There’s something uniquely craveable about the Honey French Dressing from Texas Roadhouse. It’s the kind of salad dressing that doesn’t just sit quietly in the background—it steals the show.
Tangy, sweet, creamy, and bold, this dressing transforms a simple salad into a flavor-packed dish you’ll actually look forward to eating.
I’ve made this dressing for years at home, and it never disappoints. It comes together in just a few minutes, with pantry staples and zero cooking.
The texture is smooth and thick enough to coat every bite, and the balance of flavors is so close to the restaurant’s version, it’ll have you doing a double take. Whether you use it as a salad dressing, a chicken dip, or a sandwich spread, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey French Dressing strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with just enough zip to brighten any salad. It’s restaurant-quality but made in your own kitchen in under five minutes.
The recipe is completely beginner-friendly, uses basic pantry ingredients, and keeps well in the fridge for a week or more. You can tweak the sweetness or tang to your taste, and it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fresh greens, or even as a dipping sauce for fries.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pro Tips
- Whisk slowly when adding vinegar to prevent splitting.
- For best flavor, let the dressing chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Use a blender or food processor if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture.
- Taste as you go—some prefer more vinegar for tang or more honey for sweetness.
- This dressing doubles easily if you’re prepping for a gathering or meal planning.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
- Optional: blender or immersion blender
Substitutions and Variations
- No mayo? Substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter version.
- Vegan option: Use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Spicier version: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- More savory: Use apple cider vinegar and a bit of Dijon mustard for depth.
- Lower sugar: Reduce or skip the granulated sugar if you prefer a milder sweetness.
Make Ahead Tips
This dressing actually tastes better when made ahead. Mix it up and let it chill for at least an hour or overnight before using.
It thickens slightly and the flavors meld together, giving it that restaurant-quality finish. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, honey, and vinegar until smooth.
2. Add Spices and Sweetener
Add the sugar, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully blended and the dressing is creamy and evenly colored.
3. Taste and Adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed—more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more salt to balance the flavors.
4. Chill and Store
Transfer the dressing to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Shake or stir before each use.
5. Serve
Use as a dressing over mixed greens, a dip for grilled chicken tenders, or drizzle over wraps and sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with romaine, tomatoes, shredded carrots, and croutons for a classic house salad.
- Use as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fries, or sweet potato wedges.
- Spread onto burgers or wraps in place of mayo or ketchup.
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or roasted veggies for added flavor.
Leftovers & Storage
Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Shake or stir before using. Do not freeze, as the texture will separate after thawing.
If the dressing thickens too much after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a teaspoon of vinegar or water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Benefits
This dressing is a flavorful way to make salads more appealing to kids and picky eaters.
It contains healthy fats from mayonnaise, and its balanced sweet-and-savory profile makes it versatile enough to encourage more veggie intake.
You can reduce the sugar or use yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe FAQ
1. What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
White vinegar gives the dressing its sharp, classic tang, but apple cider vinegar adds depth if you prefer a slightly fruitier note.
2. Can I make this without ketchup?
Ketchup is key for sweetness and texture, but you can try tomato paste with added sugar and vinegar as a substitute.
3. Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, if your ingredients (especially ketchup and mayo) are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I use this dressing warm?
This is best served chilled, but it works well at room temperature as a spread or dip.
5. Why is my dressing too thin or too thick?
The consistency will thicken slightly after chilling. If it’s too thin, add a bit more mayo; if too thick, loosen with a touch of vinegar or water.
The Final Pour
This Texas Roadhouse Honey French Dressing is more than just a salad topper—it’s a sweet, tangy, and creamy sauce that brings bold flavor to every bite.
Once you see how easy it is to whip up from scratch, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times. Whether you’re prepping a week of salads or need a quick dip for dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to let me know how you used it. I’d love to hear your twists, tweaks, and favorite pairings.