Dijonnaise sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that is a blend of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. It can be used as a sandwich spread, vegetable dip, or topping for grilled meats and fish. Dijonnaise has a smooth, rich texture and the distinctive Dijon mustard flavor adds a zesty kick to any dish it accompanies.
Ingredients in Dijonnaise Sauce
The main ingredients that go into making dijonnaise sauce are:
- Mayonnaise – This forms the creamy base of the sauce. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of egg yolk, oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings.
- Dijon mustard – This spicy, tangy mustard lends dijonnaise its signature flavor. Dijon mustard contains ground mustard seeds, vinegar, white wine, and seasonings.
- Lemon juice – The acidity from lemon brightens the flavor of the sauce.
- Herbs and spices – Common additions include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
The basic ratio for mixing up dijonnaise sauce is about 3 parts mayonnaise to 1 part Dijon mustard. The mustard concentration can be adjusted to preference, using more or less to make the sauce more or less spicy.
Steps to Make Dijonnaise Sauce
Dijonnaise sauce is easy to make at home with just a few simple steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add in the Dijon mustard and whisk vigorously to incorporate.
- Season with desired herbs and spices based on taste preferences.
- For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.
- Store leftover dijonnaise sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For a quicker method, the ingredients can simply be combined in a jar, sealed tightly, and shaken together until emulsified.
Variations
The basic dijonnaise recipe can be customized in endless ways with different mix-in ingredients:
- Honey dijonnaise – Whisk in 1-2 tbsp honey for a sweet counterpoint.
- Garlic dijonnaise – Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Chive dijonnaise – Fold in 2-3 tbsp minced fresh chives.
- Sriracha dijonnaise – For heat, mix in 1-2 tsp (or more) sriracha sauce.
- Chipotle dijonnaise – Use 1-2 tsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Herb dijonnaise – Add any combination of fresh herbs – dill, basil, oregano, thyme.
Feel free to get creative and come up with unique dijonnaise combinations featuring ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, horseradish, hot sauce, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Uses for Dijonnaise Sauce
Here are some of the many ways that flavorful dijonnaise sauce can be used:
- Sandwich or burger spread
- Dip for raw vegetables, chicken tenders, or french fries
- Topping for grilled or roasted meats like chicken, beef, pork
- Drizzle over cooked fish fillets or shrimp
- Salad dressing – especially for potato salad or coleslaw
- Mix into tuna, chicken, or egg salad
- Stir into pasta salad or potato salad
- Dipping sauce for pretzels or breadsticks
- Base for creamy salad dressings when thinned with vinegar and herbs
Dijonnaise can take the place of regular mayo or mustard in any recipe. Its tangy creaminess adds next-level flavor to sandwiches, burgers, apps, salads, and more.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition profile of dijonnaise sauce can vary widely depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used. However, in general, a 1-2 tablespoon serving provides:
- 50-100 calories
- 5-7g fat
- 1-2g protein
- 1-2g carbohydrates
It’s a high-fat condiment, providing mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats. The mustard adds minimal vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, calcium, potassium and selenium. Dijonnaise makes a flavor-boosting substitute for higher calorie condiments like ranch, Thousand Island, or tartar sauce.
Cost Effectiveness
One of the appeals of making homemade dijonnaise sauce is that it’s very economical compared to buying ready-made condiments. The ingredient costs break down as:
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise (16 oz) | $2-3 |
| Dijon mustard (8 oz) | $2-4 |
| Lemon juice (16 oz) | $2-3 |
| Herbs and spices | $1 |
| Total cost for 32 oz | $7-11 |
This yields around 32 ounces of dijonnaise sauce for $7-11, or about $0.20-$0.30 per ounce. By comparison, pre-made dijonnaise costs a minimum of $3-4 for a 16 ounce jar, averaging around $0.25 per ounce. So homemade allows you to get more for your dollar!
Storage
To maintain best quality and safety, prepared dijonnaise sauce should be stored:
- In an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Kept at 40°F or below
- For up to 1 week maximum
The lemon juice acidity helps prevent bacterial growth. Discard any separating or spoiled sauce. For longer freezer storage, dijonnaise can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Food Safety
When making fresh dijonnaise sauce at home, following food safety practices is important:
- Use pasteurized eggs and commercial mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of preparation
- Use clean utensils and bowls to prevent cross-contamination
- Wash hands, countertops, bowls thoroughly before starting
- Discard sauce if it smells or looks spoiled
As with any homemade sauce incorporating raw eggs, there is a minor risk of salmonella infection if eggs are contaminated and undercooked. Storing dijonnaise sauce properly and following good kitchen hygiene will minimize any risks.
Conclusion
Dijonnaise sauce is essentially a mashed-up hybrid of mayonnaise and spicy Dijon mustard. Made from just a handful of simple ingredients, this versatile condiment can be whipped up easily and economically at home. The addition of zesty mustard gives dijonnaise more tang and flavor than regular mayo. It can spruce up everything from sandwiches to dips and dressings. With some custom herb and spice additions, dijonnaise sauce is endlessly adaptable to suit any taste preferences. Keeping the sauce refrigerated and practicing safe food handling are important to prevent potential issues with raw egg products. When made and stored properly, dijonnaise is a tasty, budget-friendly condiment to have on hand.