The next time you’re looking for the perfect dressing, try one of these recipes. You’ll be amazed how these dressings taste and how honey improves the overall flavor profile.
Dressings & Marinades Featuring Honey
| Dressing | Key Ingredients | Use Cases |
| Honey Mustard Dressing | Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, olive oil | Salads, veggie dip |
| Honey Lemon Vinaigrette | Lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, pepper | Green salads, grain bowls |
| Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette | Balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil | Fruit salads, roasted vegetables |
Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp honey (or substitute with 1.5 Tbsp sugar)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp honey (or 1 Tbsp sugar)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve over salads or roasted vegetables.
Sugar to Honey Conversion Note: Substitute honey directly with an equal amount of sugar, dissolving it in the lemon juice first. Sugar won’t provide the same viscosity, but will sweeten just as well.
Each dressing comes together in under 5 minutes and stores in the fridge up to a week. Simply whisk or shake ingredients until emulsified.
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a versatile, sweet-tangy dressing that pairs beautifully with leafy greens, fruit salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish.
Basic Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 to 2 tbsp honey (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a jar or bowl.
- Close with a lid and shake vigorously, or whisk until well combined.
- Store at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake before each use.barefeetinthekitchen
Enhanced Recipe #2 (With Dijon & Garlic)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tbsp honey (to taste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a small jar or bowl.
- Whisk or shake until fully emulsified and creamy.
- Taste and adjust for sweetness, tang, or saltiness as needed.
- Use immediately or refrigerate. If refrigerated, let come to room temperature and shake before serving.jz-eats+2
Tips & Notes
- Customizations: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness, or a pinch of dried oregano for herbal notes.aggieskitchen+1
- Emulsifying: Dijon mustard helps the vinaigrette emulsify and become creamier.
- Storage: Keeps for 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator (it may thicken—just let it sit at room temperature and shake).
- Use: Ideal for salads with fruit, roasted veggies, or as a marinade for proteins.
Feel free to mix and match these variations for your taste!
Honey’s Role Across Recipes:
- In savory dishes, honey balances umami and acidity, glazing proteins with a glossy finish.
- In dressings, it acts as a natural emulsifier and sweetener, harmonizing vinegar or citrus.
- In baked goods, honey retains moisture and imparts complex floral notes absent in white sugar.
Whether elevating a weekday dinner or gracing an afternoon tea, these recipes celebrate honey’s multifaceted charm. Enjoy experimenting with different varietals—from clover to wildflower—to discover the nuances each brings to your kitchen creations!
