Vegan Poppy Seed Dressing
Vegan poppy seed dressing is so easy to make and much cheaper than store-bought versions!
While store bought dressings are convenient to grab, I really enjoy making my own. Normally I already have the ingredients on hand, they only take a second to make, and you can always adjust the taste to your liking.
Vinaigrette dressings are very versatile and you can drizzle it over any salad, including those with fruit! It’s slightly sweet because of the maple syrup but balanced with the acidity from the mustard and lemon juice.
You will be happy to know that this homemade dressing recipe is vegan friendly, gluten-free, dairy free, and nut free!
Ingredients Needed
- extra-virgin olive oil
- lemon juice
- maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- minced shallot
- salt
- poppy seeds

How to Make Vegan Poppy Seed Dressing
Combine the oil, mustard, lemon juice, shallot, maple syrup, and salt in a large measuring cup. Whisk together or use an immersion blender.
Pour in the poppy seeds and mix again.
How Long Does Poppy Seed Dressing Last?
One batch will make about 6 servings. You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container or mason for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Tips for Making + Variations
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use white or red wine vinegar.
- To make it sweeter, add a little extra maple syrup. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice.
- For a creamy version, you can add a little mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Before serving after refrigeration, shake the dressing up or use the immersion blender again.
- For a simple lunch or light dinner, grab a bag of pre-made salad at the store and toss in the dressing.
- Chicken and apples go really well with poppy seed dressings.
What Does Poppyseed Dressing Go Well On?
My favorite is spinach and strawberries, but it’s really up to you! The dressing pairs well with nuts and spring mixes. You don’t need a ton of salad ingredients because the dressing really shines when you keep it to a minimum.
Are poppy seeds good for you?
These seeds are full of vitamins and nutrients. However, a serving is about 3 tablespoons, which is a lot of these!
Will poppy seeds show on a drug test?
Because they make poppy seeds from the sap of a poppy plant, they can contain traces of opiate compounds from contamination.
If you are expecting a drug test, avoid any foods that are made with poppy seeds. Experts say there are many factors to take into consideration, such as the country they are harvested from, the quantity of opiates in the seeds, how much you consume, and when you eat them.
More Salads and Dressings to Try:
- Chicken and Halloumi Salad
- Miso Tahini Dressing
- Date Syrup Vinaigrette
- Buckwheat Salad
- Superfood Spinach Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate Citrus Dressing
Vegan Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- In a large liquid measuring cup, add oil, juice, maple syrup, Dijon, shallot, and salt. Blend together with an immersion blender (or simply whisk if preferred).
- Add poppy seeds and blend or whisk for a few seconds.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days.
