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Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing [Dairy-Free]

March 27, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Dive into our Dairy-free Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing --- A versatile zesty addition that's perfect for grain bowls, salads, dipping, and so much more. Its vibrant flavors will elevate any dish!

Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing [Dairy-Free]

Say hello to our tangy Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing! With its refreshing citrus flavor and delightful poppy seed crunch, this creamy dressing takes your salad game to the next level. It's a totally dairy-free vibrant dressing that bursts with fresh flavor! Completely Vegan!

Lemon poppyseed dressing in a mason jar with a spoon and lemon wedges.

I'm all about poppy seeds – they add such a fun crunch to everything! From sweet treats like Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts to savory delights like my homemade everything bagel seasoning, I've used them in all sorts of recipes--- I even throw them into smoothies, like my Immune-Boosting Strawberry Banana Poppyseed Smoothie. But recently, I decided it was time to try something new, and I was craving a burst of lemony freshness so I whipped up this quick + easy Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing, and y'all----- It is AMAZING.

Sometimes, you just need that extra oomph to take your salad or grain bowl to the next level. A little creaminess, richness, or sweetness can go a long way, and this Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing has got it all. Perfectly tangy + zingy, this dressing is healthy, dairy-free and seriously delicious. Plus you can make it ahead for meal prep for the week, and it takes only 5 minutes to whip up! It's A win-win.

If you love a little pop of lemon try out my Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad, Creamy White Bean Lemon Orzo Soup, and Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings next up!

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Ingredients on an orange table.

Why You Will LOVE Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

  • Creamy + totally luscious in texture
  • Bursting with refreshing lemon flavor
  • Delightfully crunchy thanks to poppy seeds
  • Adds a zesty kick to salads, grain bowls + more.
  • Perfect balance of tangy + sweet notes
  • So quick & easy! Ready in just 5 minutes!
  • And best of all... it's downright delicious!
Dressing in a bowl being stirred with a spoon.

How To Make Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick blend in a good high-powered blender, you can create a rich + luscious creamy lemon poppy seed dressing/sauce that's perfect for grain bowlssaladssandwiches, and much more! Trust me, once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.

Ingredients

LEMON POPPY SEED DRESSING:

  • Vegan mayonnaise. I love using Follow Your Heart Veganaise. It is super creamy and smooth but feel free to add your fave if you prefer.
  • Lemon. Freshly-squeezed.
  • Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier. You can use your fave plant-based milk. Learn how to make homemade almond milk!
  • Pure maple syrup. This adds a little sweetness and helps balance out the flavors.
  • White wine vinegar. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead.
  • Poppyseeds. These are usually sold in the spice or baking aisle of the grocery store.
  • Mustard powder. Adds a tangy kick + depth of flavor.
  • Sea salt. To balance out the flavor.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS DRESSING!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing. Everything from whisks, blenders, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Dressing in a mason jar on an orange table with lemons and poppyseeds.

How To Use Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing?

Having this lemon poppy seed dressing on hand is a game-changer for any kitchen! It's perfect for tossing with a salad like this chopped kale salad or adding a flavorful punch to a grain bowl. You can easily substitute it for the dressing/sauce in any of these salad + grain bowl recipes:

GRAIN BOWLS

SALADS

Don't let any leftover dressing go to waste—try using it as a dipping sauce! It's fantastic with frieschicken wings, or cauliflower wings/bites, offering a tangy Asian-flavored twist. Additionally, it would make a delicious sauce for tacos like these Jerk Salmon Tacos + burgers, adding an extra layer of flavor to your favorite dishes!

Do Poppy Seeds Have Any Health Benefits?

Poppy seeds pack quite a punch in the health department! Here's why they're amazing:

  • Packed with nutrients --- They're loaded with good stuff like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are all crucial for keeping your bones strong and your body running smoothly.
  • Antioxidant loaded --- They're full of antioxidants that help your body fight off inflammation and keep you feeling great.
  • Good for digestion --- Thanks to their high fiber content, poppy seeds keep your digestive system happy + humming along nicely.
  • Sleep --- If you're having trouble catching Z's, poppy seeds might help. They've got compounds that can help regulate your sleep patterns and improve the quality of your shut-eye.
  • Glowing skin + hair --- With goodies like zinc and vitamin E, poppy seeds can give you that healthy, radiant glow from head to toe.

In a nutshell, adding a sprinkle of poppy seeds to your meals can be an easy + tasty way to give your health a little boost!

Dressing in a mason jar with a spoon with lemons and poppyseeds.

Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Q + A's

How to store poppy seed dressing?

Add the dressing to your favorite mason jar or tightly sealed container and refrigerate for 7-10 days for optimal freshness. 

Is this lemon dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayo.

Can i make this dressing ahead of time?

Yup! In fact, this sauce can benefit from some time in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together. You can make it a few days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Can i use regular mayo?

Absolutely! If you're not following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can use regular mayonnaise in your homemade poppy seed dressing recipe. Traditional mayonnaise works perfectly well and will give you that classic creamy texture and flavor.

Can i make the dressing thinner?

Yes! To make this more of a dressing for salads, etc. you can add more milk to make it more like a drizzle. I would add about ½ cup milk as a substitute for the original amount. 

Can i make a bigger batch of this lemon poppy seed dressing recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe makes enough for 2 servings, however, for more or a larger batch simply double or triple the ingredients. 

Dive Into More Homemade Sauces + Dressings

Check out these mouthwatering sauce/dressing recipes that your whole family will love, especially after trying the delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing recipe!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Lemon poppyseed dressing in a mason jar with a spoon and lemon wedges.

Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing [Dairy-Free]

March 27, 2024
5 from 2 votes
Say hello to our tangy Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing! With its refreshing citrus flavor and delightful poppy seed crunch, this creamy dressing takes your salad game to the next level. It's a completely dairy-free vibrant dressing that bursts with fresh flavor! Completely Vegan!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

DRESSING:

  • 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
  • 2 Tbsps Almond milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk)
  • 2-3 Tbsps pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsps white wine vinegar (You can also use apple cider vinegar instead)
  • 2 Tbsps poppyseeds
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

TO MAKE THE DRESSING:

  • Add the vegan mayo, milk, maple syrup, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, poppyseeds, mustard powder, and salt, and whisk until everything becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Add dressing to your favorite mason jar or tightly sealed container and refrigerate for 7-10 days for optimal freshness. 
  • Bon Appetit!

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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