This creamy and flavorful Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing skips the mayo but keeps all the flavor.
author’s note
The Dressing I Keep In My Fridge 24/7!
This Costco Kale Salad is a staple in my home, and the poppy seed dressing it comes with is a family favorite. I usually keep a batch in the fridge!
With the new year and a goal to use more wholesome ingredients, I set out to recreate the dressing with a few better-for-you swaps. This version is thick, creamy, full of flavor, made without mayo, and packed with feel-good ingredients.
As a bonus, I’m also sharing my favorite salad to pair it with! It’s been on repeat lately, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip or Swap |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. |
| Fresh lemon juice | Freshly squeezed juice gives the brightest flavor. Add a little lemon zest if you want stronger lemon flavor. |
| Greek yogurt | Full-fat yogurt makes the dressing extra creamy, but low-fat works too. |
| Honey | Adjust to taste depending on how sweet you like the dressing. Maple syrup works. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Adds extra tang. White wine vinegar also works well. |
| Poppy seeds | Stir in after blending so the seeds keep their texture. |
chelsea’s recipe tip
My Favorite Ways To Use This Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
- Green Salad: Enjoy it with our favorite pairing – the salad mentioned in the recipe card below!
- Kale Salad: Enjoy it with a classic kale salad.
- Fruit Salad: Drizzle it over a fresh fruit salad.
- Grilled Chicken: Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: Mix it into a hearty quinoa salad.
- Sandwich/Wrap: Toss with greens to load on sandwiches or wraps.
- Roasted Veggies: Drizzle it over roasted vegetables.
Storage
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing should remain fresh for up to 1 week. Store in a sealed mason jar. If it separates or hardens, allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes, and then give it a thorough shake.
More Amazing Dressing Recipes:
Salad Dressings
Tahini Dressing
Salad Dressings
Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
Dressings
Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Dressings
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Video
Equipment
- Small blender high-powered
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey add to preference
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 8 cups mixed greens
- 2 cups clementine oranges peeled and segmented
- 1 cup candied pecans coarsely chopped
- 1 large avocado or 2 small; peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- Dried tart cherries or dried cranberries, optional
Instructions
- In a small blender, combine all ingredients except poppy seeds. Season to taste (I recommend 1/2 tsp salt). Blend until smooth. Then, using a spoon, stir in the poppy seeds (do not blend). Taste and adjust if needed.Transfer to a mason jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before using.
- In a large bowl or on two salad platters, arrange the greens and toppings evenly. Drizzle with dressing gradually, adjusting to your taste. Gently toss and serve immediately. If you plan to store any leftovers, don’t add dressing, cheese, or avocado as dressed salad doesn’t store well.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
