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BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
If you’ve ever dined at BJ’s Restaurant, you probably remember the sweet and tangy kick of their iconic honey mustard dressing. It’s creamy, perfectly balanced, and makes any salad taste restaurant-worthy. But what if I told you that you could recreate that flavor at home using just a few pantry staples?
This BJ’s Restaurant honey mustard dressing recipe is incredibly easy to make. With only four main ingredients and a touch of spice, it’s a foolproof way to elevate your salads, sandwiches, or chicken tenders. No fancy gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients just pure flavor in every spoonful.
Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick lunch, this dressing will become your new go-to. Let’s dive into this irresistible homemade recipe!
Why You’ll Love BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing
I first made this honey mustard dressing on a lazy Sunday afternoon, hoping to spice up a simple salad. I was shocked at how effortless and satisfying it was. The flavors came together like magic creamy, sweet, tangy, and just a tiny kick from the cayenne.
What really surprised me was how versatile it turned out to be. I drizzled it over a grilled chicken salad, then used it the next day as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken strips. Perfection both times!
Now, I keep a jar of it in my fridge at all times. Trust me, once you try this BJ’s copycat, store-bought dressing just won’t cut it anymore.
Ingredients Required for BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard as a substitute)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (white vinegar or lemon juice can be used instead)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a mild kick)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Airtight container or jar (for storage)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: About ½ cup (4–6 servings depending on usage)
Copycat BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing at home
1. Combine the Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add ⅓ cup of mayonnaise. This creates the creamy foundation for your dressing.
2. Add the Mustard: Mix in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. If you don’t have Dijon on hand, yellow mustard works just fine and gives a slightly different flavor twist.
3. Sweeten it Up: Pour in ¼ cup of good-quality honey. This balances the tanginess of the mustard and brings that signature sweet note BJ’s dressing is known for.
4. Introduce Acidity: Add 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar to the mix. If unavailable, substitute with white vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice for a similar tangy brightness.
5. Spice it Gently: Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It’s optional but adds a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
6. Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. No salt or pepper is needed. Taste and adjust if you’d like a thinner consistency by adding a splash of water or extra vinegar.
How to Store BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Properly?
Store your honey mustard dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to one week. Give it a good stir before each use as natural separation may occur.
What to Pair and Serve with BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing
1. Grilled Chicken Salad
We’ve tossed this over a bed of mixed greens with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red onions honestly, it ties everything together so beautifully.
2. Chicken Tenders or Nuggets Dip
This has become our go-to dipping sauce for Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings. It’s creamy, tangy, and so much better than anything store-bought.
3. As a Burger Sauce
We once slathered this dressing on a homemade chicken burger and it was a total flavor bomb sweet, spicy, and finger-licking good.
4. Drizzle Over Roasted Veggies
Tried it over roasted Brussel Sprouts and sweet potatoes once game changer. The dressing adds just the right balance of sweetness and heat.
5. Ham or Turkey Sandwich Spread
We love swapping mayo for this in sandwiches. It works like a charm on turkey, ham, or even leftover roast chicken.
6. Salmon Glaze
Brushed a little over baked salmon before the final few minutes in the oven let’s just say dinner didn’t last long that night.
7. Coleslaw Upgrade
We mixed this into a bowl of shredded cabbage for a quick slaw. It’s tangier than classic coleslaw and so refreshing.
8. Grilled Veggie Wraps
It adds a fantastic flavor punch when used in wraps with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and hummus.
9. Pretzel Dip
Tried it with warm soft pretzels at a party gone in minutes. People kept asking if it was store-bought!
10. Cheese Board Accent
A small bowl of it next to sharp cheddar or gouda on a cheeseboard? Trust us, it works that sweet and savory contrast is unbeatable.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
1. Use a clean bowl.
A clean bowl helps your dressing taste fresh and yummy.
2. Mix slowly.
Don’t rush! Stir slow so everything blends nice and smooth.
3. Try yellow mustard if you don’t have Dijon.
It still tastes good and makes a great swap!
4. Use sweet honey.
Pick honey that you like it makes your dressing taste just right.
5. Taste as you go.
Give it a little taste while mixing. Want it sweeter? Add a tiny bit more honey!
6. Spice is optional.
Cayenne pepper adds a little heat. Don’t want it? Just skip it!
7. Don’t forget the vinegar.
It helps the dressing taste bright and tangy.
8. Whisk it really well.
Stir until you see no lumps just smooth, creamy dressing.
9. Keep it in the fridge.
Put leftovers in a jar with a lid and keep it cold so it stays fresh.
10. Use it on more than salad!
Try dipping chicken, fries, or even veggies it’s super tasty!
FAQs on BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe.
1. Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Absolutely! We’ve tested this recipe with both. Dijon gives it a richer, slightly sharper flavor, while yellow mustard makes it more mellow and classic. Use whichever you have both taste great.
2. Is there a vegan version of this dressing?
Yes! We’ve made it using vegan mayo and it turned out wonderfully creamy. Just make sure your honey substitute (like agave or maple syrup) fits your dietary needs.
3. How long does this honey mustard dressing last in the fridge?
From our experience, it stays fresh for up to 7 days in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir or shake before using.
4. Can I make this dressing without vinegar?
You can! We’ve tried lemon juice as a substitute and it still gives that bright, tangy kick. If you leave it out entirely, the dressing will be sweeter and less sharp, but still tasty.
5. Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes totally customizable. We add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne for a mild kick, but you can reduce it or leave it out if you prefer a milder version.
6. Is this the exact BJ’s recipe?
While it’s not their proprietary version, this is our tested and refined homemade copycat. It tastes very close our family can’t tell the difference!
7. What can I serve this with besides salad?
So many things! We love it with fried chicken, chicken tenders, roasted veggies, or even as a sandwich spread. It’s super versatile.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely we’ve done it many times. Just double each ingredient, mix it in a larger bowl, and store any extra in the fridge for later.
9. What if my dressing is too thick?
No worries! We’ve thinned it out by whisking in a teaspoon of water or vinegar at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. We usually make it the night before and it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld together.
This BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is a total game-changer for any home cook. With just a few ingredients and five minutes, you’ll have a bold, flavorful dressing that’s as good if not better than the restaurant version. Try it on salads, sandwiches, or as a dip. Give it a shot, and let me know how you used it in the comments below!
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