Barefoot Contessa Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is creamy and tangy, which uses mayonnaise and white wine vinegar. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 10 minutes.

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Barefoot Contessa Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Poppy Seed Dressing

1. Mix base ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Add the poppy seeds: Stir in the poppy seeds until evenly distributed.
3. Emulsify with olive oil: While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Adjust flavors: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or honey to balance sweetness and acidity.
5. Chill before serving: Pour the dressing into a jar or container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Shake well before using.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo? Yes, for a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
• What kind of honey works best? Mild, runny honey blends more easily and balances the acidity.
• Is it okay to use apple cider vinegar? Yes, it will add a slightly fruitier tang but still tastes great.
• How long does it keep in the fridge? Store in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
• Can I make it vegan? Substitute vegan mayo and maple syrup for a plant-based version.

What To Serve With Poppy Seed Dressing

This dressing is a versatile match for a variety of salads and dishes:

• Spinach and strawberry salad
• Chopped kale with goat cheese and almonds
• Grilled chicken salad
• Roasted vegetable bowls
• As a spread on wraps or sandwiches

How To Store Poppy Seed Dressing

Refrigerate: Store in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
Freeze: Not recommended—mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well and can separate.

Poppy Seed Dressing Nutrition Facts

Estimates based on 6 servings:

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~6g
• Protein: ~0g
• Fat: ~21g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~120mg
• Fiber: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

FAQs

Can I use a blender to mix this dressing?
Yes, blend all ingredients except poppy seeds, then stir in the seeds at the end.

Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I reduce the sweetness?
Absolutely—use just 1 tablespoon of honey or substitute with a lower-glycemic sweetener.

How do I make it thinner?
Add 1–2 teaspoons of water or extra vinegar to loosen the texture.

Does this dressing separate over time?
Yes, give it a good shake before using to remix the ingredients.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Mustard Horseradish Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten Balsamic Dressing Recipe