Poppy Seed Dressing

Poppy Seed Dressing is popular and versatile because it adds bursts of flavor to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes

With its sweet and tangy taste, this dressing has become a staple as a drizzle over mixed greens or as a marinade on grilled chicken or vegetables.

Say goodbye to store-bought dressings and whip up a batch of this delicious homemade poppy seed dressing recipe with fresh ingredients instead. No mystery ingredients in homemade dressings!

• Tiny poppy seeds add a slight crunch and nutty flavor to this creamy dressing, making it stand out from other dressings.
• The sweet and tangy taste of the vinegar and sugar creates the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe makes about one cup of dressing but can easily be doubled. See the printable recipe card below for the exact quantities, nutrient information, and serving size.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – alternately you can use white wine vinegar or white vinegar
• Sugar – or use honey or agave
• Cream – or half & half
• Dried Mustard – if you don’t have any dried mustard use Dijon mustard instead
• Salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness
• Mayonnaise – we like Best Foods or Dukes
• Poppy Seeds – the star of the show!

Step-by-step instructions to make Poppyseed Salad Dressing

• In the bowl of a mini food processor or blender add the vinegar, salt, and sugar. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so that the salt and sugar begin to dissolve. You can also make this dressing in a medium bowl and stir with a whisk.
• Add the mayonnaise, cream, and dry mustard.
• Blend until smooth, creamy, and completely combined. Taste and add more salt to match your personal preference.
• Add the poppy seeds and blend for a few seconds to combine, or stir them in by hand. Try to avoid overprocessing the seeds.
• Transfer to a mason jar or other airtight container.
• If not using the dressing right away store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days and shake well, or stir, before serving.

Variation Ideas

• VINEGAR – use white wine vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar
• WHITE SUGAR – swap with honey or agave, although both of these choices will be sweeter
• DRY MUSTARD – use Dijon-style mustard instead
• CREAM – use half & half or whole milk. Buttermilk would also make a nice tangy alternative
• HONEY MUSTARD POPPY SEED DRESSING – add 2 Tablespoons of honey and 1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the recipe

How to make a thicker dressing:

• This homemade creamy poppyseed dressing recipe won’t be as thick as a store-bought version because those contain thickeners such as xanthan gum, titanium dioxide, and soybean oil.
• We like to make it in a mini food processor (or blender) to help create a slightly thicker dressing. You can also add more mayo, or cut back on the cream, for a thicker result, but keep in mind that will change the flavor balance.

Storing the Dressing

• REFRIGERATE: Store for up to 7 days in a sealed airtight container. We suggest a glass jar or container. Shake well before using.

Best ways to use Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

• We LOVE this dressing on a crunchy kale salad
• Perfect on our Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Drizzle on this Arugula Beet Salad for a tangy twist
• Add to BLT sandwich or chicken salad sandwich
• Make a fresh summer Berry Salad like the one pictured here (or any fruit salad) with a sprinkling of our Candied Pecans on top!