Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
A tangy, lightly sweet dressing with a bright citrus punch and a gentle crunch.
Dietary
Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher
This creamy-sweet dressing balances fresh lemon juice with honey and a scatter of poppy seeds for texture. It comes together in minutes with a quick whisk or shake in a jar, making it a reliable topper for fruit salads, spinach salads, or coleslaw.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Method
-
In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and Dijon mustard until the honey dissolves.
-
While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
-
Stir in the poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
-
Transfer the dressing to a sealable jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
-
Shake or whisk well before each use, as the oil may separate on standing.
Rate this recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
This creamy-sweet dressing balances fresh lemon juice with honey and a scatter of poppy seeds for texture. It comes together in minutes with a quick whisk or shake in a jar, making it a reliable topper for fruit salads, spinach salads, or coleslaw.
10 min 16 oz 160 cal
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
- 1
In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and Dijon mustard until the honey dissolves.
- 2
While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
- 3
Stir in the poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
- 4
Transfer the dressing to a sealable jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
- 5
Shake or whisk well before each use, as the oil may separate on standing.