Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
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This homemade Strawberry Salad Dressing uses everyday ingredients for a blend that’s as unfussy as it is beautiful. It’s the dreamiest topping for a spinach strawberry or berry pecan salad, but can really elevate any batch of greens, day or night.
This homemade strawberry poppy seed dressing is fresh, fruity, and the perfect way to brighten any salad. Bursting with juicy berry flavor and a very subtle tang, it’s a breeze to make and so much better than store-bought.
Though I originally paired this dressing with a dreamy and meal-worthy spinach strawberry salad with grilled chicken, it turns out to be equally stellar on side salads and blends of all kinds. This is one of my favorite ways to transform simple greens into something truly special.
Ingredient Notes
Variations, Tips & Tricks for Success
- Make it your own. Strawberries vary in sweetness, as do personal tastes. Taste and adjust the sweetness to suit your preference by adding honey or agave nectar.
- For a creamier version, blend in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt.
- For a tangier version, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Making a big batch? Blend everything else, then stream in the olive oil as the food processor is on. This helps to emulsify the mixture and maintain a smooth consistency.
Serving Ideas
Like any good vinaigrette, this adds freshness and flavor to any batch of greens! A few specific ideas:
- Drizzle over a main course-worthy spinach strawberry salad with cucumber, avocado, and toasted almonds.
- Use in place of the simplified balsamic vinaigrette in this berry pecan spinach salad with chicken.
- Toss quickly with mixed baby greens, pecans, and sliced peaches or other stone fruit for a breezy summer side.
- Use as a marinade for grilled chicken breasts or tenders.
Ready to make it?
Your salad is about to get a major upgrade. Grab the freshest strawberries you can and let’s get blending!
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries rinsed and stems removed
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- honey or agave nectar to taste
- 2-3 teaspoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Add strawberries, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a small food processor or blender. Blend on high speed until smooth.1 cup strawberries, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Sample and blitz in honey or agave nectar and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir in poppy seeds, then store in the refrigerator until ready to use.honey or agave nectar, 2-3 teaspoons poppy seeds
Notes
- Dressing will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Estimate
Related Recipes
If you enjoy making your own, the next one to try is my best ever (promise!!) homemade Italian salad dressing, followed by homemade balsamic vinaigrette, cilantro lime dressing, and a delicious from-scratch lime Caesar. All so, so good!
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This strawberry poppy seed dressing looks fresh, fruity, and absolutely delicious!
We love this dressing and hope you do, as well! I just think it adds the most fun and flavorful pop to any everyday salad.