Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with the rich depth of maple syrup and the bold bite of mustard. It’s incredibly versatile and customizable, whether you want it smooth and creamy or with a little extra kick. Vegan and gluten-free, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for all kinds of dishes and occasions. Best of all, it takes just 5 minutes to whip up.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dijon mustard
- Whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
- Pure maple syrup
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Vegan mayonnaise or tahini (for creaminess, optional)
- Garlic powder or minced garlic (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- If using, stir in vegan mayonnaise or tahini for a creamier texture.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more maple syrup for sweetness, more mustard for sharpness.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of dipping sauce, enough for 4–6 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Creamy Honey Mustard Style: Use more vegan mayo or blended cashews for a thick, creamy consistency.
- Herbed Twist: Stir in chopped fresh dill, thyme, or parsley.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a drop of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- Zesty Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar and add some lemon zest for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before each use, especially if it contains oil or mayo. This sauce is served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Is this dipping sauce vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegan mayo or tahini, it is completely vegan.
Can I make it without mayo?
Absolutely. Tahini or even blended cashews work well as creamy substitutes, or leave it out for a lighter version.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, though it will give a milder and slightly different flavor.
How sweet is this sauce?
It has a noticeable sweetness, but the mustard balances it out. You can adjust the maple syrup to taste.
Is this sauce good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well for up to a week and pairs with a wide variety of meals and snacks.
Can I use it as a salad dressing?
Yes, thin it with a little water or extra vinegar to use as a dressing.
What pairs well with this sauce?
It’s great with roasted veggies, fries, tofu bites, soft pretzels, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes, simply skip the mayo or use tahini for an oil-free version.
Does it work as a marinade?
Yes, it works wonderfully as a marinade for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables.
Can I freeze maple mustard dipping sauce?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture may change when thawed.
Conclusion
Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce is a simple yet flavor-packed condiment that adds a sweet and tangy punch to just about anything. With its quick prep time and flexible ingredients, it’s a must-have for your fridge. Whether you’re serving snacks, preparing a sandwich, or jazzing up a grain bowl, this sauce delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
PrintMaple Mustard Dipping Sauce
Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce is a quick and flavorful condiment that blends the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of mustard. Creamy, tangy, and versatile, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on snacks and meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup (4–6 servings)
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise or tahini (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice until smooth.
- Stir in whole grain mustard if using.
- Add vegan mayonnaise or tahini for creaminess, if desired.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or more mustard for sharpness.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Add cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use cashews or extra vegan mayo for a creamy honey-mustard style version.
- Stir in fresh dill, parsley, or thyme for an herby twist.
- Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky variation.
- Use lemon juice and zest instead of vinegar for a brighter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg