✔ Updated · 5-minute dressing + vinaigrette variation
My Outback honey mustard recipe is a copycat-style version of the creamy, sweet and tangy dressing people order with salads and chicken tenders.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Chill it for at least an hour before serving. The mustard mellows and the honey blends in, so it tastes rounder than it does straight from the bowl.
You only need mayonnaise, honey, Dijon, a spoonful of yellow mustard and a squeeze of lemon, whisked together in about 5 minutes. Chill it for an hour and it's ready for salads, dipping, burgers and wraps. A lighter honey mustard vinaigrette variation is below, too.
Why You'll Love This Honey Mustard
- Five minutes, one bowl, and no cooking at all.
- Sweet, tangy and creamy, with Dijon for bite and honey for balance.
- Two dressings in one: thick for dipping, or thinned for drizzling over salad.
Creamy Honey Mustard vs. Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
The recipe card makes the thick, creamy honey mustard that is popular for dipping and on salads. If you prefer a lighter, oil-based mustard vinaigrette, shake these together in a jar: 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1/2 cup olive or neutral oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; shake again before using.
| Creamy honey mustard (recipe card) | Honey mustard vinaigrette | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Mayonnaise | Oil and cider vinegar |
| Texture | Thick and creamy | Pourable, separates on standing |
| Best for | Dipping, salads, wraps, burgers | Green salads, grain bowls, marinades |
| Keeps | Up to 1 week, chilled | Up to 2 weeks, chilled |
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat mayonnaise. It gives the thick, silky texture, and I won’t make it with anything else. Light mayo works but makes a thinner, sharper dressing.
- Mix two mustards. Dijon brings the tangy bite and a spoonful of yellow mustard adds the familiar bright color and mild vinegar note.
- Warm stiff honey. If your honey has thickened or crystallized, warm the jar in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes so it whisks in smoothly.
- Adjust the thickness. Keep it thick for dipping, or whisk in water or milk a teaspoon at a time for a pourable salad dressing.
- Make it your own. A little grated garlic, prepared horseradish or extra cayenne all work well. Add them a little at a time and taste as you go.
Copycat Outback Honey Mustard Dressing
14
servings (2 tablespoons)5
minutes0
minutes130
kcal5
minutesA copycat-style take on Outback’s creamy honey mustard: mayonnaise, honey, Dijon and a little yellow mustard whisked smooth with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of cayenne, then chilled so the flavors blend. Makes about 1 3/4 cups.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch salt, to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons water or milk, to thin (optional)
Directions
- Add the mayonnaise to a medium bowl. Add the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard and lemon juice.
- Whisk for about 1 minute, until completely smooth and pale golden with no streaks of honey or mustard.
- Whisk in the cayenne and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust: more honey for sweeter, more Dijon for sharper. For a pourable salad dressing, whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or milk.
- Spoon into a jar with a tight lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors blend. Stir before serving with salads, chicken tenders, fries or veggies.
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Ways to Use Honey Mustard
Spoon it over a grilled chicken salad, serve it as a dip for chicken tenders (my favorite), fries and pretzels, or spread it on burgers, wraps and ham sandwiches. Looking for more copycat sauces? Try McDonald's hot mustard, Texas Roadhouse ranch dressing or Wingstop ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Outback honey mustard made of?
Copycat versions like this one use mayonnaise, honey and mustard as the base. This recipe combines Dijon for tang with a little yellow mustard for color, plus lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne and salt. The restaurant does not publish its exact recipe.
How long does homemade honey mustard dressing last?
Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Keep it chilled, stir before serving, and do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, since it is mayonnaise-based.
Can I freeze honey mustard dressing?
It is not a good idea. Mayonnaise-based dressings separate and turn grainy when they thaw. The recipe takes 5 minutes, so it is easier to make a fresh batch, or halve the recipe if you only need a little.
How do I make honey mustard thinner for salads?
Whisk in water or milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it pours easily. A teaspoon of cider vinegar or extra lemon juice thins it too and adds a little more tang.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip, or make the honey mustard vinaigrette on this page, which uses oil and vinegar instead.
