If you’ve been following AK for a while there’s a good chance you’ve tried one of my famous, flavorful & unique salad dressings. You’ll also probably know that I’m completely tahini obsessed, so it’s only fair that some of my favorite homemade dressings are made with tahini.
This creamy and wonderful tahini poppy seed dressing is a summery twist on my all-time favorite tahini sauce and it’s one you’ll want to make again and again. There’s something about the little poppy seeds sprinkled throughout the dressing that makes it the perfect pairing with fruit salads like my summer peach spinach salad.
Add this dressing to your repertoire ASAP and don’t forget to try out our fav ways to use it at the bottom of the post!
What you’ll need to make this tahini poppy seed dressing
The best part about this dairy free poppy seed dressing is how simple it is to make yet how delicious it turns out every time. It’s creamy, light and the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Here’s what you’ll need to make:
- Tahini: I love using tahini in salad dressings because it creates a creamy texture without any dairy or any nuts.
- Lemon juice: every good salad dressing needs a little acidity to bring the flavors together.
- Sweetener: feel free to use maple syrup, honey or regular sugar to sweeten the tahini poppy seed dressing just a bit.
- Dijon mustard: the tangy kick from mustard adds a lovely, savory element.
- Poppy seeds: it’s not a poppy seed dressing without them!
- Seasonings: you’ll also need some onion powder and salt for an additional savory flavor.
- Water: a little water will help thin the dressing to your liking.
Make it your own
Here are a few swaps and additions you can try to make this tahini poppy seed dressing your own:
- Looking for a tahini swap? If you don’t have any tahini, a natural, creamy cashew butter will still work. I do recommend sticking with tahini if possible for the best flavor.
- Add some herbs. Some dried or freshly chopped dill will add a nice herby flavor.
- Keep it vegan. Remember to use pure maple syrup or sugar instead of honey to keep the tahini poppy seed dressing vegan.
- Level up the creaminess. Add extra creaminess and protein by mixing in some plain Greek yogurt!
How to make the creamiest poppy seed dressing
- Mix it up. Add all of your ingredients for the tahini poppy seed dressing to a bowl and mix it well.
- Thin it. I suggest starting with 2 tablespoons of water and then adding more as needed so that the dressing is pourable. Everyone’s tahini is a bit different so you may need more or less water depending on the type you have.
- Adjust your flavor. Taste the dressing and add more sweetener or salt as you like. Then enjoy!
Our fav ways to use tahini poppy seed dressing
Yes, this dressing is amazing on fresh salads, but it can do so much more!
- Start by tossing this wonderful salad with the dressing, or drizzle it on a yummy pasta salad.
- Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or grilled salmon!
- Drizzle it onto a platter of your favorite grilled veggies (or roasted ones).
- Add to your favorite wrap for additional flavor and creaminess.
Store it for later
Store this creamy tahini poppy seed dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This recipe is great for making a bigger batch for tons of different recipes! If the sauce appears too thick for your liking when you take it out of the fridge, simply add a bit of water and mix it well.
More of our go-to homemade salad dressings
- Sunshine Dressing
- Vegan Caesar Dressing
- Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Creamy Feta Yogurt Dressing (or dip!)
- Sesame Ginger Dressing
Get all of our delicious salad dressing recipes here!
I hope you love this creamy tahini poppy seed dressing! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Creamy Tahini Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey, depending on how sweet you like your dressing (or sub sugar)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin the dressing
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup/honey, dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, salt and water to thin the dressing. Taste and add more maple syrup or honey if you like your poppy seed dressing a bit sweeter.
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Hello! I am looking forward to trying this recipe and I was wondering how long the tahini dressing can be kept? Thank you
Hi! Up to 5 days 🙂 check out the blog post for answers to tons of common questions!
Very healthy food, simple to prepare, very good for dieters
I didn’t change anything (although I haven’t thinned it yet.) It’s delicious and I’m happy to add it to my favorites!
SO happy you tried and loved it, Marilyn! Can’t wait for you to make it again and again 🙂
OMG! This tahini poppy seed dressing is so good! Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!
Yay! I’m so happy you love it, Laura! Thanks so much for your review 🙂
This is a fabulous recipe.
Used it on a broccoli salad that was being served with BBQ salmon—delicious!
Thank you so much for your wonderful, thoughtful recipes and suggestions!
Yay! So happy you loved it, Diane! 🙂
I made this today and didn’t find my poppy seeds right away. Didn’t matter because it was delicious anyway. Then the poppy seeds were found and added–still delicious!
Yay!! I’m so happy you loved it (and that you found the poppy seeds haha!)
will be making this soon i never had tahini poppy seed dressing before perfect for my snacks and your salads will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Hope you love it!