Poppy Seed Dressing

A classic poppy seed dressing balances acidic tang from vinegar and dry mustard, sweetness from sugar, and a nutty crunchiness from poppy seeds. And it all makes for a well balanced dressing that can elevate any simple side salad or elaborate main dish salads, too.

Powdered sugar may seem like an odd choice for a salad dressing, but it plays two roles: First, it helps to balance the sharp vinegar, and then it works with the other ingredients to create a smooth, luxurious dressing.

Learn how to make poppy seed dressing, and give this a try in place of your typical ranch or Thousand Island.

Ingredients for Poppy Seed Dressing

This simple poppy seed dressing recipe calls on just a handful of ingredients. So as long as you have them on hand, you can make this recipe any night of the week. Here's what you'll need:

• White wine vinegar: The ratio for vinaigrettes is 3:1. That's three parts oil to one part vinegar or acid. For this recipe, we chose a white wine vinegar to have a lighter color and a cleaner flavor. You could also use apple cider vinegar or Champagne vinegar, but the color might differ.
• Powdered sugar: Borrow this trick from restaurants: Powdered sugar dissolves easily, which makes whisking this dressing up easy without the worry of leftover grains of granulated sugar. It also helps thicken the dressing for a smooth and creamy finish.
• Dry mustard: Adds brightness and tang. You can use Dijon mustard, too.
• Kosher salt: For seasoning.
• Canola oil: This neutral oil is a great choice for keeping the flavors of the dressing sharp. You could also use vegetable oil or avocado oil, though they'll bring slightly different flavors to the final dressing.
• Poppy seeds: You can't have poppy seed dressing without poppy seeds. A little goes a long way for this recipe. Use the rest in a dish like our Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins or Poppy Seed Chicken.

How To Make Poppy Seed Dressing

Grab a bowl and a whisk. This poppy seed dressing is ready in minutes. Here's a brief outline, and the full recipe is below:

• Step 1. Mix ingredients: Place your bowl on a kitchen towel before you get started. This will help you avoid your bowl running away from you as you are whisking the dressing. Add to that bowl vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt. Whisk until combined.
• Step 2. Add oil: With your whisk going, add the oil slowly. Keep whisking until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. If the dressing separates when you stop whisking, mix again to get the dressing combined.
• Step 3. Add poppy seeds: Add poppy seeds, and stir to combine.
• Step 4. Serve or store: This dressing should be serve immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If it separates while in the fridge, whisk it to bring it back together.

What Does Poppy Seed Dressing Taste Like?

Poppy seed dressing is a wonderful combination of tart and sweet. It has bite from white wine vinegar and dry mustard, but it's tempered with sweetness from powdered sugar. Poppy seeds lend crunch and nuttiness. The result is a versatile dressing that can be used all year long.

Can You Make Poppy Seed Dressing in Advance?

Yes, poppy seed dressing is easy to make ahead. Once mixed, it will keep in an airtight container for up to one week.

How To Serve Poppy Seed Dressing

This dressing is great with any number of dishes, so you can use it on a handful of spinach leaves as a simple side salad, or dress it up. Classic options include a bed of lettuce with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and grilled chicken. Or try it as a simple dressing for Broccoli Salad. It will go nicely with bacon, dried cranberries, and cheese.