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Ingredients
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Base Sauce
Sweet & Tangy Boost
Savory & Aromatic
Optional Brighteners
Method
Base Sauce
Combine bases
In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard.
Whisk smooth
Whisk the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together until smooth and uniformly colored with no streaks.
Sweet & Tangy Boost
Stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to the base mixture. Mix until the honey is fully incorporated and the sauce is slightly glossy. Taste for sweetness and tang; add another 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or 1/2 tablespoon honey if desired.
Savory & Aromatic
Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce tastes flat, add up to 1/4 teaspoon more salt or a few drops of vinegar to brighten.
Optional Brighteners
Fold in 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or parsley for color and fresh flavor, if using. If you want heat, stir in 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste).
Finishing
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For best flavor, refrigerate 2 hours. Stir again before serving. Transfer to a small serving bowl or squeeze bottle.
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature alongside chicken nuggets, fries, or as a dip for vegetables.