This Lemon Poppyseed Dressing is fresh, light and so flavorful with lemon, Dijon mustard, red onion and tarragon. The perfect light dressing for your favorite salad!
What’s your favorite salad dressing?
When it comes to dressings, I typically follow a pattern. Stuck in rut, one might say. 🙂
But this time, I stepped way outside my comfort zone, and was later slapping my head thinking “Why, Kristi? Whyyyyy???” Why didn’t I try this before? It was a DOH! moment for sure.
Have you ever had a DOH! moment? To say that we loved this dressing was a drastic understatement. 🙂
Initially, this dressing was made from another recipe, just to top a salad that was my real post. As I mixed the ingredients per the recipe, then tasted it – put simply, it was awful. Unedible.
And, you all know me well enough, that we don’t do that here at IK. Unedible is not in our cook-cabulary. 😉
I ain’t havin’ my readers eatin’ no bad food!
Yes, I know that sentence is an embarrassment to our English language. 🙂 I used it to make a point.
And…that’s what I love about cooking so much. Bad recipes can recover! With the right ingredients and the right touch, they can go from AWE-ful to AWE-mazing.
Which is exactly what happened right here. And now, I’m going to share my secrets!
You all know me well enough to know, that if I’m going to bring you a salad dressing recipe, that a phenomenal salad is on the way, right? So, come back next week for Mystery Dish and see what salad I have that pairs so beautifully with this dressing!
Trust me, you will love it – just like we did!
Enjoy!
Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely minced red onion
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a small bowl, and whisk until thoroughly blended. Season with salt and pepper if necessary*. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.
[email protected] and Heavenly Oven says
I love a good lemon poppyseed dressing and this looks like the very thing my lunch salads are missing! Move over Mr. Ranch! 🙂
Kristi says
Sarah, this is only the first time I’ve had it, but after I tweeked it – Mr. Ranch never had a chance! Hahaha!
marcie says
I can’t imagine you ever making anything “awe-ful”, but I’ll play along. haha You’re so right about things being not so good and giving it just a little something-something that pushes it over the top! I’m glad you did it, because not only do I love homemade salad dressing, but I love poppyseed dressing! I have not made my own homemade version of it, and this sounds incredible. You know where this is going…to my pin board! lol 🙂
Kristi says
Hahahaha! Marcie, you would be surprised. It happens ALL the time. As good as of a cook as you are, you definitely need to make this dressing, because I know you’d totally rock it. And, as always, thank you for the pin shugs! xoxo
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
I am so trying this dressing! It seems like it would be wonderful on a green salad, a fruit salad, a pasta salad…..ideas are flowing. 😉 Thanks for sharing this, Kristi!
Kristi says
I’m so glad you like it Marissa! I think having it on pasta or a fruit salad is absolutely brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that??? I can’t wait to see what you come up with! xoxoxoxo
Manali @ CookWithManali says
The dressing sounds fabulous Kristi..I have never tried tarragon before..wondering how it tastes like? and looking forward to the salad! 😀 This is pinned of course!
Kristi says
Oh my gosh Manali – tarragon is one of my absolute favorite herbs. I adore it! Knowing what you make, I think you would love it too! And, thank you always for the pin! xoxoxoxo
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I’m kind of in a salad dressing rut too, just basic old balsamic vinaigrette. But this lemon poppyseed dressing sounds amazing! Can’t wait to give it a try to mix up my salad flavors. Such a pretty yellow color too!
Kristi says
Thanks Natalie! Isn’t the color so pretty? I loved it too! And, you’ll love the flavor too…I’m so glad to start digging myself out of the salad dressing rut. Boring! 🙂
Kristi @ My SF Kitchen says
Gorgeous photos! And the dressing looks great!
Kristi says
Thank you Kristi! This dressing was so beautiful, it shined on it’s own – no photography experts required! Hahaha! Have a great weekend!
Josefine says
YUM! There is nothing better than homemade dressings. Seriously. They can turn any boring salad into a fest.
This looks great.
My fav at the moment is a wonderful asian dressing my dad makes a lot at the moment – it is great
Kristi says
Oh my goodness Josefine! I would *love* to have that Asian dressing…have you posted it? Because if you have, I need it in my life. I am always looking for a great Asian dressing! xoxo
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I get in ruts with my salad dressing, as well. Always looking for a new idea!
Kristi says
I’m so glad to provide a bit of inspiration Ashley. That’s why I love your blog so much. Just when I’m in a rut, I just need to do a bit of internet search and head on over to your site! Rut problem solved!!! Because I always find something wonderful there, that I want to make! Have a great weekend Ashley!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
I can totally see this brightening up any salad!!
Kristi says
Shikha! I’ve so missed you! I brightened your salad, and you brightened my day. See? A win-win! Have a great weekend!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Just the other day, my mom picked up a salad with lemon poppyseed dressing on it for my two girls ages 2 and 4 and they absolutely devoured it. The 2 year old just licked the plate clean. She needed a bath afterwards for sure! I’m going to have to try to replicate the experience and make this for them. Thanks for sharing.
Kristi says
Laura, that is such a great story! I wonder if it didn’t have red onions in it? The kids I know don’t typically have red onions, so if you do make it, you might not want to add that – but you know your kids better than I do! I’m just thrilled that they loved it! Have a fantastic weekend!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
Oh I know all about being stuck in a rut with dressing. I put chipotle ranch dressing on just about everything (yes, even eggs)! And I use it as a dip, too! And if I can’t get chipotle ranch when I go out to dinner, I get ranch. I just love ranch dressing.
But you know what else I like? LEMONS! I know I’d love this dressing. I bet it would be great on fresh spinach and yes, totally awesome on chicken! Great recipe, Kristi!
Kristi says
Julie, do yo uhave a Chipotle Ranch Dressing on your blog? Because I would totally love a recipe for that! I am a huge spice lover and Chipotle is one of my favorites. I would use it on everything too! I’m going to your site now and seeing if I can find a recipe!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
Hi Kristi!
No, I sure don’t have a recipe on my blog for it. You’re probably going to laugh, but I buy it at the store. I get the Marie’s brand. It’s all natural and it’s really good! I probably should make my own one day, though, considering how much I use. 🙂
Kristi says
Yes Julie – you should…then you’ll probably not buy store-bought again. Oh, and when you do, I’m coming to pin the recipe! xoxo
David @ CookingChat says
Great photos! Love the way the poppyseeds are suspended there.
Kristi says
Thanks David! It truly is a great recipe and we loved it on a grilled chicken salad – so we’re glad to share the love!
Juliana says
This dressing sounds and looks delicious Kristi…I feel dipping my finger into the jar so I can taste it…Oh! And beautiful color too!
Enjoy the rest of your week 🙂
Kristi says
I love that visual Juliana! I can imagine dipping my finger in the jar too! And the color – I agree – it’s amazing. I hope you have a beautiful weekend! xoxo
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says
Whoa, could this dressing be any more gorgeous?! That bright color–I can almost taste how zesty and vibrant it is. I’m typically a pretty boring vinagarette girl, so I could definitely stand to branch out and try new things. Pinning this one for later!
Kristi says
Elizabeth, any compliment from you is like getting a trophy! You are seriously one of the best bakers and Sugar Heros I know… So for you to give a compliment like that? Girl, I am seriously humbled. And I xoxoxo for the pin!
Johlene @Flavours & Frosting says
I have DOH moments all the time.. when I can´t believe that I had not thought of something before.. 🙂 Love the idea of this dressing!! xoxo
Kristi says
Hahahaha! You and me Johlene, could probably write an eBook on the Oh Doh! moment! Geez… I have them all the time. Although it’s hard for me to believe you do, because every time I see something you make, I am salivating and wanting to eat it! xoxo
Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says
I really love the use of poppy seeds here.. wouldn’t have thought to use them in a salad dressing… but sounds wonderful.. and will definitely try the next time we will have salad.
Kristi says
Ella, we absolutely loved this salad dressing, and the poppy seeds added just that extra pop it needed! I hope you get a chance to try it! Have a great weekend my friend!
Jasmin says
You got me at poppy seed 😉
It really is little bit bold salad dressing idea, but it looks so good on your photos, I will definitely try it…
Kristi says
I’m so glad you like it Jasmin! I am sssooo all about bold flavors – I just can’t help myself! What can I say, I have definitely found my blogging niche! 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food says
I love making my own salad dressing! I used to only buy it but since I started making my own, I can never go back! Sometimes I’m lazy and just do oil and lemon juice, but this one looks so good! I think I gotta try it next 🙂
Kristi says
Oh my gosh Isadora- I just started making my own. I don’t know why I waited so long…because I never liked the store-boughten stuff! I feel like I’ve discovered a whole new world, and it’s quite tasty! 🙂
Jen and Emily @ Layers of Happiness says
I love me a good caesar salad with extra caesar dressing! HOWEVER, this could very well be my new favorite dressing – I can’t wait to try it with kale!
Kristi says
I love caesar dressing too Jen & Emily! Adore! I’ve never made my own though – you make me want to try it! You have me craving salad now! 🙂
[email protected] in the Kitchen says
I love lemon poppyseed! I would love this on a salad for sure!!
Kristi says
Thanks Renee! I’m so glad you like it!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I make salads every night for dinner and always am making my own salad dressings – but never have I thought to make dressing with poppyseeds before! Thanks for the idea Kristi, I will be trying this recipe.
Kristi says
You totally should Thalia! The poppyseeds are a great addition and something new to try. I think you’ll love it! xoxo
Ashley says
Homemade salad dressing really is the best – the store-bought stuff just doesn’t compare! And I LOVE the color of this! Perfect for cheering me up from the winter, cold weather, where is the sun??? blues! haha Lemon and poppy seeds are such a perfect combo.
Kristi says
Hahahaha! I ssssoooo agree. I am *so* over gray days, rain and winter. Ugh. So, this dressing is the perfect remedy! I hope you have a great weekend Ashley! xoxo
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
That color! This dressing! These photos! They are nothing short of sensational, Kristi! Pinned! I cannot wait to make this!
Kristi says
Thank you Lindsey! I loved the color too! So bright and pretty. And who doesn’t need pretty? 🙂
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
I’m totally stuck in a rut. I ALWAYS make a honey dijon vinaigrette! I really do need to branch out, though, because this one look AWESOME!!! And I definitely love lemon dressings when I get them at restaurants!
Kristi says
Thanks Jess! If you love Honey Dijon Vinaigrette, I’ll bet you would love this! Tarragon is one of my favorite herbs – and it adds such a nice touch!
Kelly says
I’m so glad you stepped out of your comfort zone and made this dressing because it looks gorgeous! The color is just so bright and sunny and totally what I need while it’s snowing outside. Lemon anything is my favorite and I know if you’re sharing it, it’s ALWAYS gonna taste out of this world 🙂
Kristi says
Ahhhhh…you so humble me, you amazing cook. You’re making me blush Kelly. I just love when you visit. From a woman (you) who I know makes amazing food, it is the highest compliment! xoxoxox
turtle66 says
Kristi, Your dressing here sounds absolutely delicious! I will be making this soon.
Kristi says
Thank you *so* much! You just totally made my day! I’m going to do a happy dance now! 🙂 Have a great week!
Kristi says
Thanks for the shout-out Brianne!