Name: Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise ((such as Duke's or Hellmann's)); 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup half and half; 2-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ((to taste)); 1-2 tablespoons poppy seeds ((depending on how textured you want the dressing))

Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is a great addition to spring and summer menus. This creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing is both tangy and sweet, with a subtle nutty flavor from the poppy seeds. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dressing for a weekday lunch or something special to serve at your next brunch, this recipe is sure to impress.

creamy poppyseed dressing in a ball mason jar in front of a jar of honey with a wooden dipper

Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

When I think of salad dressings that say “spring,” poppy seed dressing is right at the top of the list. It’s rich without feeling heavy and has a sweet, tangy flavor. Plus, its speckled appearance reminds me of polka dots–fresh, pretty, and playful after the cold winter months.

Here’s why I love making Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing at home:

It’s easy. All you need is one bowl or a mason jar and less than 10 minutes to mix up a batch of this dressing for the fridge. Bonus: it lasts for up to 5 days, so it’s great for meal prep!
It’s customizable. Unlike store-bought bottles, you can easily tweak the sweetness, tartness, and consistency of this dressing to taste. Making it yourself also means you control the ingredients—you can choose the type of sweetener you use, and there are no preservatives or additives.
It’s versatile. While this dressing is delicious on spring greens, it goes beyond leafy salads! You can toss it with fruit salad, serve it as a dip for fresh fruits and vegetables, or even make coleslaw with it.

Looking for more creamy salad dressing recipes? Don’t miss my reader-favorite Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing and Homemade Russian Dressing!

mayonnaise in a Ball mason jar on a blue and white tile board next to a spinach berry salad and jar of honey

What You’ll Need

Mayonnaise. Makes the dressing’s creamy base. Both homemade and good-quality “real mayo” from the grocery store work well. I use Duke’s or Hellmann’s.
Half and Half. Gives the dressing a pourable texture while adding a bit of richness. You can substitute whole milk if you’d like, but reduced fat and fat-free dairy will make the dressing runnier.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Compared to the sharper flavor of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar has a milder acidity and slightly sweet taste. It balances the flavors in this dressing without overpowering it.
Granulated Sugar, Honey, or Agave. For a pleasant sweetness that contrasts the tartness of the vinegar. You can experiment with adding floral or fruity notes to the dressing by using different types of honey, such as wildflower or orange blossom. Granulated sugar will give you a more straightforward, consistent sweetness across batches of dressing.
Dijon Mustard. Brings a pop of spice and tang to the dressing without making it taste “mustardy”. I use Maille or Edmond Fallot.
Poppy Seeds. I like to use Dutch Blue poppy seeds, but you can also use the black variety. Both will infuse the dressing with a fruity, nutty flavor and lightly crunchy texture. Be sure the seeds are fresh (they can lose their flavor, and in time, go rancid in the pantry). I like to buy them in small quantities as I need them.
Sea Salt. Just a pinch, to taste.

adding honey from a wooden dipper to a mason jar filled with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and half and half cream. The jar is sitting on a blue and white tile surface.

How To Make The Dressing

Making this dressing couldn’t be easier–it comes together in under 10 minutes (before chilling time) using one bowl or a mason jar for minimal cleanup.

Simply place all of the ingredients into a 16-ounce mason jar or a medium-sized bowl.

If you’re using a mason jar, secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
If mixing the dressing in a bowl, use a whisk to blend the ingredients until they’re smooth and creamy.

Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour, giving the flavors a chance to develop. The consistency will also thicken up a bit as it sits.

adding poppyseeds from a tablespoon measure to a mason jar filled with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and half and half cream. The jar is sitting on a blue and white tile surface.

Tip: Depending on the brand of mayonnaise you use (some are creamier and/or tangier than others), you may need to adjust the sweetness, acidity, or thickness of the dressing. Add additional sugar/honey, vinegar, or half and half, as needed, to taste.

a mason jar of creamy poppyseed dressing next to a small bowl of poppy seeds

Storing the Dressing

Creamy Poppy Seed dressing will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it tightly covered; if you use a mason jar to mix the dressing, you can use the same jar for storage. If you used a bowl, transfer the dressing to an airtight container.

Before using it, give it a shake or stir to re-distribute the poppy seeds, which can sometimes sink a bit as the dressing sits.

a mason jar of creamy poppy seed dressing with a spoonful of the dressing being held at the mouth of the jar

Ways to Serve Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

Salads: Creamy Poppyseed Dressing is my favorite finish for Spinach Berry Salad. You could also use this dressing instead of plum vinaigrette for a twist on my Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad.
Fruit Salad: Toss fresh fruit such as mixed berries, kiwis, mangoes, apples, and grapes with the dressing. I like to use orange blossom honey when making it for fruit salad.
Coleslaw: Instead of making the slaw dressing in my Homemade Coleslaw recipe, toss the prepped cabbage and carrots with this poppy seed dressing. You’ll need up to a cup of dressing, to taste.
Dip: Use it as a dip for cut-up veggies or strawberries.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Mix cubed cooked chicken with the dressing, diced celery, red onion, and grapes or dried cranberries for a sweet and savory combination. Serve it on whole-grain bread or croissants.
Turkey Wrap: Spread a little of the dressing onto a whole wheat wrap, then layer it with sliced deli turkey, sliced strawberries, and baby spinach. Roll it up and slice the wrap in half or into pinwheels for a fun spring lunch.

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