When I think about the perfect dressing to elevate a dish, Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing comes to mind. This dressing isn’t just any condiment; it is a harmonious blend that pairs beautifully with salads, grilled meats, and even dip for fresh veggies.
Imagine drizzling this sweet and tangy concoction over a crisp garden salad or using it to enhance your favorite chicken tenders. The options are endless!

What is Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing?
Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing is a crowd-pleaser with a unique flavor profile. At its core, it’s a sweet and creamy dressing with a hint of tang from vinegar.
Unlike standard salad dressings, this version carries the rich essence of honey, adding an inviting sweetness that makes salads sing and dipping veggies irresistible.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Honey French Dressings?
What sets Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing apart from others is its distinct balance. While many dressings lean heavily on either sweet or tangy notes, this one finds a middle ground that resonates with a variety of palates.
It achieves this divine balance by combining creamy Miracle Whip with honey and spices, creating a dressing that’s both comforting and exciting.
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How Does It Taste Like?
When you first taste Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing, you’re greeted by a delightful sweetness from the honey. Then, as it hits your taste buds, the creamy texture envelops the palate, followed by a subtle zest from the vinegar and spices.
It’s an elaborate dance of flavors, ensuring that it complements but does not overpower the dish it accompanies.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Creating your own Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing at home is straightforward. Gather the following ingredients, and you’re well on your way:
- 1/2 cup creamy Miracle Whip dressing
- 1/2 cup natural honey
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon grape seed oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder

Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Creaminess
Start by taking a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of creamy Miracle Whip to the bowl. This is the base of your dressing. It’s essential for providing that creamy mouthfeel.
Step 2: Sweeten It Up
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of honey. Make sure to use natural honey for the best taste. It complements the tartness of the dressing beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Ketchup
Now, add 1/2 cup of tomato ketchup. This may seem unconventional, but ketchup is a fantastic way to deepen the flavor and add a touch of acidity.
Step 4: Incorporate the Oils and Vinegars
Stir in 1 tablespoon of grape seed oil and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The oil gives your dressing a luxurious texture, while the vinegar adds the necessary tanginess.
Step 5: Spice It Up
Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and the seasoning: 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground celery seed, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried onion powder. Stir it all together until combined.
Step 6: Taste!
Finally, give your dressing a taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey.
Step 7: Chill
Let the dressing chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Tricks On Making Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh and quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you desire a sweeter dressing, add more honey gradually.
- Dairy Swap: If you want a vegan alternative, use plant-based yogurt instead of Miracle Whip.
- Mix It Up: Experiment by adding herbs like dill or chives for more complexity.
- Store Properly: Keep your dressing in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How Do I Store This Dish?
Store your homemade Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should last about a week. Just give it a good shake before using, as it may separate over time.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing?
If you’re out of certain ingredients, no worries. Here are five substitutes you can consider:
- Plain Greek Yogurt for Miracle Whip: This will provide creaminess without the extra sugar.
- Maple Syrup for Honey: Use it for a vegan dressing. It adds a different sweetness, but it’s quite lovely.
- Sriracha for Ketchup: For those who enjoy heat, sriracha can add a spicy twist to your dressing.
- Olive Oil for Grape Seed Oil: Olive oil is a classic substitute that works just as well.
- Red Wine Vinegar for Apple Cider Vinegar: This will change the flavor profile slightly but maintains the tanginess.

Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy Miracle Whip dressing
- 1/2 cup natural honey
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon grape seed oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Creaminess
- Start by taking a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of creamy Miracle Whip to the bowl. This is the base of your dressing. It’s essential for providing that creamy mouthfeel.
Step 2: Sweeten It Up
- Next, pour in 1/2 cup of honey. Make sure to use natural honey for the best taste. It complements the tartness of the dressing beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Ketchup
- Now, add 1/2 cup of tomato ketchup. This may seem unconventional, but ketchup is a fantastic way to deepen the flavor and add a touch of acidity.
Step 4: Incorporate the Oils and Vinegars
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of grape seed oil and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The oil gives your dressing a luxurious texture, while the vinegar adds the necessary tanginess.
Step 5: Spice It Up
- Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and the seasoning: 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground celery seed, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried onion powder. Stir it all together until combined.
Step 6: Taste!
- Finally, give your dressing a taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey.
Step 7: Chill
- Let the dressing chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh and quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you desire a sweeter dressing, add more honey gradually.
- Dairy Swap: If you want a vegan alternative, use plant-based yogurt instead of Miracle Whip.
- Mix It Up: Experiment by adding herbs like dill or chives for more complexity.
- Store Properly: Keep your dressing in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dressing in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
2. Is this dressing suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for such diets.
3. How can I make this dressing spicier?
You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of sriracha for a kick.
4. Can I use it as a marinade for chicken?
Certainly! This dressing doubles as a fabulous marinade. It will add flavor and moisture to your grilled chicken.
5. What salad combinations work well with this dressing?
It pairs wonderfully with garden salads, grilled chicken salads, and even pasta salads. Get creative!
Conclusion
Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing is about more than just flavor. It’s about creating connections over delicious food, whether it’s at a family BBQ or a casual dinner with friends. The combination of ingredients provides a satisfying harmony, making any dish it touches memorable.
This versatile dressing is easy to prepare, a breeze to store, and a delight to taste. Whether you serve it on a fresh salad or as a dip for finger foods, you’ll find endless possibilities.
So go on, give this recipe a try and watch your meals transform with the sweet and tangy splash of homemade Zaxby’s Honey French Dressing!