This creamy poppy seed dressing recipe is a versatile and tasty salad dressing that can transform any salad. This homemade salad dressing is easy to make and can be used on chicken salads, fruit salads, and my personal favorite, spinach salads.
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When I think of summer salads I always think of this creamy dressing recipe. It is always a toss-up between this and my favorite balsamic vinaigrette with basil.
This recipe is a creamy version of my popular honey poppy seed dressing. The balance of acidic, sweet, and savory flavors is what makes this meal so delicious. The Greek yogurt gives a creamy base, while the apple cider vinegar and orange juice add a tangy note. The honey adds a mild sweetness to balance off the acidity, while the poppy seeds add a lovely texture.
Whether you're looking to dress up a simple green salad or add some flavor to a summer strawberry salad, this creamy poppy seed dressing is sure to impress. Its well-balanced flavors and easy-to-find ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
📋Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat yogurt for the best texture. If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or red wine vinegar.
- Honey: This provides a subtle sweetness to the dressing. I prefer using local raw honey. You can substitute agave nectar, maple syrup, or brown sugar for a vegan option.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This provides a smooth texture to the dressing. Like with all salad dressing recipes, use your best olive oil for this recipe. I don't recommend vegetable oil or canola oil, but I find avocado oil to work well in this recipe.
🍲How to Make Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Add all your ingredients, except the olive oil, to a small bowl.
Whisk until well combined. It will be a little frothy.
Pour the olive oil into the bowl in a steady stream while continually whisking.
After mixing the ingredients, let the dressing sit for a while before using it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and result in a more flavorful dressing.
Common Recipe Questions
You can substitute lemon juice for the OJ to make a lemon poppy seed dressing. Also, try a strained berry puree. I like strawberries in particular.
Yes, you can make poppy seed dressing by hand (shaking in a mason jar or using a bowl and whisk) or use a blender or food processor.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- n a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup honey, 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 1 and ½ cups of dressing, which should be enough for a large salad or multiple smaller salads.
- I recommend making this recipe ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days.
Julie says
Poppyseed dressing has always been one of my faves! But it’s so loaded in sugar, calories, and fat. This recipe is absolutely amazing and it tastes way better than store bought!! And it’s healthy! LOVE! And thank YOU!
Jen Wooster says
glad you enjoyed it!