Homemade salad dressing is easier to. make than you think and tastes 100 times better than store-bought! This delicious Panera Poppy Seed Dressing is so yummy and just like your favorite restaurant!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ Better than store-bought.
✔️ Easy to make.
✔️ Completely delicious!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
- cider vinegar
- sugar
- poppy seeds
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well with a wire whisk, or place in jar with a screw top lid and shake vigorously.
- Refrigerate for an hour prior to using.
- It will keep in the refrigerator for several days.
FAQ's
The base for poppy seed salad dressing is either mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt.
Poppy seed dressing will last refrigerated for about 2 weeks.
Yes, you can fail a drug test by eating poppy seed dressing and it doesn't take that many either!
You'll know it's bad by giving it the sniff test. If it smells off, discard it. It could also develop mold or turn color. If it does, toss it.
Storage
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight jar, refrigerated. It will keep up to two weeks.
Related recipes
If you enjoy homemade salad dressing, here are more of our favorites.
- 1000 Island Salad Dressing - This is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
- Greek Salad Dressing - Light and bright it's perfect for your Mediterranean Salad.
- Homemade Vinaigrette - Another fresh topping for your favorite salad.
- Slather your burger with Smashburger Sauce! It's also terrific for dipping fries as well!
Serve with
I'm a big fan of delicious salads with homemade salad dressing. There's nothing better than a great fresh salad!
- The Panera dressing is delicious tossed with romaine lettuce, so simple!
- I've also used it to dress coleslaw - yum!
- Poppy Seed Dressing would also be delicious with a Chopped Salad.
- Super yummy on this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe too.
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If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise or greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well with a wire whisk.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour prior to using. It will keep in the refrigerator for several days.
Notes
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Nutrition
So if you're going to go to the effort of putting together a beautiful, healthy salad, taking just a few minutes to make your own dressing is an effort worth taking! Plus it's easy and super good.
I made the Panera Poppy Seed Dressing to serve with a spinach salad. This salad has dark green spinach, fresh crunchy romaine, red onions, spicy radishes, salty black olives, sweet strawberries, sunflower seeds.
What is your favorite salad dressing?
Judie says
The original Panera's does not have yogurt in it. It has olive oil. Can you tell me why you use yogurt instead of oil. Thank you
Debra Clark says
You’re absolutely right, the original Panera version uses olive oil. I swapped in yogurt to lighten things up just a bit and add a touch of creaminess without losing that rich texture. It’s a personal twist that works well for homemade versions, but if you prefer to stick with olive oil, feel free to make that swap! I love when readers make it their own.
Sunshine says
I am looKing for recipe for the Panera Bread Poppyseed dressing that I have been buying in the grocery store which only has 25 calories per 2 Tbsp serving. This is not it. Even substituting artificial sweetener for the sugar you still have all of the added calories of the mayonnaise or yogurt. I need to find something similar as the grocery stores no longer carry it and “ Skinny Girl” is no comparison.
Debra Clark says
I'm sorry this isn't the recipe you're looking for Sunshine or what "Skinny Girl" is in reference to. However best of luck finding what you're looking for.
Manju | Cooking Curries says
The salad looks so colorful! Love the dressing!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Manju!!
Prairie Gal Cookin says
I hardly ever make my own dressing, but this poppy seed dressing seems to be calling my name!! Yummy!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you, hope you give it a try - we really like this one!
linda spiker says
Delicious and very pretty too!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Linda!
christine says
I love the sweet/salty balance this salad has. I must try that dressing.
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you do Christine, please let me know what you think!
Lauren says
Poppy seed dressing is one of my favorites! It's so easy to throw together!
Bowl Me Over says
Me too - thanks for stopping by Lauren!
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
Adding poppy seeds is a great way to add flavor!
Bowl Me Over says
I think so too - such a yummy dressing. Thanks Florian!
Elizabeth says
Mmm this is such a beautiful, delicious sounding recipe! Very healthy too!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
We always make homemade dressings. Nothing better. I love a poppy seed dressing and I never make it. You have inspired me.
Bowl Me Over says
I so agree, homemade dressing are the best!! So much better than store bought - thanks for stopping by Peter
Michelle De La Cerda says
What a beautiful salad. Salads are easy to eat when there are so many great flavors and you did that here. This poppy seed dressing looks fabulous.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks so much Michelle!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
I love poppy seed dressing and have made some to go on diced chicken. Your salad looks scrumptious!
Bowl Me Over says
That's a great idea Patty!
Christie says
Yes, yes, yes - definitely make your own salad dressing. Your poppy seed dressing would be so versatile.
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, salad dressing isn't just for salads, right?!! Great point!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
I believe the poppy seed gives such a wonderful texture for the dressing. Yum!
Bowl Me Over says
Good point Citra, so true! Thanks for stopping by!
Healing Tomato says
I love all the wonderful ingredients in this salad. It is not easy to make me drool over a salad, so, kudos to you for a super delicious recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Rini - I love this one too, bright, colorful and crunchy - yum!!
Adriana Lopez Martn says
Yummy poppy seed dressing is one of my favorites love how simple it is to make =)
Bowl Me Over says
Me too - love homemade dressing!