Honey mustard dressing, light
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A light, creamy emulsion of honey, mustard, and oil, this dressing balances bright sweetness with a gentle, tangy kick. Its smooth, pourable texture clings lightly to greens and proteins, offering a lower-calorie alternative to classic vinaigrettes. With 207 kcal and 10g fat per 100g, it provides a flavorful boost without excessive calories.
Calorie split: 2% protein · 55% carbs · 43% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its perfect sweet-tangy balance, which elevates simple salads and grilled chicken without overwhelming other flavors. It's a cultural staple in American casual dining, offering a familiar, comforting taste that's both nostalgic and versatile.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (18.33g per 100g) can cause blood-sugar spikes, making it less ideal for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. To counteract this, pair it with high-fiber vegetables or protein-rich foods like grilled chicken or chickpeas, and practice portion control by using a measured tablespoon rather than pouring freely.
Key benefits
- Lower in fat and calories than traditional creamy dressings.
- Adds flavor to bland foods like salads and chicken.
- Provides quick energy from natural honey sugars.
- Easy to make at home with pantry staples.
- Versatile for dipping, drizzling, or marinating.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Honey mustard dressing became a popular fast-food dipping sauce in the 1980s, often paired with chicken nuggets, and its recipe typically includes a 1:1 ratio of honey to mustard for that signature sweet-tangy profile.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 57.2 g |
| Energy | 207 kcal |
| Protein | 0.98 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 10.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 28.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.80 g |
| Total Sugars | 18.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 67.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.41 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 28.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 55.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 701 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.17 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 6.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.40 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.12 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.02 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 4.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 6.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 5.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 4.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 13.3 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.83 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.49 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.21 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.21 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.30 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.92 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is honey mustard dressing gluten-free?
Most commercial honey mustard dressings are gluten-free, but always check labels for added thickeners or malt vinegar, which may contain gluten.
Can I make honey mustard dressing at home?
Yes, mix equal parts honey and mustard with a splash of vinegar and oil, then whisk until smooth. Adjust to taste for more sweetness or tang.
How long does honey mustard dressing last in the fridge?
Homemade versions last 1-2 weeks in an airtight container, while commercial ones can last longer due to preservatives. Always check for signs of spoilage.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.07 kcal/g · 2% calories from protein · 0.8 g fiber · 18.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 12.75 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.