Get ready to fall in love with this tangy and creamy vegan honey mustard recipe that doesn't include honey but still packs a flavorful punch. This simple sauce comes together using six common ingredients that you most likely already have on hand. Prepare to dip, drizzle, and devour!
Traditional honey mustard is not vegan as it typically includes honey and/or mayo. In this recipe, we are going to make a delicious and versatile vegan honey mustard at home using a few simple swaps. It will still have that sweet and tangy flavor, without any animal products!
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, honey is not vegan. It's a sticky situation because bees make honey naturally so when we think about our local beekeepers we don't imagine any harm occurring (especially in comparison to factory farming) but this isn't true. Suffering can still happen in both small and big honey production.
- Queen Bee: In some beekeeping practices, a queen bee's wings are clipped to prevent her from leaving the hive. This keeps the worker bees in the hive because they are loyal to their queen.
- Sugar substitutes: Some beekeepers may replace honey with a sugar substitute in the hive. This substitute lacks the vital nutrients that bees need to stay healthy.
- More bees = more honey: Beekeepers may breed bees for increased honey production, which can lead to higher populations within the hive. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of disease and higher bee mortality.
For more information check out this article on bees, honey, and honey production facts.
Pure maple syrup is the most commonly used vegan honey alternative. It's easy to find and adds that sticky, caramel-like richness that honey would.
Unhoney, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, and Humble Honee are also great honey alternatives, offering a variety of flavors from light and floral to deep and decadent.
Vegan honey mustard ingredients
To make this delicious vegan honey mustard dressing you'll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Dijon mustard: Look for a vegan-certified mustard, or double-check the label to ensure it's made with vinegar (not wine) and without honey (see below for options). Alternatively, use stone-ground mustard, yellow mustard, or your favorite spicy brown mustard.
- Pure maple syrup: a plant-based liquid sweetener, used in place of honey. Substitute with agave syrup or any of the honey alternatives listed above!
- Lemon juice: added for a bit of tang and brightness. Substitute with any vinegar (apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white vinegar) for a similar tang. For an additional kick, use jalapeño juice (brine from a jar of jalapeños). Omit for a sweeter sauce, or sub with mayo for a creamy dressing.
- Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper add additional notes of flavor and savory depth.
Most Dijon mustards out there are vegan, especially organic variations! If the product lists wine in the ingredient list, it's best to double-check the brands' website or find one without it (as the refining process for a lot of wine contains animal byproducts). Additionally, any mustard with honey listed is not vegan-friendly. Here are some of my favorite vegan Dijon mustards:
How to make vegan "honey" mustard sauce
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or airtight container. Whisk together until well combined. For easy storage and shaking, I recommend using a small mason jar.
- Cover and place the dressing in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
- Once chilled, remove the fridge and enjoy it as a delicious dressing or as a dipping sauce.
Scroll to the recipe card below for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions
Variations
- Creamy Salad Dressing. Add 1 tablespoon of vegan mayonnaise or tahini to the recipe and whisk well to combine. If using tahini, add a splash of water to thin as needed.
- Spice. For a spicier honey mustard, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of jalapeno juice.
- Smokiness. Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Mix mustards. For a personalized twist on this tangy dressing, experiment with different combinations of your favorite mustards.
- Adjust Sweetness: For a sweeter honey mustard, whisk all ingredients together. Then, taste and add a bit more maple syrup if desired.
What to serve with vegan honey mustard
Honey mustard can be used as a dip or as a dressing. Here are some of my favorite items to pair with this recipe:
- Pair with crispy tofu or pretzel-crusted tofu
- Spread on grilled cheese, sandwiches, or paninis
- Use as a dipping sauce with your favorite vegan nuggets
- Drizzle over grain bowls or salads
- Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts and/or roasted carrots
- Enjoy with french fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes
- Pair with broccoli or green beans
Storage
The vegan honey mustard recipe tastes best after it has chilled in the fridge for a few hours. This helps the flavors fully blend. Store leftover dressing in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to a week.
📋 Recipe
Easy Vegan Honey Mustard Recipe (Oil-Free)
Equipment
- whisk
- small jar with a lid
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard or stone ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- dash of onion granules
- few dashes of black pepper optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small mason jar or bowl (use something that can easily be covered) and whisk well. Place in the fridge to chill for a few hours (optional). Remove, stir, and enjoy!
Milo's Mom says
Thanks for all the great recipes, Morgan! I learn so much just reading your advice about how to substitute ingredients. I plan to try this yummy looking "honey" mustard and will definitely use maple syrup as a substitute 👍
Morgan says
Yay! I’m so glad you found it helpful. I hope you love the sauce! 🥰