This creamy poppy seed dressing is a delightful addition to any salad, bringing a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s easy to whip up and elevates even the simplest greens to something special. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh garden salad or using it as a dip, this dressing is a versatile staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Steps
- Combine white wine vinegar, corn oil, and powdered onion in a mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together with a wire whisk until well blended.
- Gradually add sugar and poppy seeds to the mixture, continuing to whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
- If desired, adjust the sweetness by adding a pinch more sugar, and whisk again to incorporate.
- For a tangy twist, substitute Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar for the white wine vinegar and adjust the onion and oil quantities to taste.
- Once fully mixed, transfer the dressing into a serving container. Serve over a salad of your choice, such as spinach with strawberries and pecans.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup corn oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon powdered onion
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of vinegar for the poppy seed dressing?
- Yes, you can experiment with different vinegars to suit your taste. For instance, Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar has been successfully used by some in this recipe.
- Is it possible to make this dressing by hand?
- Absolutely. You can easily whisk the ingredients by hand using a wire whisk if you prefer not to use a blender or mixer.
- Can the dressing be adjusted for fewer servings?
- Yes, you can modify the recipe to cater to a smaller number of servings. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
- What type of onion should I use for the dressing?
- While the original recipe calls for grated fresh onion, you can substitute it with powdered or dry minced onion based on your preference or availability.
- What kind of salads pair well with poppy seed dressing?
- This dressing complements salads featuring ingredients like spinach, strawberries, pecans, peaches, or raspberries, offering a sweet and tart flavor profile.
Tips
- For a sweeter dressing, consider adding a touch more sugar to the mix. This extra sweetness pairs wonderfully with salads that include fruits like strawberries or peaches.
- If you prefer a subtle onion flavor, try using powdered or dry minced onion instead of fresh grated onion. This can also make the recipe easier to adjust for smaller servings.
- Experiment with different vinegars such as Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar for a unique twist. This can enhance the dressing’s flavor profile, especially when paired with a fruit and nut salad.
- When making adjustments to the recipe, consider making the full batch. Even if you don’t need it all at once, the dressing keeps well and can be enjoyed on various salads throughout the week.
Equipment
- Wire Whisk – If someone doesn’t already own a whisk, they might need to purchase one for mixing the dressing ingredients by hand.
- Grater – If using fresh onion, a grater might be necessary to achieve the desired texture.
