Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
There’s something about a creamy poppy seed dressing that just hits the spot. It’s tangy, sweet, creamy, and has those tiny little poppy seeds that somehow make it feel fancy—even though it takes about five minutes to make. If you’ve ever tried the creamy poppy seed dressing from Kraft, this homemade version gives you all that nostalgic flavor but with a fresh twist. And let’s be honest—it tastes way better than store-bought.
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This easy creamy poppy seed dressing has become a staple in my fridge. I first whipped it up on a random Tuesday when I was out of my go-to vinaigrette, and now I can’t get enough. I use it on spinach salads, fruit salads, and yep—even drizzled over grilled chicken. One time I even used it as a dip for apple slices, and let me tell you… no regrets. It’s the kind of dressing you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
What is Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing?
Creamy poppy seed dressing is a sweet and tangy dairy-based salad dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and poppy seeds. It’s a twist on traditional vinaigrettes, adding a smooth texture and a pop of flavor that works on both savory and sweet salads. It pairs especially well with baby spinach, strawberries, grilled chicken, and even mixed fruit. This isn’t just for leafy greens—it’s a creamy poppy seed dressing for fruit salad, too!
RELATED: This Easy Homemade Italian Salad Dressing is tangy, garlicky, and full of herbs, making it the perfect companion for crisp greens, pasta salads, or even as a marinade for chicken and veggies. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a fresh and flavorful dressing in minutes—no preservatives, no weird additives, just pure, delicious goodness.
What makes this salad dressing healthy?
This recipe uses just a handful of real ingredients, including mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey—nothing weird or hard to pronounce. You can even lighten it up with Greek yogurt for a creamy poppy seed dressing yogurt version or make a vegan poppy seed dressing with a plant-based mayo. It’s lower in sugar than most bottled versions (looking at you, Costco poppy seed dressing recipe) and easy to adjust to fit your own nutrition goals. Want to know the creamy poppy seed dressing calories? You control the portion, so it’s easier to keep track than with store-bought.
What ingredients do you need to make Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing?
Here’s what you’ll need for the best poppy seed dressing recipe:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (creamy poppy seed dressing with mayonnaise is the classic base)
- 2 tablespoons honey (poppy seed dressing with honey adds that perfect sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt & pepper to taste
That’s it—no preservatives, no mystery ingredients.
Why you’ll love this creamy salad dressing recipe
- It stores well and actually tastes better after chilling.
- It’s quick—just 5 minutes to mix!
- It tastes better than Kraft poppy seed dressing.
- You can easily tweak this recipe to: make it a skinny poppy seed dressing, a tahini poppy seed dressing, or a poppy seed dressing with sour cream.
- It works on everything from creamy spinach salad dressing to grilled chicken and even wraps.
Step-by-step instructions for making this classic Creamy Dressing
- Grab a small bowl and a whisk.
- Add mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the poppy seeds.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour into a jar and refrigerate. Shake before using!
You can also blend this with Greek yogurt for a creamy poppy seed dressing yogurt version, or try a splash of onion juice for a tangy onion poppy seed dressing vibe.
Make this Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing Recipe, then check out my easy homemade Italian salad dressing, my Easy Homemade Southwestern Salad Dressing and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.
Frequently asked questions about this easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing recipe
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this dressing, and how to store this dressing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great make ahead salad dressing—it actually tastes better after sitting overnight.
Can I use this on spinach salad?
Absolutely! It’s my favorite creamy poppy seed dressing for spinach salad.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes! It’s amazing as a creamy poppy seed dressing chicken marinade. Just coat the chicken and let it sit for a few hours.
Is this similar to Renee’s poppy seed dressing?
Yes, but fresher. And you control the ingredients, unlike Renee’s poppy seed dressing with added preservatives.
Is this like Weight Watchers poppy seed dressing?
You can make it lighter if you want. Sub in low-fat mayo or yogurt for a homemade Weight Watchers poppy seed dressing twist.
How to store leftovers of this salad dressing
Keep your dressing in a jar or container with a tight lid. It’ll last in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using. Want it to stretch even further? Stir in a little water or lemon juice to thin it out.
This creamy sweet and sour dressing is a delicious, healthy choice that works for all kinds of salads, wraps, and even as a marinade. It’s quick to throw together and way better than bottled versions like Kraft poppy seed dressing or the Costco poppy seed dressing recipe. Whether you’re using it as a creamy sauce for salad or drizzling it over fruit, this is the best creamy salad dressing to keep in your fridge.
Now go grab a whisk and whip up some creamy salad dressing goodness!
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Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing Recipe
Equipment You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grab a small bowl and a whisk. Add mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the poppy seeds.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour into a jar and refrigerate. Shake before using!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Other Homemade Salad Dressing recipes to try
- This Creamy Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing is a tangy, nutty, and velvety smooth blend of Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for salads, veggies, or noodles. Made with fresh ginger, tahini, and toasted sesame oil, it’s easy to whip up and irresistibly delicious!
- This quick and easy Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of wholesome goodness. Perfect for those busy days when you crave a healthy and satisfying salad dressing without sacrificing on flavor.
- You’ll love how quickly this Maple Dijon Salad Dressing comes together. With just five basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious homemade dressing that’s not only healthy but also way better than anything you’ll find at the store.
- Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe – A simple summery vinaigrette!
