Why You’ll Love Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
This poppy seed dressing strikes the ideal balance between sweet and tangy, with a smooth emulsified texture and a little crunch from the poppy seeds. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, customizable to your taste, and far more flavorful than store‑bought dressings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup avocado oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 shallot, ends cut off
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Directions
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Place all ingredients except the poppy seeds into a blender or food processor.
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Pulse on medium speed until the shallot and garlic are fully emulsified into the dressing.
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Add the poppy seeds and pulse a few more times to evenly incorporate them.
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Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings (about 2 tablespoons each). Prep time is about 5 minutes, and total time including resting is about 10 minutes.
Variations
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Creamier version: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a bit of mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
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Different vinegar: Swap white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a slightly different tang.
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Sweetness swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey to change up the flavor profile.
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Citrus pop: Add extra lemon zest or a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.
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Herb boost: Mix in a pinch of fresh herbs like basil or dill for added complexity.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If separation occurs, shake or whisk before serving. Because this is a cold dressing, reheating isn’t necessary—just bring it to room temperature before using if chilled too long.
FAQs
What salads go best with poppy seed dressing?
Poppy seed dressing is especially good on green salads with fruit like strawberries, apples, or oranges, and also works well on spinach or mixed greens.
Can I make this dressing without a blender?
Yes, you can finely mince the shallot and whisk all ingredients together, then slowly stream in the oil to emulsify.
How long does homemade poppy seed dressing last?
Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to one week.
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, a neutral‑flavored oil like canola, vegetable, or light olive oil works fine too.
Is poppy seed dressing healthy?
Homemade versions can be healthier than store‑bought because you control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.
Why does the dressing separate?
Separation is natural over time; just shake or whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.
Can I make this dairy‑free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy‑free.
How can I make it sweeter?
Increase the honey slightly or add a bit of sugar to taste.
Can I freeze poppy seed dressing?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can affect texture and flavor.
What can I serve it with besides salads?
Try it as a dip for fresh vegetables or drizzle over roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
Conclusion
This homemade poppy seed dressing is quick to prepare and full of balanced flavor, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire. Whether you’re dressing a simple side salad or elevating a fruit‑topped greens bowl, this recipe delivers sweet, tangy, and satisfying results with minimal effort.
Poppy Seed Dressing
This homemade poppy seed dressing is creamy, sweet, tangy, and perfect for drizzling over fresh salads. Made with pantry staples, it’s quick to whip up and elevates any dish with its vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1/4 teaspoon ground dry mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Whisk until fully combined.
- Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Shake or stir well before serving.
Notes
- This dressing pairs especially well with spinach salads, fruit, or chicken.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use a whisk or immersion blender for the smoothest consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 151
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 126mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 8mg