Outback Honey Mustard Dressing

Outback Honey Mustard Dressing Photo

Outback Honey Mustard Dressing: A Complete Guide

Elevate any meal with Outback Honey Mustard Dressing—a creamy, tangy, and sweet classic inspired by the famous steakhouse. Whether you’re seeking a crowd-pleasing salad topper, a rich dipping sauce for chicken tenders, or something unique to drizzle over roasted vegetables, this dressing has you covered. Let’s explore how to make it at home, achieve that signature taste, and discover delicious ways to use every spoonful.

Why Outback Honey Mustard Dressing Is Special

Outback’s honey mustard stands out for its harmony of flavors. Unlike ordinary honey mustard, the Outback version is richer and silkier, balancing sweet honey and robust Dijon with creamy notes and just the right tang. The appeal goes beyond salads—fans use it everywhere from sandwich spreads to dipping sauces.

Key Components of the Flavor

At its heart, this dressing relies on three pantry staples: real mayonnaise, quality Dijon mustard, and pure honey. Supporting flavors like a hint of lemon juice, a pinch of garlic powder, or a twist of cracked pepper can be added to your liking. Here’s how these ingredients contribute:

  • Mayonnaise: The base, providing creaminess and body. Full-fat is best for flavor and texture.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds depth and tang. Many prefer Grey Poupon for its spice and complexity.
  • Honey: Supplies mellow sweetness; local or floral varieties can change the nuance.
  • Optional seasonings: Lemon juice brightens, garlic onion powder adds depth, and black pepper can sharpen.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a simple table of the essentials:

Ingredient Purpose Amount (classic batch)
Mayonnaise Creamy base 1 cup
Dijon mustard Tang and spice 1/4 cup
Honey Sweetness 1/4 cup
Lemon juice Brightness (optional) 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder Savory note (optional) 1/4 teaspoon
Salt, pepper Finishing seasoning To taste

Step-by-Step Recipe for Outback Honey Mustard Dressing

1. Measure and Prep

Arrange all ingredients in front of you. Using good-quality mayonnaise and Dijon sets the stage for an authentic taste. For the honey, use a runny variety for easy blending.

2. Whisk to Perfection

  • Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey to a medium mixing bowl.
  • If using, squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle in garlic powder.
  • Whisk until smooth and glossy. The mixture should become pale golden, with a velvety finish.

Tip: Whisking by hand prevents overmixing and avoids a loose, runny consistency.

3. Taste and Season

After the initial blending, taste. Adjust sweetness with a touch more honey or dial up the tang with extra Dijon. If you enjoy a subtle savoriness, a dash of salt and pepper helps round the flavors.

4. Chill for Best Flavor

Transfer your dressing to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least two hours—overnight is ideal. This gives flavors time to meld into that signature Outback harmony.

Flavor Variations: Make It Your Own

Everyone has a favorite twist, and Outback fans are no different. Try these simple additions:

  • Add a tablespoon of prepared horseradish for a spicy kick.
  • Swap Dijon for spicy brown mustard for extra depth.
  • Mix in a teaspoon of minced fresh chives for herbal freshness.
  • For a lighter version, use olive oil mayo or Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise.

Feel free to experiment and find your household’s perfect balance.

Storage: Keeping It Fresh

Honey mustard dressing keeps well:

  • Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or any airtight container.
  • Always refrigerate. Well-chilled, it lasts up to 1 week.
  • Stir or shake before each use, as ingredients may settle.
  • If the dressing develops a separated look after several days, a quick whisk returns it to form.

What To Pair With Outback Honey Mustard Dressing

This sauce goes far beyond salad bowls. Here are a few ways to enjoy every drop:

For Salads

  • Garden greens: Romaine, baby spinach, or arugula.
  • Cobb salad: Pair with chicken, bacon, eggs, and avocado.
  • Pasta salad: Use as a creamy toss for cold noodles and veggies.

As a Dip

  • Crispy chicken tenders, fried pickles, or potato wedges.
  • Veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber, or bell peppers.
  • Soft pretzels or savory crackers.

Extras

  • Spread on burgers or grilled sandwiches.
  • Drizzle over grilled chicken, pork chops, or roast turkey.
  • Serve alongside steakhouse classics like blooming onion or loaded baked potatoes.

Example: For an easy dinner, brush warm grilled chicken with a generous layer of honey mustard and serve with a green salad.

Troubleshooting: Perfect Dressing Every Time

  • Too thick? Whisk in a teaspoon of water or milk until smooth.
  • Too tangy? Blend in another tablespoon of honey.
  • Too sweet? Add an extra teaspoon of Dijon or a few drops of lemon.
  • Separating? Chill and whisk again. Only use full-fat mayo to prevent breakdown.

Answers to Common Questions

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply use vegan mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative.

What about making it sugar-free?

Choose a sugar-free honey substitute and make sure your mustard is unsweetened. Taste and adjust as artificial sweeteners may change the flavor.

Does store-bought honey mustard taste the same?

Bottled versions can’t match the fresh, creamy texture and complex taste of homemade. This recipe recreates the restaurant classic.

Nutrition Snapshot

A typical serving (2 tablespoons) includes around:

  • 120 calories
  • 10g fat
  • 6g carbohydrate
  • 0.5g protein

For lighter options, try low-fat mayo or mix in nonfat yogurt.

From the first taste, you’ll see why Outback Honey Mustard Dressing receives so much praise. It’s a no-fuss recipe with grocery store staples, but it brings big flavor every time. Store it in a clear jar for a golden pop in your fridge, and reach for it any time a meal needs a quick lift.

Once you try this version of honey mustard, you’ll want to stock it week after week. Whether you’re drizzling it on a salad, dunking crispy tenders, or swirling it into mashed potatoes, this dressing effortlessly moves from sidekick to star.

Experiment, enjoy, and let your kitchen smell like your favorite steakhouse. There’s never a wrong moment to make honey mustard at home—the real Outback way.

Outback Honey Mustard Dressing

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 from 9 votes

Course: Copycat Recipes / Cuisine:
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cooking Time
Servings 12 servings
Calories 176 cal

Add more color and flavor to salads, chips, and entrees. Try this out-of-this-world Outback honey mustard dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Grey Poupon mustard
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and honey until well-combined.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Serve as a salad dressing, sauce, or dip. Enjoy!