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Poppy Seed Dressing

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sauces & condiments•salad dressing•american•vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
20 minutes•about 1.25 cups (10–12 servings)•

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp onion – finely grated with juices
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp poppy seed
Poppy Seed Dressing

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Finely grate the onion on a microplane or the small holes of a grater to yield 1 tbsp with its juices.

  2. 2.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and the grated onion with juices until the sugar starts to dissolve, 30–60 seconds.

  3. 3.

    While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the dressing is emulsified and lightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.

  4. 4.

    Whisk in the poppy seeds until evenly distributed.

  5. 5.

    Let the dressing stand 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Whisk or shake before using and refrigerate leftovers in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Poppy Seed Dressing is a sweet-tangy vinaigrette flecked with nutty poppy seeds, offering a glossy body that clings beautifully to tender greens and fruit. The flavor balances bright acidity with gentle sweetness, while a hint of onion and mustard rounds out the finish. Its light texture and speckled look make it a favorite on spinach salads, fruit-laden plates, or shredded cabbage slaws.

Originating in American home kitchens, this dressing rose to prominence through community cookbooks and salad-bar culture in the mid-20th century. It became a staple alongside seasonal salads, especially those pairing leafy greens with strawberries, oranges, or apples. Over time, regional church cookbooks and family recipes helped standardize a style based on oil, vinegar, sugar, onion, and poppy seeds, cementing its place in everyday American salad-making.