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GET IT NOWI Could Eat This Poppy Seed Dressing With a Spoon
This poppy seed dressing recipe is probably my all-time favorite, right up there with my ranch. I first made it for a strawberry spinach salad, but now I use it on all kinds of salads. It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and has just a little crunch from the poppy seeds. The best part is that it takes only 5 minutes to make and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. Here’s why I keep coming back to this poppy seed salad dressing:
- Perfect flavor balance – The mix of creamy, sweet, and tangy makes every bite pop. I’ve tried the store-bought versions and they just don’t compare.
- Naturally better for you – This one skips the refined sugar and strange additives. It’s low carb, vegetarian, and still tastes totally indulgent.
- So versatile – It started as a salad dressing, but now I use it on everything from chicken lettuce wraps to fruit and veggie trays. It pairs with so much more than just greens.
Make it with me and see why it’s a staple in my fridge!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my poppy seed salad dressing recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Mayonnaise – I usually make this with my homemade mayo, but when I’m short on time, I reach for this brand. You can also use plain Greek yogurt if you want a tangier flavor.
- Olive Oil – I use extra virgin olive oil most of the time, but avocado oil or any neutral oil works too. I just try to steer clear of seed oils like vegetable or grapeseed, though they technically work in the recipe.
- Honey – I use sugar-free honey to keep it lower in carbs, but regular honey is totally fine. You can also use your favorite powdered sweetener if that’s what you have.
- White Vinegar – Gives the poppy seed dressing that tangy kick and helps it blend smoothly. I’ve also made it with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and even lemon juice.
- Poppy Seeds – Adds a nutty, savory bite and that signature look. I mean, it wouldn’t be poppy seed dressing without them!
VARIATION: Add a Dijon kick!
If you want to mix things up, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. It gives the dressing a little extra kick and depth.
How To Make Poppy Seed Dressing
This homemade poppy seed dressing comes together in just 5 minutes. I usually whisk everything in a bowl, but you can also shake it up in a mason jar or dressing shaker if that’s easier.
I store mine in a mason jar in the fridge, but if you’re meal prepping, these salad dressing containers work great too. If the dressing is a little thick, just add a splash of oil to thin it out.
Poppy Seed Dressing (5-Min Recipe)
This poppy seed salad dressing recipe is creamy, sweet, and tangy—ready in 5 minutes and perfect on spinach salads, fruit, or chicken.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth (dressing can be made in advance).
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If the dressing is thicker than you like, thin it out with additional oil if desired.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2 tablespoons
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas for how to use poppy seed dressing on salads, as a dip, or even in main dishes.
- Store: Keep poppy seed dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it sit at room temp for a bit before serving so it’s nice and smooth.
- Recipe note: The recipe makes 3/4 cup total.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Poppy Seed Dressing
Serving Ideas
There are so many ways to use creamy poppy seed dressing besides just tossing it with greens. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Salads – I first made this dressing for a strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese and almonds, but now I use it on all kinds. It’s great on pear salad, grilled peach salad, or even a smoked salmon salad.
- Dips – I love using poppy seed salad dressing as a dip for apples (or apple chips), carrots, cucumbers, blueberries, raspberries, or whatever crunchy fruits or veggies I have around. It also works really well with flax seed crackers or zucchini chips.
- More than just salad – Drizzle it on sandwiches (it’s so good with turkey or chicken salad), mix it into coleslaw or broccoli slaw, or use it as a marinade for baked chicken or fish.
11 Comments
Connie
1I reached into my refrigerator for my bottle of poppy seed dressing 15 minutes before my guests were to arrive. It wasn’t there! I went online and found this, made it in less than five minutes and it was delicious. My guests were caterers and they even commented on how good it was! No need to always buy it now!
Jeanie
0So quick & easy to make. Tastes delicious!! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Meg
0Loved this recipe. Easy & fast to make.
Ems
0Made this for a strawberry spinach salad and it received rave reviews. This will be my go-to poppyseed dressing recipe from now on! I included the dijon and thinned it out a little with avocado oil. Can’t wait to make it again. Thanks!
Judy
0Can plain Greek yogurt be substituted for the mayonnaise? Thank you.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Judy, Yes, you can, but the flavor of the dressing will be different and more tangy.
Kristyn
0This dressing is so light & fresh & adds so much flavor to any salad!!
Sammie
0Poppy seed dressing has always been one of my favorites. I had never attempted making it myself, but this recipe was so easy and turned out so yummy that I’ll never need to buy it again!
Melissa
0I love this dressing! It’s so easy to customize with whichever oil and honey you have on hand.
T
0Is there a way to print your recipes? I’m not seeing that option.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi, There is a print button at the top of the recipe card.