Hot Honey Dressing changed how I look at salads. One summer night in New Orleans, with nothing more than pantry staples and a nearly forgotten bottle of hot honey, I whisked up something sweet, spicy, and vibrant. It turned a plain bowl of greens into a meal that had everyone at the table asking for seconds. That quick homemade dressing became a go-to—and now it lives in our fridge year-round.T his hot honey dressing is a sweet and spicy twist on my original hot honey sauce — a reader favorite for adding heat to anything from fried chicken to pizza.
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Hot Honey Dressing That Brings Sweet Heat to Every Bite
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
Description
This hot honey dressing is a quick, bold, sweet-and-spicy blend made with pantry ingredients. Perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a glaze.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon hot honey (or regular honey + pinch of red pepper flakes)
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili oil for added heat
Instructions
1. In a small mixing bowl or mason jar, combine all the ingredients.
2. Whisk or shake until the dressing is emulsified and glossy.
3. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, or vinegar for brightness.
4. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5. Shake or stir well before each use.
Notes
For a creamier version, whisk in 1 teaspoon mayo or Greek yogurt.
You can swap red wine vinegar with apple cider or white balsamic.
If using regular honey, warm it slightly before mixing to blend better.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Whisk
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hot honey dressing, sweet spicy salad dressing, homemade dressing
Table of Contents
From St. Francisville to My Family Table
Growing up in St. Francisville, I watched my grandmother cook by feel. She didn’t need recipes—just taste, instinct, and love. That kind of kitchen magic stuck with me. Years later, on a sweltering Louisiana night, I stood at my own stove with dinner halfway done and no dressing in sight. I grabbed a mason jar and started pouring—olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, a good pinch of salt, and that rich amber hot honey I’d been saving.
I shook it up, took a taste, and smiled. It wasn’t just a quick fix. It was balanced, bold, and bright—sweet with just the right amount of kick. I poured it over a spinach salad, sprinkled on goat cheese and pecans, and watched my family light up. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another dressing—it was one I’d make again and again.
Why This Hot Honey Dressing Became a Weekly Favorite
Hot honey dressing is everything I want in a homemade staple: quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It clings beautifully to greens, works just as well as a glaze, and brings meals together when I’m short on time.
It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t ask for much—but gives a lot. While it shines on salads, it also works beautifully as a glaze for chicken. I especially love it on wings—try it for yourself with my hot honey sauce for wings recipe.
Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a hungry table, this hot honey dressing is the kind of small kitchen win we all need more of.
Ingredients and Simple Customizations for Hot Honey Dressing
The Pantry Staples Behind Every Hot Honey Dressing
Hot honey dressing comes together fast because it relies on ingredients most home cooks already have. You don’t need anything fancy. Just five staples and a minute of whisking.
Here’s what I always use:
- Hot honey: The heart of the dressing—sweet with a bit of a kick. If you only have regular honey, just stir in a pinch of chili flakes.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A good-quality oil gives it body and helps coat every leaf of your salad.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds tang that balances the sweetness. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works too.
- Dijon mustard: For just the right sharp edge and to help emulsify the dressing.
- Kosher salt: Because flavor always needs balance.
That’s it. It’s easy, fast, and you can eyeball it once you’ve made it a few times. I usually start with 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar and adjust from there.
When I’m craving a sharper, tangier kick with that same sweet-and-spicy balance, I reach for my hot honey mustard sauce—it’s bold, creamy, and makes any sandwich or wrap pop.
Make It Your Own: Easy Flavor Variations
What I love about hot honey dressing is how adaptable it is. Want it spicier? Add a little chili oil or cayenne. Looking for a creamier version? Whisk in a spoon of mayo or plain Greek yogurt—it makes the texture lush and ideal for chopped salads or wraps.
You can also swap vinegars. I’ve made it with white balsamic for a softer edge or sherry vinegar for a deeper note. And don’t skip experimenting with mustard. Stone-ground gives it a rustic feel, while classic yellow brings nostalgic flavor.
Once you find your favorite version, write it down—or better yet, make it again tomorrow. That’s how family recipes are born.
How to Serve Hot Honey Dressing & When to Use It
Hot Honey Dressing Beyond the Salad Bowl
Hot honey dressing isn’t just a salad topping—it’s a flavor tool I reach for all week long. On Mondays, I drizzle it over a warm grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and spinach. Midweek, it becomes a glaze for grilled chicken thighs. And by Friday? It’s my shortcut to jazzing up leftovers with hardly any effort.
Try tossing it with cooked farro and arugula for a quick lunch. Or spoon it over grilled shrimp tacos for a sweet-and-spicy twist. I’ve even used hot honey dressing as a dip for roasted fingerling potatoes—it clings perfectly and gives them a zingy finish.
It’s that kind of recipe: dependable, quick, and full of personality.
Pairing Ideas for Every Season
In summer, I toss this dressing over a watermelon and feta salad—trust me, it works. Come fall, I love it on a warm roasted beet salad with toasted pecans. And when the weather cools, I brush it over roasted carrots or use it to brighten a grainy farro and kale combo.
It also makes an excellent marinade. Just let chicken or salmon sit in it for 30 minutes before grilling. The sugars caramelize beautifully, giving your protein a glossy, flavorful crust.
This hot honey dressing may seem simple, but its uses stretch far beyond the salad plate. Once you start using it, you’ll find yourself adding it to things you never expected—because it just works.
Storing, Prepping & Serving Tips for Hot Honey Dressing
How to Store Hot Honey Dressing the Right Way
Hot honey dressing is one of those things I love having ready in the fridge. Just pour it into a small mason jar, screw the lid on tight, and pop it into the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 5 days. Before using, give it a good shake to bring everything back together—the oil may separate, and that’s totally normal.
If you’re planning a week of meals, make a double batch. I often prep it Sunday night while cleaning up the kitchen. That way, I’ve got a jar waiting for salads, bowls, or even a quick drizzle over roasted vegetables. It makes meal prep feel easy and flavorful without adding one more thing to do during busy weekdays.
For longer storage, skip any fresh add-ins like herbs or garlic—they shorten shelf life. Stick to the base recipe and add extras later if needed.
How to Serve It So It Shines
Hot honey dressing is meant to be seen and tasted—not buried. Drizzle it right before serving so it clings to fresh leaves and roasted veggies alike. I love using it on salads with soft cheeses like goat or blue, where the sweet heat really pops.
It’s also excellent as a finishing drizzle. Think roasted acorn squash, grilled corn, or crispy chickpeas. Even just a splash over a rice bowl can make dinner feel brand new.
And here’s my favorite tip: warm it slightly before using. Not hot, just room temp or a little above. The flavors bloom, and it spreads more evenly. It’s the kind of little step that makes a big difference.
FAQs about Hot honey sauce
How do you make hot mustard honey and bacon dressing?
To make a hot mustard honey and bacon dressing, start with a base similar to hot honey dressing—olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and hot honey. Then stir in crumbled, cooked bacon while the fat is still warm. The bacon adds savory depth and a smoky edge that’s perfect for spinach salads or grilled vegetables.
What is hot honey sauce made of?
Hot honey sauce is usually made from honey infused with chili flakes, fresh peppers, or hot sauce. Some recipes heat the mixture briefly to intensify the spice, while others let it steep. It’s versatile and often used as a drizzle for fried chicken, pizza, or roasted veggies. In hot honey dressing, it serves as the flavorful anchor.
How to make a hot honey mustard dressing?
Combine hot honey with Dijon mustard, a bit of vinegar (like apple cider or red wine), olive oil, and a pinch of salt. For a creamier version, add a spoonful of mayo or yogurt. This variation is great for hearty salads or wraps and works beautifully as a sandwich spread too.
Is hot honey good on salad?
Absolutely. Hot honey adds just the right balance of sweetness and heat, especially when paired with bitter greens like arugula or kale. It cuts through creamy cheeses and brightens earthy vegetables. As a salad dressing base, hot honey is both bold and balanced—perfect for all seasons.
Conclusion
Hot honey dressing isn’t just a trend—it’s a kitchen essential that brings flavor, flexibility, and heart to your everyday meals. With just a few pantry staples and five minutes, you can create something that turns a plain salad into a standout dish, or gives leftover roasted veggies a new life. Want even more heat? Try my hot honey BBQ sauce — perfect for grilled meats and smoky dishes .
For me, hot honey dressing started as a simple fix on a busy night. But over time, it’s become one of the most-used recipes in my home. It’s the kind of dressing that works with what you have—no need for hard-to-find ingredients or complicated techniques. Just real food, real flavor, and a little heat to wake everything up.
What I love most is how many ways you can use it. Drizzle it on a quinoa bowl, marinate a batch of grilled chicken, or spoon it over roasted squash. No matter the season or the dish, hot honey dressing fits right in.
As a mom, home cook, and someone who loves simple meals that still feel special, I can honestly say this recipe earns its place in the regular rotation. It’s made for weeknights, potlucks, quick lunches, and quiet dinners at home. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest
