Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Do I have a vibrant and delicious salad dressing for you? This 6-ingredient lemon poppy seed dressing is one of my go-to recipes for a fresh and tangy salad. You’ll love that it comes together in minutes. Read on, and I’ll share my four tips and ideas with you!

Friends, I did it — I found a way to bottle up sunshine, and I’m so excited to share it with you. I start making this lemon poppy seed dressing the moment spring shows up, and it keeps us feeling bright and zesty all the way through summer. It’s simple, fresh, and full of lively lemon flavor with those little pops of poppy seeds that make every bite feel special.

Making this dressing feels like squeezing the most out of the day. It brings a ton of flavor with almost no effort, balancing tangy lemon with just enough sweetness, and turning even the simplest meal into something crave-worthy. I love that it turns creamy all on its own thanks to the lemon juice, oil, and Dijon — no mayo required.

It keeps well in the fridge for at least a week, so I’ll use it again and again on salads, grains, or whatever needs a bright lift. It’s barely even a recipe — if you can measure and whisk, you’re already there — and it’s one of those little kitchen wins that makes everything else taste better.

Ingredients for lemon poppy seed dressing

Every time I make this for my family, I’m left wondering how so much delicious flavor comes from so few ingredients. This is what you’ll need:

Lemon juice: Fresh is best in this recipe!
Dijon mustard: I prefer Dijon, but in a real pinch, I’ll forgive you for using yellow mustard.
Honey : For natural sweetness! Vegans can use maple syrup instead.
Sea salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors.
Olive oil: Helps emulsify the dressing for a rich, creamy texture without needing anything heavy.
Poppy seeds: They don’t just look pretty, they make a delicious little crunch, too.

4 tips for the BEST lemon poppyseed dressing

While this is super easy to whip up, some tips never hurt. Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind:

Use fresh lemons: You know those store bought bottles of fake lemon juice? If you do, forget them! Fresh lemons truly make a difference, so I strongly recommend using fresh lemon juice.
Whisk, don’t rush : I love creamy dressings, and the way the olive oil emulsifies while whisking means everything blends in a creamy way without the need for mayonnaise. The key is to take your time whisking, pouring the oil slowly!
Play with the flavor: Depending on what you’re making, you can customize the flavor. Add some minced garlic for savory depth, or a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for some heat.
Meal prep: Since this lasts for a week in the fridge, it’s ideal for meal prep. I don’t know about you, but I’m WAY more likely to eat a salad if I have a delicious salad dressing ready to go.

Ideas for using lemon poppy seed dressing

You don’t have to use this as just a salad dressing – it’s delicious in other ways, too. Here are some of my favorite uses for this lemon poppy seed dressing:

On salads: I particularly love this salad dressing recipe with fresh greens and bits of fruit. I most often pair it with this arugula and wild rice salad . In summer, it’s great with this strawberry spinach salad . In winter, it’s excellent with salads with pomegranate !
On veggies : Pour some over roast veggies to bring them to life, or even drizzle some in a potato salad .
With protein: Elevate a simple recipe, like these Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts !
On grains: Whether it’s a bean salad, over a wheat berry salad , or in a quinoa salad , you can’t go wrong!