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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

Fresh strawberries. Obviously, the star ingredient for sweet, natural flavor.
Olive oil. For richness and a smooth texture.
Apple cider vinegar. Adds a bit of tang.
Honey or agave nectar. Some strawberries are naturally sweeter than others, so adjust the amount of these to suit your taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, and even that only if needed — you can always add more, but can’t take away!
Poppy seeds. Tiny, nutty crunch in every spoonful, and just plain fun.
Salt & pepper.

Strawberries, apple cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, in a miniature food processor ready to blend.

Strawberry salad dressing blended in a miniature food processor.

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.

Pink countertop with a small glass jar full of homemade strawberry salad dressing with poppy seeds, with a clean striped kitchen towel, extra fresh strawberries, poppy seeds, and baby spinach leaves in bowls nearby.

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.

Close up of homemade strawberry salad dressing being poured over a spinach strawberry salad.

Large plate filled with a chicken spinach salad with berries, pecans, and feta.

Ready to make it?

Your salad is about to get a major upgrade. Grab the freshest strawberries you can and let’s get blending!

5 from 2 votes

Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

By Monica Lensink

Prep: 5

Total: 5

Servings:

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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.

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

Calories: 24kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 29mg, Potassium: 32mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @nourishandfete or tag #nourishandfete!

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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2 Comments

D says:

August 25, 2025 at 1:26 am

This strawberry poppy seed dressing looks fresh, fruity, and absolutely delicious!

Monica says:

August 16, 2025 at 8:38 pm

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.