Carolyn'S Poppy Seed Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing with a hint of mustard and onion, perfect for salads, chicken, or fruit toppings, adding a delightful crunch and flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons onion juice
  • 1 cup salad oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seed

Instructions

  1. Mix well the sugar, salt, and dry mustard.
  2. In a blender, add these ingredients and slowly pour in the vinegar, onion juice, and oil, adding steadily but slowly.
  3. Add the poppy seed, adjusting the amount as desired.
  4. Serve over lettuce or use as a topping for chicken salad and fruit.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version of Carolyn's Poppy Seed Dressing, consider substituting half of the salad oil with Greek yogurt or silken tofu to maintain creaminess while reducing calories. If you want a tangier flavor, try using apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. Always mix the dressing well before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing pairs beautifully with fresh salads, particularly those featuring mixed greens, fruit, or nuts. It also makes a delightful topping for chicken salad or can be drizzled over roasted vegetables for added flavor. For a complete meal, serve alongside hearty dishes like Lazy Way Soup or even as a dip for appetizers.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, give it a good shake or stir, as separation is natural. Avoid freezing the dressing, as it may affect the texture and emulsion of the ingredients.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Carolyn'S Poppy Seed Dressing contains roughly 129 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), and calcium (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

129 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 7.2g 9% DV
Carbs 14.9g 5% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 742.9mg 32% DV
Potassium 219.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 16.5mg 18% DV
Calcium 227.2mg 17% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing vegan?

Yes! To make Carolyn's Poppy Seed Dressing vegan, simply replace the salad oil with a plant-based oil like avocado or canola oil. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like onion juice, are also plant-based. This dressing is versatile and can easily fit into vegan recipes.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

You can easily adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of sugar. Start with a smaller quantity, taste, and gradually add more until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. For a natural sweetener, consider using honey or maple syrup if not strictly vegan.

What can I use instead of poppy seeds?

If you don't have poppy seeds on hand, you can substitute with sesame seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor. Alternatively, flax seeds can also work, though they will change the texture slightly. Experiment with these substitutions to find what suits your taste best.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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