Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Sweet and tangy, this Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is easy to make and so versatile! Drizzle it over salads, berries, fruit salads, and even fish or chicken for a satisfying flavor boost.

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• The Economy of Homemade Salad Dressing
• What Goes into this Recipe
• How to Make this Recipe
• More Salad Dressing Recipes
• Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

The Economy of Homemade Salad Dressing

Awhile back, I almost bought a bottle of poppy seed salad dressing. I mean, I was already at the store and feeling lazy, so I thought, why not? Well, I'll tell you why not...

Have you read the labels lately!? Way too many weird ingredients and preservatives in those shelf-stable salad dressings!

Don't even get me started on the sticker shock! The average bottle of poppy seed salad dressing at my local Winco costs between three and four dollars. For a 12-ounce bottle of budget dressing! A cup and a half.

And the good stuff? That's even more! A bottle of Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing (admittedly delicious) sells for up to $9.70 on Amazon!!!! That's 80-cents an ounce: the same price as mid-range, high quality cheese. O.M.G. (And I can tell you, if I have to choose between a bottle of salad dressing and a 12 ounces of good cheese, the cheese will win, every time!) 

In just five minutes, you can make a cup and a half of the same salad dressing at home for 60 cents. That's just 5 cents an ounce. Crazy.

Mr B and I make almost all of our own dressings, and let me tell you; not only does it save us money, but we feel so much better about the foods we are eating! Most homemade dressings, like this poppy seed dressing, take only than 10 minutes to make.

What Goes into this Recipe

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

★ Poppy seeds: It's important to buy properly processed, poppy seeds. Always buy seeds from well-known brands or grocery stores, and avoid sketchy online vendors.

★ Mayonnaise: You can use store-bought or homemade mayo: just make sure it’s full-fat.

Do not use Miracle Whip. We are a Miracle Whip family, so I say this with both understanding and appreciation; MW is not mayonnaise. Do not ever, ever sub it into this or any other non-sandwich-filling recipe calling for mayo.

★ Vinegar: We like to use cider vinegar for this recipe. Another great option is to use a flavored or fruit-infused vinegar (i.e., raspberry vinegar, etc.). You can use plain white vinegar; however, the resulting dressing will be a bit more astringent.

★ Onion: Use a sweet onion or red onion. (Red onion will make your dressing pink!)

Grated onion is one of your grandma's secret ingredients. Be sure to use both the onion and the onion juices.

★ Mustard: Use plain dry mustard. You can sub in Dijon mustard, or any other kind of mustard if you'd like.

★ Salt: We use kosher salt.

★ Milk: Optional; use only if you feel the need to thin the dressing down.

★ Xanthan gum: This is a natural thickener that helps bind and stabilize the dressing. It can be found the bulk food area of many stores. Using it is totally optional to this recipe. 

How to Make this Recipe

Blender Prep: Add all the ingredients except the poppy seeds to a medium bowl or canning jar. Use an immersion blender to blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds until well combined.

Manual Prep: In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients except milk together until smooth.

• For thinner dressing: Add a little milk when you blend ingredients.
• For thicker dressing: Blend ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum into the mixture.
  • It is important to thoroughly blend the xanthan gum into the mixture; don't just stir it in with a spoon.
  • Xanthan gum does not work immediately; the dressing will set up in the fridge after in 30 minutes to an hour.

Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Transfer dressing to a clean jar with a lid.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to set up. Shake well before using.

More Salad Dressing Recipes

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Originally published January 17, 2014. This post has been updated with new content, images, and recipe instructions to improve reader experience.