This vibrant Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is tart, sweet and a little crunchy, perfect for summer salads, grain bowls or drizzled over veggies and fruit platters.
A classic balsamic vinaigrette is a must-know dressing because it’s so versatile. But because of that versatility, it can become lackluster and one-note; especially in warmer weather when you’re eating lighter food that are simply dressed.
And that’s when the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing comes in.
It’s just as easy to make but fresher, more vibrant, and just as versatile.
Ingredients Needed to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil. This is the base, but you don’t want it to overpower the lemon, so use your favourite mild olive oil.
- Lemon juice. Please use freshly squeezed lemon juice if you can. It just tastes so much fresher and brighter. Adding the zest is also a must.
- Dijon mustard. Don’t skip the mustard, it helps to emulsify the dressing (if you’re not going to use an immersion blender) and the amount used is not overpowering at all. If however you like mustard, you can add more or use a spicier kind.
- Honey. A must for that sweet and tart flavour combo.
- Poppy seeds. The star of the show, adds a pleasing crunch to the dressing.
Cook along with me:
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
This dressing couldn’t be easier to make!
In a jar combine the extra virgin olive oil with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, add some salt, Dijon mustard, honey and poppy seeds, pop on the lid and shake until the dressing had emulsified. Adjust for salt and honey, if needed.
That’s it!
For a creamier, thicker version, use an immersion blender to blend all the ingredients together right in the jar. (You could also use a traditional blender, if you can be bothered with the extra dishes.) Or simply use a hand whisk.
Make it your Own
- For a dressing with more bite, add a finely chopped shallot.
- Add a tablespoon of sour cream or crème fraiche for a luxuriously creamier version.
- Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly dressing.
- Find lemons too tart? Try swapping it for freshly squeezed orange juice.
How to Serve the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is surprisingly versatile. Use it:
- to dress salads
- as a sauce for grain bowls
- to drizzle over cut fruit
- to spoon over still warm sautéed or roasted veggies.
Looking for other citrus recipes? Try these:
If you make this Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing, please be sure to leave me a comment and let me know. Did you swap out any of the ingredients? Or tag me over on Instagram, I love seeing what you guys are making from the blog!
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Mason jar method: Add all the ingredients to a jar with a lid and shake vigorously for a few minutes until the dressing has emulsified. Taste and adjust the honey or salt, if needed.½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 lemon, ½ teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- Immersion blender method: Add all the ingredients to a jar and blend in quick bursts using in immersion blender, making sure to not completely blend the poppy seeds. Taste and adjust the honey or salt, if needed. Creates a creamier dressing.
- Whisk method: In a bowl add the lemon juice and zest, sea salt, Dijon mustard and honey. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as you start to whisk. Keep whisking until the dressing emulsifies. Stir in the poppy seeds. Taste and adjust the honey or salt, if needed.
