Hey there, my friend 👋. If you’ve never made poppy seed dressing at home, you’re in for a treat. This dressing is creamy, slightly sweet, and has just the right tang to make your salads taste amazing.
And the best part? It takes only 5 minutes to make. No store-bought version comes close to this homemade goodness. Plus, you control the ingredients—no weird additives or preservatives.
Let’s get into it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Jar with a lid (for storing)
Important Info
- Servings: 1 cup of dressing (about 8 tablespoons)
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $2–$3, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: No cooking required
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 120 calories per tablespoon
- Cook method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Condiment, Salad Dressing
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients you need
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream |
| Apple cider vinegar | White vinegar or lemon juice |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave syrup |
| Dijon mustard | Yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard |
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
- Transfer the dressing to a jar with a lid. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Helpful Tips
- Shake before using. The dressing may separate in the fridge, so give it a good shake before drizzling it on your salad.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you like a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey.
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh vinegar and good-quality mustard make a big difference in taste.
- Double the batch. This dressing keeps well in the fridge for about a week, so you can make extra for later.
- Thin it out if needed. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk to get your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
This dressing goes with so many things! Here are some ideas:
- Green salads – It’s perfect for spinach, kale, or mixed greens.
- Fruit salads – Pairs beautifully with strawberries, apples, and mandarin oranges.
- Grain bowls – Drizzle it over quinoa or rice bowls for extra flavor.
- Slaw – Toss it with shredded cabbage for a creamy coleslaw.
- Roasted veggies – Use it as a dipping sauce for roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
How do you serve the recipe?
I love serving this dressing straight from a jar. A small spoon or a drizzle bottle works great for pouring it over salads. If you’re using it as a dip, a small bowl is perfect.
Where do you serve this recipe the most?
This dressing is great for meal prepping, so I often make a batch to keep in the fridge for quick lunches. It’s also perfect for potlucks and picnics—just pack it in a jar and shake it before serving.
Storage
Short-term storage (room temperature)
- This dressing should not be stored at room temperature. Always keep it refrigerated.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container or a jar with a tight lid.
- It will stay fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
- Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Freezing
- This dressing does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and yogurt. The texture will change once thawed, so I recommend making a fresh batch instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but Greek yogurt is thicker and makes the dressing creamier. If you use regular yogurt, the dressing will be slightly thinner.
Is this dressing kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweetness from the honey makes it appealing to kids. If your child prefers a milder taste, you can reduce the vinegar slightly.
Can I use olive oil instead of mayonnaise?
I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe. Mayonnaise gives the dressing a creamy texture, while olive oil would make it too runny.
What’s the best salad to pair with this dressing?
Spinach salads with strawberries and nuts are a classic pairing. It also works well on mixed greens with apples and feta cheese.
How can I make this dressing dairy-free?
You can swap the Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt or use all mayonnaise. Just check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free.
Meta Description
Homemade poppy seed dressing recipe is creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for salads. It takes just 5 minutes to make with simple ingredients.