BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Originally posted on October 27, 2024 @ 4:11 am

This copycat BJ’s Restaurant honey mustard dressing tastes EXACTLY like the sweet and tangy sauce you know and love from BJ’s! Perfectly balanced between sweet honey and tangy mustard with a creamy texture that’s ideal for drizzling over salads or dipping chicken tenders, fries, and veggies.

The best part? You can make this restaurant-favorite at home in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

I’ve been obsessed with BJ’s honey mustard for years – ordering extra on the side, hoarding the little cups, you know the drill.

I decided it was time to crack the code and recreate it at home. After testing countless variations, I finally nailed it!

This recipe tastes just like (maybe even better than!) the restaurant version. Once you try this, you’ll never settle for store-bought honey mustard again!

Why You’ll Love This BJ’s Copycat Honey Mustard

✨ Tastes like BJ’s Restaurant – This is the authentic copycat recipe you’ve been searching for
⏱️ Ready in 5 minutes – Faster than driving to the restaurant!
🛒 Simple ingredients – Just 6 basic ingredients, nothing fancy
💰 Budget-friendly – Make it for pennies vs. buying bottles or ordering takeout
🎯 Perfectly balanced – Not too sweet, not too tangy – just right
🥗 Incredibly versatile – Use as dressing, dip, marinade, or sandwich spread
❄️ Stays fresh – Lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family favorite – Everyone loves honey mustard!
🍯 Better than store-bought – No weird ingredients or preservatives

What Makes BJ’s Honey Mustard Dressing So Special?

If you’ve ever been to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, you know their honey mustard dressing is legendary. It comes with their famous Honey-Crisp Chicken Salad and makes an appearance as a dipping sauce for appetizers. But what makes it SO good?

The Perfect Sweet-Tangy Balance: BJ’s honey mustard achieves that ideal ratio where the sweetness of the honey perfectly complements the tangy bite of the mustard – neither overpowers the other.

Creamy Texture: Unlike thin, vinaigrette-style honey mustards, BJ’s version is thick and creamy thanks to mayonnaise. It clings beautifully to salad greens and is perfect for dipping.

Dual Mustard Blend: The combination of yellow mustard (for that classic mustard flavor) and Dijon mustard (for sophistication and depth) creates a more complex taste than using just one type.

Just Sweet Enough: It’s sweet, but not candy-sweet. The honey adds natural sweetness that’s more subtle and sophisticated than sugar-based dressings.

Restaurant Quality at Home: This isn’t a complicated recipe requiring hard-to-find ingredients or special techniques. It’s brilliantly simple, which means you can make restaurant-quality dressing in your own kitchen!

This honey mustard has become so popular that BJ’s even sells bottles of it! But why buy it when you can make it fresh at home?

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about each ingredient and why it matters:

Essential Ingredients:

Mayonnaise: This is the base that makes the dressing creamy and thick. Use real mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip) for best results. I prefer Hellmann’s or Duke’s, but any quality mayo works. Can you make it healthier? Try Greek yogurt for half the mayo for a lighter version.

Yellow Mustard: Classic ballpark mustard! This provides that familiar, mild mustard flavor and bright yellow color. Brands like French’s or Heinz work perfectly.

Dijon Mustard: This adds sophistication and a sharper, more complex mustard flavor. The combination of yellow and Dijon is what makes this taste restaurant-quality. Don’t use stone-ground – you want smooth Dijon for the best texture.

Honey: Pure honey adds natural sweetness and that signature honey-mustard flavor. Any honey works, but I prefer mild varieties like clover honey that won’t overpower the other flavors.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a touch of acidity brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the mayo. It adds tang without making the dressing sour. Substitute: Fresh lemon juice works too!

Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. Start with less – you can always add more!

Optional Add-Ins:

• Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds savory depth
• Paprika (pinch): For color and subtle smokiness
• Cayenne Pepper (pinch): If you like a little kick
• White Pepper: Instead of black pepper for a milder bite

How to Make BJ’s Honey Mustard Dressing

This couldn’t be easier! You literally just mix everything together. Here’s the step-by-step:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Have all your ingredients measured and ready. This recipe comes together so quickly that you want everything at your fingertips.

Pro tip: Measure the oil first in your measuring cup, THEN measure sticky ingredients like honey in the same cup. The honey will slide right out!

Step 2: Combine Mustards

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard and Dijon mustard until well combined. This creates your mustard base with both classic and sophisticated flavors.

You’ll see the two mustards blend into a beautiful golden color!

Step 3: Add Honey

Drizzle in the honey and whisk it into the mustard mixture. The honey will create a thick, golden sauce.

Tip: If your honey has crystallized, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it pourable.

Step 4: Whisk in Mayonnaise

Add the mayonnaise and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You want NO lumps!

The dressing will lighten in color as the white mayo incorporates, creating that signature creamy golden hue.

Step 5: Add Vinegar and Seasonings

Whisk in the apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. The vinegar thins the dressing slightly and adds brightness.

Important: Taste as you go! Honey mustard is very personal – some like it sweeter, some tangier. Adjust the honey, mustard, or vinegar to your preference.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water or milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

For a dipping sauce, keep it thick. For a salad dressing, you may want it slightly thinner.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

This is the most important step! Taste your dressing and adjust:

• Too tangy? Add more honey
• Too sweet? Add a little more mustard or vinegar
• Needs more flavor? Add a pinch of salt
• Want it thicker? Add more mayo
• Want it thinner? Add water or milk

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Transfer the honey mustard to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best results: Let it sit for a few hours or overnight for the BEST flavor!

Give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may separate slightly.

Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Every Time

🥄 Use a whisk: A wire whisk incorporates ingredients better than a spoon and prevents lumps.

🍯 Room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients don’t blend as smoothly. Let your mayo and honey sit out for 10-15 minutes.

⚖️ Taste and adjust: Everyone’s honey mustard preferences are different. Don’t be afraid to tweak the ratios!

📏 Measure accurately: Especially with the honey – too much makes it candy-sweet; too little and it’s just mustard mayo.

🥣 Use a jar: Mix everything in a mason jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously. Super easy and no dishes to wash!

⏰ Let it rest: The flavors develop and improve after a few hours in the fridge.

🧊 Start thick: It’s easier to thin a dressing than to thicken it. You can always add water.

🎨 Customize it: Add garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne to make it your own!

🥫 Make it ahead: This gets better with time. Make it 1-2 days ahead for parties.

🔄 Shake before use: Natural separation is normal. Just give it a good shake!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using stone-ground mustard: Stick with smooth Dijon for the right texture.

❌ Making it too sweet: Honey mustard should be balanced, not dessert-sweet.

❌ Not whisking enough: Lumpy dressing isn’t appetizing. Whisk until completely smooth!

❌ Skipping the vinegar: The acid is essential for flavor balance.

❌ Using Miracle Whip: It’s sweeter and tangier than mayo and will throw off the flavor.

❌ Not tasting as you go: Always adjust to YOUR preference!

❌ Making it too thin: BJ’s version is thick and creamy. Keep it that way!

❌ Forgetting to refrigerate: The flavors meld and improve when chilled.

❌ Not shaking before use: It separates naturally – always shake or stir.

15+ Ways to Use Honey Mustard Dressing

As a Salad Dressing:

1. Classic Green Salad: Mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and honey mustard
2. BJ’s Copycat Honey-Crisp Salad: Romaine, fried chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers
3. Spinach Salad: Baby spinach, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, red onion
4. Chicken Caesar: Swap ranch or Caesar for honey mustard!
5. Chopped Salad: Lettuce, cheese, bacon, chicken, veggies

As a Dipping Sauce:

6. Chicken Tenders: The CLASSIC pairing!
7. Chicken Nuggets: Kids love this!
8. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
9. Onion Rings: Sweet and savory perfection
10. Pretzels: Soft pretzels + honey mustard = heaven
11. Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli
12. Mozzarella Sticks: Instead of marinara

As a Sandwich/Wrap Spread:

13. Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches
14. Chicken Wraps
15. Ham and Swiss Panini
16. Club Sandwiches

As a Marinade or Glaze:

17. Grilled Chicken: Marinate for 2-4 hours before grilling
18. Baked Salmon: Brush on before baking
19. Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle before roasting

Flavor Variations

Spicy Honey Mustard:

Add ½-1 teaspoon of sriracha or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat.

Garlic Honey Mustard:

Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove.

Herb Honey Mustard:

Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh dill, parsley, or chives.

Lemon Honey Mustard:

Replace vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest.

Smoky Honey Mustard:

Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Greek Yogurt Honey Mustard (Lighter):

Replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.

Maple Mustard:

Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Poppy Seed Honey Mustard:

Stir in 1 teaspoon poppy seeds for texture and visual appeal.

Whole Grain Honey Mustard:

Use 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard + 2 tablespoons Dijon.

Vegan Honey Mustard:

Use vegan mayo and agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigerator Storage:

Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Signs it’s gone bad: Off smell, mold, or significant color change.

Freezer Storage:

I don’t recommend freezing honey mustard dressing as mayo doesn’t freeze well and will separate.

Best Container:

Store in a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Glass jars are easy to shake; squeeze bottles are convenient for drizzling.

Separation is Normal:

The ingredients may separate as it sits – this is completely normal! Just shake or stir before using.

Make-Ahead Tips:

This dressing actually improves in flavor over time! Make it 1-2 days ahead for best results.

Pro tip: Label your jar with the date so you know when you made it!

What to Serve With BJ’s Honey Mustard Dressing

This dressing is incredibly versatile! Here’s what to pair it with:

Salads:

• Mixed green salad
• Chicken salad (like BJ’s Honey-Crisp!)
• Spinach salad with bacon
• Chopped salad
• Wedge salad
• Cobb salad

Proteins to Dip:

• Crispy chicken tenders
• Grilled chicken strips
• Baked chicken nuggets
• Popcorn chicken
• Fish sticks
• Grilled shrimp

Appetizers & Sides:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Soft pretzels
• Mozzarella sticks
• Fried pickles
• Chicken wings

Vegetables:

• Baby carrots
• Celery sticks
• Bell pepper strips
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower

Sandwiches & Wraps:

• Turkey club
• Chicken wrap
• Ham and cheese panini
• Grilled chicken sandwich
• BLT
• Veggie wrap

Complete Meal Ideas:

BJ’s-Style Dinner: Honey-crisp chicken salad + garlic bread + honey mustard for dipping Game Day Spread: Chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, veggies – all with honey mustard! Healthy Lunch: Grilled chicken over greens with honey mustard dressing Kids’ Meal: Chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, and honey mustard

Frequently Asked Questions

CONCLUSION

I hope you love this copycat BJ’s honey mustard dressing as much as my family does! We literally make a batch every week now and keep it in the fridge at all times.

It’s SO much better than store-bought, and it tastes exactly like the restaurant version (maybe even better because it’s fresh!).

Whether you’re drizzling it on salads, dipping chicken tenders, or spreading it on sandwiches, this sweet and tangy sauce is pure perfection.

Did you make this honey mustard? I’d love to know how it turned out! Please leave a comment and rating below, and tag @gluttonlv Instagram and Pinterest so I can see your creations!

Save this recipe! Pin it to your Pinterest boards so you can make it again and again!

BJ's Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing (Copycat)

Print

This copycat BJ's honey mustard dressing is sweet, tangy, and creamy – just like the restaurant version! Ready in 5 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for salads and dipping!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

Toggle ingredient group

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (for heat)
• Pinch of paprika (for color)

Instructions

1. Combine mustards: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard and Dijon mustard until well blended.

2. Add honey: Drizzle in the honey and whisk until fully incorporated into the mustard mixture. The mixture will be thick and golden.

3. Mix in mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise and whisk vigorously until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.

4. Add vinegar and seasonings: Whisk in the apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

5. Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick, thin it with water or milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a dipping sauce, keep it thick. For salad dressing, thin it slightly.

6. Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings:
a) Too tangy? Add more honey (1 teaspoon at a time)
b) Too sweet? Add more mustard or vinegar
c) Needs more flavor? Add a pinch of salt

7) Chill: Transfer to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before serving to allow flavors to meld.

8) Shake and serve: Give the dressing a good shake or stir before using (natural separation may occur). Enjoy on salads, as a dipping sauce, or however you like!

Notes

Yellow Mustard: Use classic yellow mustard (like French's) for authentic flavor and color.

Dijon Mustard: Choose smooth Dijon, not stone-ground, for the best creamy texture.

Honey: Any honey works, but mild varieties like clover honey are best for balanced flavor.

Mayonnaise: Use real mayo (like Hellmann's or Duke's), not Miracle Whip, for best results.

Consistency: Keep it thick for dipping or thin slightly with water/milk for drizzling over salads.

Make it Lighter: Substitute half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Vegan: Use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.

Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon sriracha or pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage: Keeps for 2-3 weeks refrigerated in an airtight container. Shake before using.

Flavor Development: Tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge!

Scaling: This recipe doubles or triples easily.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140