Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe | Easy Sweet Tangy Salad Dressing
A quick, silky-smooth creamy poppy seed dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and versatile for fruit, greens, and slaws. Whisk together pantry staples and chill for a flavor-packed drizzle all week.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Poppy seeds
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Milk or water optional for thinning
- Lemon zest optional
- Orange juice optional
- Onion powder optional
Instructions
Instructions
- Whisk Greek yogurt and mayonnaise in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Add honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, then whisk until fully combined and glossy.
- Stir in poppy seeds, a pinch of kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper, then taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of milk or water until it drizzles easily.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to slightly thicken.
Notes
For best texture, fully emulsify yogurt, mayo, honey, vinegar, and Dijon before adding poppy seeds. Adjust sweetness for fruit salads and increase vinegar/Dijon for slaws or savory salads. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 5–7 days and shake before using. Do not freeze. If making ahead for several days, add poppy seeds just before serving for maximum crunch. Variations: swap in lemon juice and zest, use orange juice, replace honey with maple syrup, thin with buttermilk, or make vegan with plant-based yogurt and mayo.