Looking for a bold and flavorful sandwich spread that goes way beyond plain mayo? This Cowboy Mayo is the answer. It is made with creamy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, garlic, herbs, and spices. If you ask me, it is the ultimate homemade dip for burgers, fries, sandwiches like my , and more. Inspired by the flavors of my popular cowboy butter (which you will also want to try), this easy Dijon herb spread adds a kick to anything it touches! If you love bold flavors, don’t miss my cowboy cream cheese and all my other cowboy butter recipes, too!

Bowl of Cowboy Mayo on a wooden table from overhead.

What Is a Dijon Herb Spread?

A Dijon herb spread is a tasty sauce made by mixing Dijon mustard with fresh herbs and some spices. It is usually mixed with something creamy like mayonnaise (as in this recipe!) or butter. This spread is great on sandwiches, as a dip, or on top of grilled foods. The mustard gives it a tangy flavor, and the herbs add freshness. Cowboy Mayo is one kind of Dijon herb spread that uses mayo, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs to make a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Ingredients for Cowboy Mayo in glass bowls on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Mayonnaise: Unlike my classic Cowboy Butter, this recipe starts with a creamy mayonnaise base, which gives it that rich, spreadable texture perfect for sandwiches, dips, and more. Want to take it up a notch? Try it with my homemade mayonnaise for an extra fresh flavor boost!
Mustard: I prefer Dijon mustard in Cowboy Mayo because it adds a nice tang and depth of flavor. But, if you only have yellow mustard on hand, that works, too. It will just give the spread a slightly different, milder taste.
Fresh Herbs: I used fresh chives and parsley to give it a nice, bright flavor. It doesn’t have thyme like my Cowboy Butter does, so the taste is a bit lighter and easy to use on lots of different things.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a little extra flavor and a nice savory kick that I like.
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a bit of tang to brighten up the mayo and balance the flavors. Freshly squeezed is best if you have it, but bottled lemon juice works just fine, too.
Spices: The spices (paprika, black pepper, salt, and a little cayenne) give this mayo a nice kick and extra flavor. If you don’t like heat, you can leave out the cayenne and still have a tasty, bold spread.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand! Just use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they’re more concentrated in flavor. Keep in mind that fresh herbs give a brighter, fresher taste, but dried herbs will still work well in this mayo.

Can I Make Cowboy Mayo Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! In fact, this cowboy mayo tastes better once it has had time to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to a week. This allows all of the flavors to come together.

Jar of Cowboy Mayo on a wooden table from overhead.

Is Cowboy Mayo Spicy? Tips For Customizing The Spice Level

Cowboy Mayo has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the cayenne and black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. (Well, I didn’t think it was too spicy.) But, if you prefer less heat, you can easily leave out the cayenne or reduce it to just a pinch. For a bolder flavor, add a little extra cayenne or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. This way, you can adjust the spice level to perfectly suit your taste!

How to Use Cowboy Mayo: Easy Ideas for Sandwiches, Dips, and More

Cowboy Mayo is a super versatile spread that adds bold flavor wherever you use it. Try it as a creamy sandwich spread on burgers, wraps, or cold cuts. It also works great as a dip for my air fryer french fries, vegetables (add it to your vegetable tray), or crispy chicken tenders. Use it as a zesty topping for grilled meats or roasted vegetables to give your meals an extra kick. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it perfect for anything that needs a little extra punch!