Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

This homemade honey mustard dressing is creamy, tangy, and easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for salads, as a dipping sauce, or even a marinade, this versatile recipe is a must-have in your cooking routine. You’ll love its fresh, balanced flavors!

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing being poured over salad.

Protein: 1 gram per tablespoon

The protein in this honey mustard salad dressing recipe comes from Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese, which give the dressing its creamy texture while boosting its nutritional value. When I first made this, I loved how the cottage cheese blended into the dressing so seamlessly—no one guessed it was there! It’s a sneaky way to add a little extra protein to your meal without changing the flavor.

Contents hide

1 Why you will love this recipe

2 Key ingredients and substitutions

3 How to make homemade honey mustard dressing

4 Recipe notes and tips

5 Storage instructions

6 Variations

7 What to serve with this recipe

8 Frequently asked questions

9 More recipes you will love

10 Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Why you will love this recipe

Simple ingredients: Uses simple ingredients you already have at home.
Protein boosted: Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. 1g protein per tablespoon!
Tastes amazing: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced in flavor.
Versatile: Great for salads, dipping, or even a marinade.
Quick and easy: Make it in less than 5 minutes with a blender or immersion blender.

Key ingredients and substitutions

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness. You can use store-bought or homemade mayo.
Greek Yogurt: Provides tang and protein. Plain Greek yogurt works best; swap with sour cream if needed.
Cottage Cheese: Gives extra protein and a creamy texture. Low-fat cottage cheese is ideal, but regular works too.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and balance. Substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer.
Honey: Swap with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Dijon Mustard: Brings tang and depth. Yellow mustard works if you like a milder flavor, or try spicy brown mustard for extra zing.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall taste. Adjust to your preference.

How to make homemade honey mustard dressing

Combine all ingredients: Add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a blender or a wide-mouthed jar if using an immersion blender.
Blend it up: Blend for about 1 minute until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Honey mustard dressing in a jar with an immersion blender.

Taste and tweak: Check the flavor and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or an extra drizzle of honey for sweetness.
Chill or serve: Use immediately for a fresh taste or chill it for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Store for later: Pour the creamy honey mustard dressing into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Use within a week for the best flavor.

Quick Tip:

If you like a thicker honey mustard sauce, add a little more Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or mayonnaise. For a thinner, honey mustard vinaigrette-like consistency, mix in a splash of water or extra vinegar!

Honey Mustard Dressing in a small glass jug surrounded by a pink cloth.

Recipe notes and tips

Blend it smooth: If you don’t have a blender, whisk it in a bowl, but blending ensures a super creamy texture.
Room temperature ingredients: They mix more easily, so let cold items sit out for a few minutes.
Customize the tanginess: Adjust the apple cider vinegar or mustard to suit your taste buds.
Meal prep-friendly: This dressing stays fresh in the fridge for about a week, making it perfect for busy weeks.

Storage instructions

Airtight container: A mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid keeps the dressing fresh.
Refrigerate promptly: Store in the fridge as soon as possible to maintain its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Shake it up: If it separates slightly, just give it a good shake or stir before using.
Best before: Enjoy within 5-7 days for peak flavor and freshness.

Variations

Spicy Honey Mustard: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha, hot sauce, or a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for some heat.
Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo, plant-based yogurt (for both Greek yogurt and cottage cheese), and agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Herb-Infused: Add a teaspoon of dried dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh twist.
Citrus: Swap the apple cider vinegar with fresh lemon or orange juice for a tangy citrus vibe.
Extra Creamy: Use full-fat Greek yogurt and full-fat cottage cheese for an even richer dressing.
Garlicky: Add a clove of minced garlic or a dash of garlic powder for extra depth.
Maple Mustard: Replace honey with maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.

What to serve with this recipe

Salads: Toss this creamy dressing with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers for a simple salad, or use it to elevate a broccoli salad, Brussels sprouts salad, or kale salad with crispy bacon.
Honey mustard dipping sauce: Perfect for crispy chicken tenders or chicken nuggets. It’s also a tasty tangy dip for sweet potato fries or roasted veggies like bell peppers.
Main dishes: Drizzle over grilled pork chops for a sweet and tangy glaze, or pair with roasted salmon or chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
Snacks: Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a creamy, flavorful twist, and serve alongside fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers for a healthy snack platter.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt. Check your mayo is dairy-free too (it should be!).

How do I thin out the dressing?

Add a splash of water or extra apple cider vinegar, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I skip the cottage cheese?

Sure thing! Replace it with more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise if you prefer a simpler recipe. It will have slightly less protein.

Overhead photo of Honey Mustard Dressing in a small glass jug surrounded by a pink cloth.

More recipes you will love

Broccoli Salad
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
Chicken Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Cottage Cheese Bowl
Air Fryer Drumsticks

Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.