Poppy Seed Dressing

A bright lemon and honey poppy seed dressing with Dijon mustard, a pinch of cayenne and a blend of olive and vegetable oils. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Naturally gluten-freeVegetarianDairy-freeMake-ahead

Allergens: none of the major food allergens in the ingredients as written. Check package labels, which can change.

From the recipe book of Sandra Mills, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained cook in our family.

Jar of poppy seed dressing beside a spinach and strawberry salad
  • Prep 5 min
  • Total 5 min
  • Yield About 1/2 cup

Updated

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This small-batch poppy seed dressing from Sandra Mills's recipe book is sweet, tart and fresh: fresh-squeezed lemon juice and honey balanced with Dijon mustard, a pinch of cayenne, and a mix of vegetable and olive oil.

It is made right in a wide-mouth jar, so there is nothing to wash but the measuring spoons. It is wonderful on spinach and fruit salads, and on our Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Combine. Combine all of the ingredients in a wide-mouth jar.
  2. Cover and shake. Cover and shake well until the honey is dissolved and the dressing is blended.
  3. Refrigerate. Refrigerate. Shake well again before serving.

Gluten-freeVegetarianDairy-free

Tips

  • Double or triple the recipe if you are serving a crowd.
  • Warm the honey for a few seconds if it is thick, so it blends easily.
  • Use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice gives a flatter flavor.

Questions about this recipe

What salads go with poppy seed dressing?
Spinach salads, fruit salads, strawberry and berry salads, and slaws all pair well with its sweet-tart flavor.
How long does poppy seed dressing keep?
Covered in the refrigerator, it keeps for about a week. Let it stand a few minutes if the olive oil firms up, then shake.
Can I make it without cayenne?
Yes. The pinch of cayenne adds only a hint of warmth; leave it out for a milder dressing.

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