Recipe: Late-Winter Salad with Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing

published Mar 11, 2013
Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Nealey Dozier)

I don’t know what screams winter more than bright, juicy citrus fruit and what shouts spring more than a sweet, tart poppy seed dressing. When tossed together they become the quintessential March salad and a perfect weekday lunch!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Poppy seeds in condiments, casseroles, and baked goods are huge in the South, but it wasn’t until I received a bottle of homemade poppy seed dressing as a hostess gift recently that I was hooked on them in salads.

Most old-school recipes call for mayonnaise, but Greek yogurt keeps mine on the lighter side, and “fruit-on-the-bottom” strawberry adds another unique twist. (In the summer I may throw in some pureed ripe berries, instead!) This dressing is thick and creamy enough to use as a dip, but thinned with a little milk, it’s versatile enough to pour over your favorite salad ingredients. I also mix it with fresh fruit — bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and pineapples — for a delicious breakfast side. But really the sky is the limit, because it is just that good.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Late-Winter Salad with Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing

Makes about 1 1/4 cups

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • 1 cup

    strawberry yogurt, Greek or regular

  • 1 tablespoon

    mayonnaise (or sour cream)

  • 2 teaspoons

    champagne vinegar

  • 1/2 scant teaspoon

    ground mustard powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    poppy seeds

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Milk, to thin as necessary

For the salad:

  • Butter lettuce

  • 2-3

    citrus fruits (tangelos, blood oranges, cara cara), cut into supremes

  • 1

    ripe avocado, sliced

  • Poppy seeds, for garnish

  • Thinly sliced shallots, optional

  • Toasted pecans, optional

  • Grilled chicken or fish, optional

Instructions

Show Images
  1. In a medium bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, champagne vinegar, mustard powder, sugar, and poppy seeds to combine. Season with kosher salt to taste. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Stir in milk to thin to desired consistency and adjust seasoning to taste.

  2. Arrange lettuce, citrus, avocados, and additional toppings in a shallow serving bowl. Pour dressing over the top and garnish with additional poppy seeds.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

(Images: Nealey Dozier)