible.
- Balance the Flavors: For an extra layer of tanginess, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of water (or extra virgin olive oil) to reach your desired consistency. A great dipping sauce for chicken strips or a drizzling dressing for salads needs just the right balance of thickness and pourability.
- Store and Serve: Once all ingredients are well combined, transfer the dressing to an airtight container, such as a mason jar. Give it a good shake before serving. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Customization
This homemade dressing is highly customizable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Dairy Free Version: Substitute the Greek yogurt with vegan sour cream to make it dairy-free while keeping the creamy texture intact. This is a great way to ensure those on a medically restrictive diet can still enjoy this flavorful dressing.
- Spicier Version: Increase the cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy kick. You can also mix in a pinch of mustard powder or whole-grain mustard to enhance the mustard flavor.
- Milder Version: For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a mild hot honey. You can even omit the cayenne entirely if you prefer.
- Sweeten it Up: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar to balance the heat and tang, creating a perfect combination of sweet and spicy.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan sour cream and vegan mayo for the base and maple syrup in place of the honey. Add extra cayenne pepper to get the “hot” flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy honey mustard dressing pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:
- Chicken Fingers or Chicken Tenders: Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken fingers or chicken tenders. It also makes an excellent spread for honey mustard chicken wraps.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle it over roasted Brussels sprouts or bell peppers to add a sweet and spicy dimension to your veggies.
- Salads: Toss it with a fresh green salad of spinach, cherry tomatoes, and raw vegetables. The dressing also works wonderfully on a pasta salad or potato salad.
- Finger Foods: Serve it alongside soft pretzels, French fries, or pork chops for an added depth of flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage
This homemade dressing is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week, making it convenient for drizzling on your favorite dishes throughout the week.
Before serving, give it a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or stir in a small amount of water or olive oil to reach the perfect consistency.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutrient information will vary based on the ingredients used, this spicy honey mustard dressing is relatively light and fits well into a balanced diet. It’s a great option for those looking for a flavorful dressing without excessive calories. For those on a calorie diet or following a medically restrictive diet, use extra Greek yogurt for added protein and skip the mayo to reduce fat content.
Shortcuts for the Busy Cook
If you’re in a rush or simply don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there’s a shortcut to make a quick and easy hot honey mustard dressing:
- Start with your favorite store-bought honey mustard dressing.
- Add cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Give it a stir and enjoy this spicy honey mustard recipe in seconds!
This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of homemade dressing without the extra prep time.
Hot Honey Mustard as a Vinaigrette
For a lighter, more traditional honey mustard vinaigrette, swap the mayo and Greek yogurt for ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. This creates a tangy, spicy honey mustard vinaigrette perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping for a week of meals, or just looking for a new way to spice up your salads, this hot honey mustard sauce is a versatile sauce you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its creamy texture, zesty flavor, and customizable spice level make it an all-around crowd-pleaser.
For a printable version of this recipe, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Whether it’s your first timemaking a homemade dressing or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for personal consumption or serving guests.
Don’t forget to try it with chicken breast, green salad, or even as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables!
This spicy honey mustard salad dressing is a perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re drizzling it on a salad, dipping chicken tenders, or adding it to a sandwich, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and be sure to adjust the spice level to your liking. You’ll love how this simple, homemade dressing brings out the best in all your favorite foods.
More Salad Dressing Recipes to Try
The Best Dairy Free Ranch Dressing Recipe
Gluten Free Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
Restaurant Style Ginger Dressing Recipe
Hot Honey Mustard Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt Fage is my favorite greek yogurt OR substitute with vegan sour cream for a dairy free option
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons hot honey like Mike’s Hot Honey
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your desired level of heat
- Pinch of salt to taste
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish optional
Instructions
Mix the Base Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the Heat:
- Add the hot honey to the mixture. If you want to up the heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with ¼ teaspoon for a mild kick, and increase from there if you prefer more spice. This combination of ingredients will provide the signature zesty flavor that makes this dressing so irresistible.
Balance the Flavors:
- For an extra layer of tanginess, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt.
Adjust the Consistency:
- If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of water (or extra virgin olive oil) to reach your desired consistency. A great dipping sauce for chicken strips or a drizzling dressing for salads needs just the right balance of thickness and pourability.
Store and Serve:
- Once all ingredients are well combined, transfer the dressing to an airtight container, such as a mason jar. Give it a good shake before serving. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition
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