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This creamy delicious salad vinaigrette is sweet and tangy with just enough nutty flavor. Poppy Seed Dressing poured over a leafy green salad is simply irresistible!

And with the cost at the supermarket going one direction these days, making your own homemade salad dressings like this one makes sense —and cents —all the way around. (Cue the cheering.)

It’s 100% fresh, so easy and quick to whip up a batch of my Poppy Seed Dressing — or even double the recipe when there are more mouths to feed. 

Toss it in with this delicious Kale Salad or my favorite summer Strawberry Salad. Or, throw in some spinach with it to create a strawberry spinach salad. 

Since you’re making salad dressings from home, include this Homemade Greek Salad Dressing and you’ll be a connoisseur before you know it. 😉

Key ingredients & substitutions for Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing

• Poppy seeds — Poppy seeds are so pretty in any recipe! But, if you must, use chia or sesame seeds. 
• Honey — If it’s available, always buy local honey. However, use maple syrup, agave, or molasses to substitute honey. 
• White wine vinegar — Vinegar gives the tang and keeps the leafy greens so fresh. Substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have it on hand.
• Mayonnaise — Mayo is the best way to creamy good dressing — is the base of most cream salad dressings. Sour cream or Greek yogurt are good alternatives.

• Dry mustard — Dijon mustard is the best to use in place of dried mustard (aka ground mustard), but you can use any yellow mustard. 
• Onion powder — Jarred minced onion can sub here. Just use ½ tablespoon for the ½ teaspoon powder. 
• Light olive oil/canola oil — You want a nice light flavor so the other ingredients really shine! Grapeseed oil or vegetable will work also.

How to make this Poppy Seed Salad Dressing Recipe

STEP 1 | Mix ingredients

Use a medium bowl to whisk together the honey, vinegar, mayonnaise, dry mustard, onion powder, and salt.

Whisking brings all the textures and flavors together nicely. Then, after it becomes a creamy smooth texture, stir in those gorgeous poppy seeds.

STEP 2 | Whisk the dressing

Slowly pour the oil into the bowl in a steady stream while whisking constantly. Continue to do so until the dressing is emulsified and the oil becomes completely incorporated.

STEP 3 | Serve or chill

Of course, you can serve this beautiful dressing in a nice glass jar immediately or chill the dressing until you’re ready to serve. 

I can’t wait for you to try this creamy rich dressing on your fresh green summer salads. If you didn’t notice, it has no added sugar which is a “sweet” benefit. 

What does emulsified mean?

Not to sound too scientific and nerdy, but emulsification happens when you take two substances – like oil and vinegar — that don’t usually mix — and combine them until they become one liquid. 

The process involved includes either whisking forcefully or via a blender or food processor. It breaks one of them down (like the oil) into tiny minute particles, creating this “suspension” into the other liquid. 

Since oil and vinegar or water can’t be mixed and dissolved into each other, this process creates a way for them to form into one liquid and cling to all your fresh veggies.

So, there you have your science lesson for the week — you’re never too old to learn!

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

• I mentioned a few salads initially, but dressings make for great marinades. Try marinating your chicken in the dressing for 30 minutes before cooking. 
• Create a colorful fruit salad with your favorite fruits and drizzle on top for a beautiful and tasty treat. 
• Use it as a dip on a charcuterie board at your next social gathering with friends. 
• Anything that adds a nice crunch is a perfect addition with this poppy seed salad dressing. Sprinkle sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or maybe some freshly fried and crispy bacon on top of any salad. YUM!

More poppy seed recipes

Here are a few of my favorite poppy seed recipes you will most definitely want to try:

• Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes with Blueberry Compote
• Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes
• Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Behind the recipe

This isn’t exactly about the recipe, but I recently ran across this cute little book on Amazon called The Poppy Seed Cakes. It caught my attention because I love all things poppy seeds.

Although it’s a children’s book, I may just have to give it a read. I thought some of you may enjoy it too. 

I’ve included the description they posted and a link to purchase if you’re so inclined, just for fun. 

“Auntie Katusha has just come from the Old Country, bringing poppy seeds to make cakes for a mischievous four-year-old boy named Andrewshek. A little neighbor, Erminka, who wears red boots which are too big for her, joins Andrewshek for a series of adventures with talking animals, including a greedy goose who steals the cakes; a naughty white goat who hides on the roof; and a kitten, a dog and two chickens who are determined to gatecrash the children’s tea party. There is art on every page featuring cheeky animals, gooseberry tarts, colorful shawls, Russian dolls, and cheerful Auntie Katusha in her kerchiefed and aproned splendor.”

The Poppy Seed Cakes by Margery Clark.

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