Summer Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

Today we're doing a take on the all time classic: Honey mustard salad dressing! 

Honey mustard salad dressing has been around for quite some time and it's still one of the most popular dressings on the block. 

You may be asking yourself, "Why honey mustard? Why not ranch or Italian?" Well, honey, let me tell you, honey mustard has a history! Back in the day, (and I mean way back in the day) it was a go-to dressing for medieval European royalty. And if it was good enough for them, it's good enough for us! 

Plus, making your own dressing has a ton of benefits. Not only does it save you money, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your taste. And it's ridiculously easy, so let's whip up a classic honey mustard salad dressing!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dressing:

2 Tbs Honey - Sweet like the bees made it! Honey is a natural sweetener that gives our dressing that perfect balance of sweetness.

2 Tbs Mustard - It wouldn't be honey mustard without the mustard! Dijon mustard is the go-to for this recipe and it's the kind that I always use because of the flavor and smooth texture, but in a pinch you can use whatever kind you like.

1 Tbs Vinegar - A little acid goes a long way! We use vinegar to balance out the sweetness of the honey and give the dressing a tangy kick. I use ACV (apple cider vinegar) both for the cidery flavor note and because of all the great health benefits it gives you.

3 Tbs Olive Oil - Not only does olive oil add a smooth and silky texture to the dressing, but it also brings some healthy fats to the table. I like using a darker, more sharp tasting olive oil, but if you don't care for the taste of olive oil you can always swap it out for a different oil like grapeseed or even just vegetable oil.

Pinch of Salt and Pepper - These can also be optional ingredients, but just a pinch of each will bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Optional ingredients - Now, this is where we get to have some fun! Garlic, herbs, spices, you name it! Mix and match until you find your perfect flavor combo. I recommend adding 1 clove of minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor or a dash of Tajin and crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

Directions

Step #1. Mixing the ingredients - Grab a bowl and whisk together the honey, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until they're well combined. If you're adding any optional ingredients, now's the time to throw those in too! Whisk away until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

*Note: if you do decide to add the 1 clove of minced garlic, it's a good idea to let the minced garlic and ACV sit together for ~15 minutes to help reduce the pungent garlic flavor.

Step #2. Adjusting the consistency - Depending on your personal preference, you may want your dressing to be thicker or thinner. If it's too thick, add a little bit of water or more vinegar. If it's too thin, add more olive oil or mustard. Play around to find your perfect ratio.

Step #3. Storing the dressing - We recommend storing your honey mustard dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Mason jars or repurposed jelly jars are great containers. Before using it, give it a good shake or stir to recombine the ingredients. It's natural for the dressing to separate when it sits especially since it has a good amount of oil and vinegar.

Making a classic honey mustard salad dressing is as easy as 1, 2, 3! So go ahead and whip up a batch, dress your greens, and enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Try pairing with different types of salads - Honey mustard dressing is versatile! 

It pairs well with a variety of salads, from classic greens to grain-based salads. 

Try it on a spinach and strawberry salad, a kale and quinoa salad, or a roasted sweet potato and arugula salad. You'll never get tiered of salads again!

Try pairing with other foods - Don't limit yourself to just salads! 

Honey mustard dressing is also great as a dipping sauce for veggies, chicken nuggets, or pretzels. It's even delicious as a marinade.

Try garnishing - Want to add a little extra pizzazz to your salad? Remember, we eat with our eyes. So why not try garnishing it with some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or crispy bacon.

End Notes

To make this tasty dressing, all you need is honey, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Plus, feel free to mix and match with some optional ingredients for a unique flavor profile!

Homemade dressing is not only tastier, but it's also healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought dressings. Plus, you get to control what goes into it, meaning no toxic preservatives or artificial flavors.

We know making your own dressing can seem daunting or like a time consuming task, but trust us, it's worth it! Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect combo. Your taste buds will thank you!

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