Out of Dijon Mustard? Here’s What to Use Instead (Without Ruining Your Recipe!)

Dijon mustard is one of those ingredients that adds an unmistakable zing to dressings, marinades, and sauces. But what if you reach for the jar and find it empty? You don’t need to scrap your meal—there’s a Dijon mustard substitute for almost every situation. The key is knowing what flavors you need to replace and choosing the right alternative for your dish.

Since Dijon mustard has a distinct blend of white wine, vinegar, and mustard seeds, swapping it out isn’t just about picking any mustard off the shelf. Some substitutes work best in sauces, while others shine in salad dressings. The wrong one can throw off the balance of flavors, so it’s important to choose wisely.

So, before you make a last-minute grocery run, check your fridge and pantry. Chances are, you already have the perfect substitute on hand.

What Is Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard originated in Dijon, France, and is made with brown or black mustard seeds blended with white wine or verjuice (an acidic juice made from unripe grapes). This gives it a smooth texture and a sharp, tangy taste. 

What sets Dijon apart from other mustards is its balance of spice and acidity. Unlike yellow mustard, which has a mild, vinegary tang, Dijon is sharper, slightly spicy, and has a more refined depth of flavor. It’s a key player in everything from salad dressings to gourmet sandwiches and creamy pan sauces.

Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes (Based on What You Have)

Here you will find easy, practical swaps for Dijon mustard using ingredients you likely already own.

1. Spicy Brown Mustard

If you need a substitute that’s nearly identical in taste, spicy brown mustard is your best bet. It’s made from coarsely ground brown mustard seeds that give it a slightly grainier texture and a bit more heat than Dijon. Since spicy brown mustard doesn’t contain white wine, it lacks the same acidity, but it still works well in most recipes.

Best for: Sandwiches, marinades, meat rubs, and salad dressings where a little extra spice is okay.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Use a 1:1 ratio, but if you’re worried about the extra heat, start with slightly less and adjust to taste.

2. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard is milder, tangier, and slightly sweeter than Dijon. While it lacks the complexity of Dijon’s flavor, it still brings the mustardy punch needed in many recipes. Since it’s much less spicy, it works best in dishes where Dijon’s heat isn’t the main focus.

Best for: Salad dressings, egg dishes, potato salad, and sauces where a touch of acidity matters more than spice.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Replace Dijon with an equal amount of yellow mustard, but if the dish needs a bit more depth, add a splash of white wine or vinegar to mimic Dijon’s complexity.

3. Whole Grain Mustard

Whole grain mustard is essentially Dijon that hasn’t been fully blended, meaning it has the same ingredients but a coarser, more rustic texture. The flavor is nearly identical, with the tangy acidity and mild heat that Dijon brings, which makes it a great swap in most cases.

Best for: Sandwiches, charcuterie boards, meat rubs, and vinaigrettes where the texture won’t be an issue.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Use it in equal amounts, but if a smooth consistency is important (like in a sauce or dressing), blend it or strain out the mustard seeds before using.

4. Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is another great substitute for Dijon. It blends mustard with honey for a mild, tangy, and slightly sugary profile. While it won’t work in every recipe, it can be a good choice if a hint of sweetness won’t clash with the dish.

Best for: Salad dressings, glazes, and marinades that can handle a bit of extra sweetness.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Since honey mustard is much sweeter, use about half the amount and adjust based on taste. If needed, balance it with a little extra vinegar or white wine to cut the sweetness.

5. Worcestershire Sauce & Mayo

If you’re replacing Dijon in a creamy dressing or sandwich spread, a mix of Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise can mimic both its tang and smooth texture. Worcestershire sauce brings the umami and acidity, while mayo provides the consistency.

Best for: Sandwich spreads, dips, and creamy dressings where texture matters more than spice.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Mix 1 tablespoon of mayo with ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for every tablespoon of Dijon mustard you need. Add a pinch of mustard powder if you want a little more bite.

6. White Wine & Vinegar

If you’re missing Dijon but have its key ingredients—white wine and vinegar—you can mix up a quick substitute that gets surprisingly close in flavor. This works best in recipes where Dijon’s acidity is important, like salad dressings or pan sauces.

Best for: Vinaigrettes, pan sauces, and recipes that need Dijon’s acidity without the mustard itself.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Mix equal parts white wine and white vinegar, then stir in a small amount of mustard powder or yellow mustard if you have it. Start with half the amount of Dijon called for and adjust as needed.

7. Horseradish & Greek Yogurt

For a punchy, tangy replacement that’s a bit outside the box, a mix of horseradish and Greek yogurt can do the trick. Horseradish has the same spicy bite as mustard, while Greek yogurt provides a creamy consistency and slight tanginess. This isn’t an exact match for Dijon, but it works surprisingly well in dips, dressings, and marinades.

Best for: Salad dressings, dips, and marinades where a spicy tang can replace mustard’s complexity.

How to use this Dijon mustard substitute: Use 1 teaspoon of horseradish and 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt for every tablespoon of Dijon mustard needed. If the dish requires extra acidity, add a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar.