This healthy creamy lemon poppyseed dressing uses just seven simple ingredients — salt included. Best of all, homemade dressing means no preservatives or unnecessary additives found in many bottled versions.
I don’t usually make salad dressing from scratch, because grabbing a bottle at the store feels faster. But this creamy lemon poppyseed dressing is proof that homemade can be just as quick and far healthier.
Making Creamy Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
It couldn’t be simpler: whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, white vinegar, a granulated sweetener (or stevia/monk fruit baking blend), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, poppy seeds and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. That’s all it takes to make a bright, balanced dressing that’s ready in minutes.
A Few Notes for Creamy Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
Use either low-fat or fat-free plain Greek yogurt — I used non-fat and it was delicious. Many poppyseed dressings call for mayonnaise, which increases fat; substituting Greek yogurt keeps this version lighter while still creamy.
Choose your sweetener carefully. Regular granulated sugar works well. If you use zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, make sure you’re using a baking blend that replaces sugar one-to-one. Those baking blends match sugar’s sweetness at the same volume and are ideal for this recipe. If you’re using a concentrated granulated stevia or monk fruit (often sold in small packets), start with a very small amount — for example half a teaspoon or one packet — and taste, adding more only if needed.
I used white vinegar for a clean, neutral tang that complements the lemon without overpowering it. Apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative, but white vinegar gives a crisp acidity that pairs nicely with the lemon and yogurt.
You will love this lemon poppyseed dressing drizzled over salads or potato salad
📖 Recipe
Creamy Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
Ashley Boyd
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt – low-fat or fat-free
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – extra virgin
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons stevia baking blend – or granulated sweetener of choice*
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- pinch salt
- juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, white vinegar, your chosen sweetener, poppy seeds, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
For substitutions and additional tips, refer to the notes section above.