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Ina Garten Poppy Seed Dressing

Ina Garten Poppy Seed Dressing
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Ina Garten’s poppy seed dressing is a light, citrus-forward vinaigrette that’s slightly sweet and perfectly balanced with acidity. It features fresh orange juice for brightness, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for tang, a sweetener to mellow the edges, Dijon mustard for subtle depth, and poppy seeds for texture. This small-batch recipe yields about ¾–1 cup, enough for 6–8 salad servings, stores beautifully in the fridge, and shakes back together easily after settling. It’s the kind of dressing that elevates simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

Scale

  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1–2 oranges)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or granulated sugar for a cleaner taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup good extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  • In a small jar or bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  • Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the honey dissolves and everything is well combined.
  • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly (or with the lid on, shake vigorously) to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
  • Add the poppy seeds and give one final good shake or stir to distribute evenly.
  • Taste and adjust—if it needs more tang, add a splash more vinegar; if too sharp, add a touch more honey.
  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate) so the flavors meld.
  • Shake well before each use and drizzle over your favorite salad.

Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-poppy-seed-dressing/