5 Mustard and Olive Oil Pairings for Salads
Looking to upgrade your salad dressings? These five mustard and olive oil pairings deliver bold and balanced flavors for any type of greens. Whether you prefer the sharp tang of Dijon or the textured bite of whole grain mustard, combining them with high-quality olive oils creates dressings that are simple to make and packed with flavor. Here's a quick look at the best combinations:
- Dijon Mustard + Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A classic French vinaigrette with a sharp, smooth flavor - perfect for mixed greens or spinach.
- Whole Grain Mustard + Strong Olive Oil: A hearty, textured dressing that pairs well with kale, arugula, and other robust greens.
- Honey Mustard + Fruity Olive Oil: Sweet and tangy, ideal for delicate greens like butter lettuce or spring mix.
- Spicy Brown Mustard + Peppery Olive Oil: Bold and zesty, perfect for arugula or mustard greens.
- Herb-Infused Mustard + Infused Olive Oil: Aromatic and savory, great for Boston lettuce or romaine.
Each pairing brings out the best in your greens, whether you're working with tender leaves or hearty vegetables. Adjust the oil-to-vinegar ratio to match your taste, and always use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Keep reading for detailed flavor profiles, suggested greens, and tips to perfect your dressings.
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1. Classic Dijon Mustard & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This pairing is the heart of a traditional French vinaigrette. It combines the tangy, slightly spicy kick of Dijon mustard with the rich, fruity elegance of extra virgin olive oil, creating a harmonious dressing that's both flavorful and refined.
Flavor Profile
Dijon mustard's sharp acidity and subtle heat balance beautifully with the smooth, fruity notes of high-quality olive oil. Together, they enhance the flavors of salads without overpowering more delicate greens. When you use premium extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the result is even better. For instance, Big Horn Olive Oil’s Ultra Premium EVOO, cold-pressed within two hours of harvest, delivers fresh, vibrant flavors that elevate this classic combination.
"Dijon for the flavor. Mustard for the emulsifying properties." - LL Canales
In this duo, Dijon mustard provides the tangy backbone, while the olive oil adds richness and depth. The result? A dressing that highlights the natural flavors of your greens rather than masking them. It’s this balance of tang and richness that makes it so versatile.
Suggested Greens
This dressing plays well with a broad range of greens. Mixed greens - like baby lettuce, arugula, frisée, and spinach - are natural companions to a Dijon vinaigrette. Arugula, romaine, and kale also pair wonderfully with Dijon’s sharpness, while escarole’s sturdy texture holds up nicely to the dressing’s bold flavors.
Key Features
Dijon mustard isn’t just about flavor - it also acts as a stabilizer, helping vinegar and oil blend into a creamy, well-emulsified dressing. The classic 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio creates a balanced vinaigrette, but you can adjust it to suit your taste. A bolder 2:1 ratio works well for those who prefer a tangier kick. Typically, a basic recipe uses one part mustard, one part vinegar, and two parts oil.
For the best results, slowly drizzle in your premium EVOO while whisking to maintain the emulsion. Adding a splash of water can also help achieve a smoother blend. Beyond its flavor, this combination provides healthy fats and a satisfying complexity that can transform any salad into a standout dish.
2. Whole Grain Mustard & Strong Olive Oil
This pairing brings together the rustic, textured bite of whole grain mustard with the bold, fruity richness of a strong olive oil. While Dijon mustard offers a smooth and creamy experience, whole grain mustard delivers a hearty, robust flavor that complements the intensity of flavorful olive oils.
Flavor Profile
Whole grain mustard, crafted from brown and black mustard seeds, adds a satisfying texture and a milder taste compared to traditional Dijon. Its unique character shines in oil-based dressings.
"Whole grain mustard is much milder than traditional French Dijon (probably the reason why it's the variety I most prefer!)."
- Jess Larson, Plays Well With Butter
When paired with a high-quality, strong olive oil, the result is a balanced dressing. The mustard's slight bitterness and subtle spice meld beautifully with the oil's fruity depth. Emily from This Healthy Table describes it perfectly:
"The mustard is slightly bitter and spicy (in a good way!) while the vinegar is vibrant and robust. Paired with a really good extra virgin olive oil, and you've got a winning combination!"
For the ideal balance, use a 4:1 ratio - about 60 mL of olive oil to 1½ tablespoons of mustard.
Suggested Greens
This bold dressing pairs best with hearty greens that can handle its intense flavors. Consider these options:
- Arugula, mustard greens, and dandelion greens: Their natural peppery notes match the dressing's spiciness.
- Romaine lettuce: Its crisp texture highlights the mustard's grainy bite.
- Escarole: Sturdy enough to hold its own against the dressing's boldness.
If you’re adding spicy greens, use them sparingly to avoid overpowering more delicate options like butter lettuce.
Notable Features
This dressing isn’t just about flavor - it’s also incredibly versatile. The coarse texture and punchy taste of whole grain mustard make each bite exciting. Beyond salads, it’s a fantastic complement to roasted vegetables or fish.
For best results, use a premium extra virgin olive oil, like the ultra-premium varieties from Big Horn Olive Oil (https://bhooc.com). Store the dressing in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
3. Honey Mustard & Fruity Olive Oil
Honey mustard brings a sweeter, balanced twist to classic salad dressings. This pairing blends the natural sweetness of honey with the tangy bite of mustard, creating a dynamic flavor profile. Add a fruity olive oil, and the result is a smooth, well-rounded dressing that enhances any salad. Like other combinations, the secret lies in using top-quality ingredients to elevate the dish.
Flavor Profile
Honey's sweetness perfectly offsets the sharpness of mustard, creating a harmonious balance. The mustard ensures the dressing retains a zesty edge, preventing it from leaning too sweet.
"Whether I'm using it as a salad dressing or dipping sauce, organic honey mustard adds a touch of sweetness that elevates any dish." - Emily L.
When paired with fruity extra virgin olive oil, the dressing gains a richer, smoother character. The oil's fruity notes mellow the tanginess of both the mustard and any vinegar in the mix. For the best balance, stick to the classic 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio.
Suggested Greens
This sweet and tangy dressing pairs beautifully with hearty spring mix blends. Baby spinach is another excellent choice, as its mild flavor allows the dressing to shine, while arugula adds a peppery kick that complements the mustard's zest. For example, a Farro Salad with Fruit works wonderfully with this dressing. The sturdy spring mix leaves hold up well to the robust flavors, while farro, Granny Smith apples, raspberries, and walnuts add texture and sweetness.
Notable Features
This pairing offers a sweet-tangy balance that stands out from bolder dressings. Proper emulsification is key to achieving the right texture - adjust the honey and mustard ratio to suit your taste, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference. For instance, Big Horn Olive Oil's Ultra Premium EVOO, cold-pressed within two hours of harvest, preserves the fruity notes that take this dressing to the next level.
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4. Spicy Brown Mustard & Peppery Olive Oil
Spicy brown mustard paired with peppery olive oil creates a dressing that's bold, flavorful, and perfect for hearty greens. These two ingredients work together seamlessly, offering a robust combination that complements stronger greens and vegetables.
Flavor Profile
Spicy brown mustard delivers a tangy kick with a slow-building heat and earthy undertones. Its slightly grainy texture, thanks to whole mustard seeds and spices, adds an extra layer of complexity to every bite.
"Organic spicy brown mustard delivers a bold and robust flavor profile." - CADIA®
The crunch from the mustard seeds enhances the experience, releasing bursts of flavor as you enjoy it.
Peppery olive oil, on the other hand, brings a rich, herbaceous quality with grassy notes and a distinct pungency. This sharpness comes from factors like the type of olives used, harvest timing, and how fresh the oil is. Together, the mustard and olive oil create a dressing that strikes a balance between tangy heat and peppery richness.
Suggested Greens
This bold dressing pairs beautifully with assertive greens. Arugula is a standout choice due to its natural peppery flavor, which mirrors the zest of the mustard. Arugula’s slightly spicy taste has hints reminiscent of mustard or horseradish, making it a natural fit.
Other great options include:
- Dandelion greens: Their bitterness complements the dressing's boldness.
- Escarole: Its mild bitterness and slight sweetness balance intense flavors.
- Mustard greens: Their spicy, peppery taste harmonizes perfectly with the dressing.
- Romaine lettuce: A sturdy option that holds up well under the robust dressing.
For a balanced salad, try mixing bitter greens like arugula with milder varieties. Escarole, for instance, can bridge the gap between strong and subtle flavors.
Notable Features
The key to this pairing is using high-quality ingredients. Look for spicy brown mustard free from added sugars, corn syrup, or horseradish to let its natural flavors shine. Similarly, opt for a premium extra virgin olive oil with a pronounced peppery profile.
Big Horn Olive Oil's Ultra Premium EVOO is a great example. It's cold-pressed within hours of harvest, preserving the compounds that give it that signature peppery bite and fresh, herbaceous notes.
This dressing is especially well-suited for salads featuring bold ingredients like radishes, red onions, or roasted vegetables. Its strong character ensures it doesn’t get overshadowed, creating a balanced and flavorful dish every time.
5. Herb-Infused Mustard & Infused Olive Oil
Pairing herb-infused mustard with infused olive oil creates a dressing that feels both elegant and versatile. This combination blends aromatic herbs and spices, elevating even the simplest salad into something special.
Flavor Profile
Herb-infused mustard brings the familiar tang of mustard together with savory herbs like fennel, parsley, garlic, and onion for a bold, aromatic punch. As Claremont Spice and Dry Goods describes their French-inspired blend:
"Dijon mustard is one of the building blocks of French cuisine, and this seasoning was crafted to evoke the classic flavors of southern France by blending mustard powder with fennel, parsley, garlic, onion, and other aromatics."
Infused olive oils, especially Tuscan herb varieties, add another layer of depth. With flavors like garlic, basil, oregano, and rosemary, these oils deliver a savory richness and a subtle peppery finish. The Olive Tap highlights this profile perfectly:
"Discover the rich, savory taste of our best-selling Tuscan Herb Olive Oil, a gourmet infusion that has remained our top customer favorite since day one."
When combined, these two ingredients create a harmonious balance, with the herbs in both elements enhancing each other rather than competing.
Suggested Greens
To let this dressing shine, pair it with greens that are mild yet sturdy enough to complement the bold flavors. A mix of Boston lettuce, Little Gems, or romaine makes an excellent base. Add softer, more textured greens like lamb's lettuce (mâche), frisée, or micro greens for variety. You can also toss in fresh herbs like flat-leaf parsley, basil, mint, or dill to echo the dressing’s herbal notes.
Notable Features
This pairing isn’t just about taste - it also brings practical benefits to the table. The nutrient-rich, antioxidant-packed olive oil and herbs enhance flavor naturally, reducing the need for extra salt or sugar. Plus, this dressing is versatile: use it as a marinade, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
For the best results, choose cold-pressed, extra virgin, or organic olive oils. Big Horn Olive Oil offers excellent options, with oils that are cold-pressed within hours of harvest and infused with high-quality herbs to preserve their flavor and potency.
Finally, if you're making this dressing at home, remember to store it in a dark glass container and use it within a month to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Quick Reference Table
Here's a handy guide to five mustard and olive oil pairings tailored for salads:
| Mustard Type | Olive Oil Type | Flavor Profile | Suggested Greens | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Dijon | Extra Virgin | Clean, sharp tang with fruity undertones and a mild peppery finish | Arugula, spinach, romaine, mixed baby greens | A go-to pairing for all levels; works well with both delicate and hearty greens. |
| Whole Grain | Strong/Robust | Bold and textured with pronounced mustard seeds and intense olive flavor | Cabbage, radicchio, endive, watercress | Adds visual texture and pairs perfectly with bitter greens; ideal for winter salads. |
| Honey Mustard | Fruity | Sweet and tangy with smooth, mellow olive oil notes | Butterhead lettuce, leaf lettuce, mesclun | Great for kids; complements delicate greens with natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar. |
| Spicy Brown | Peppery | Intense heat with robust olive oil and a complex spice blend | Watercress, arugula, radicchio, spinach | For bold flavor lovers; pairs beautifully with peppery greens. |
| Herb-Infused | Infused (Tuscan Herb) | Aromatic herbs with savory depth and a subtle peppery finish | Boston lettuce, romaine, mâche, micro greens | Versatile choice for marinades, drizzles, or bread dips; naturally enhances flavor without extra salt. |
The secret to nailing these pairings is understanding the flavor intensity of your greens. Mild greens like butterhead lettuce pair wonderfully with sweeter combinations, while bitter or peppery greens such as arugula and watercress shine with bolder flavors.
For storing your dressings, opt for dark glass containers to maintain freshness for up to a month. Cold-pressed EVOO, like Big Horn Olive Oil, is a great choice to preserve flavors longer, making it perfect for these salad dressings.
Conclusion
The perfect salad dressing is all about finding the right balance between mustard and olive oil to bring out the best in your greens. This guide explored combinations that work beautifully with a variety of greens - from the zesty sharpness of Dijon paired with extra virgin olive oil to the rich depth of spicy brown mustard matched with a peppery oil. Each pairing brings something special, whether you're tossing tender arugula or hearty kale. The key is to align the dressing's intensity with the character of your greens for harmony in every bite.
Don't be afraid to venture beyond the usual pairings. For instance, try massaging mustard greens with lemon and salt to mellow their natural bitterness. Or, consider using escarole, which holds up wonderfully to mustard-based dressings, maintaining its crisp texture even under bold flavors.
Looking for premium ingredients? Big Horn Olive Oil offers ultra-premium EVOOs starting at $8.99, freshly bottled within 1–3 months of harvest, so you can craft dressings that truly stand out.
Whether it's the sweet touch of honey mustard with a fruity olive oil or the layered complexity of herb-infused blends, there's a world of flavors waiting to be explored. Pick a pairing from this guide and let your taste buds guide you to your own signature dressing. Just remember to use your olive oil within 9 months of its crush date to enjoy its peak flavor. With high-quality ingredients and bold combinations, your salads will never be the same again.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of using mustard and olive oil in salad dressings?
Combining mustard and olive oil in salad dressings does more than just elevate the taste - it brings some serious health perks to the table. Olive oil is rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol), ease inflammation, and support a healthy heart. On the other hand, mustard is loaded with antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation and give your immune system a boost.
When mixed, these two ingredients create a dressing that’s not only packed with flavor but also works to promote heart health, calm inflammation, and strengthen your immune defenses. It’s an easy and tasty way to make your salads work harder for your health!
How can I customize the oil-to-vinegar ratio in my salad dressing to match my taste?
To tweak the oil-to-vinegar ratio in your salad dressing, begin with the traditional 3:1 ratio - three parts oil to one part vinegar. If you're after a sharper, tangier kick, try adding a bit more vinegar or using less oil. Prefer something gentler and less acidic? Simply increase the oil or reduce the vinegar.
Feel free to play around with other ratios, like 2:1 for a zestier punch or 4:1 for a creamier, more mellow flavor. Make small adjustments and taste along the way to discover the balance that suits your taste buds best!
How can I store homemade mustard and olive oil dressings to keep them fresh and flavorful?
To ensure your homemade mustard and olive oil dressings stay fresh and tasty, keep them in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. Since olive oil tends to solidify when cold, let the dressing warm up at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a good shake before using. For the best flavor and quality, aim to use your dressing within 1–2 weeks. Be sure to label the container with the preparation date to keep track. Storing it properly means your dressing will remain both delicious and safe to enjoy!