Orange Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Homemade salad dressings are just the best! This vinaigrette, in particular, is vibrant in flavor and lightyears beyond any store bought variety. It is simple to make and provides a sweet and tangy flavor. You can use it in both sweet and savory applications. For example, you may pour it over a bowl of mixed greens and assorted veggies or a fresh bowl of fruit. It’s so flavorful, that you may just want to take a swig of it!

Poppy seeds do not typically make an appearance in our recipes. Some people only ever see these little seeds in lemon poppy muffins or almond poppy muffins. What purpose do they serve, though? First of all, they offer a subtle, crunchy texture and tiny pop in every bite. That makes for a pleasant contrast in every bite. Poppy seeds don’t have a strong flavor, but they do impart a subtle nuttiness, which complements the acidity of the orange and apple cider vinegar. Consuming poppy seeds, even in small amounts, can help increase your intake of iron, fiber, healthy fats, magnesium, and calcium.

Besides being visually stunning, this poppy seed vinaigrette is full of flavor. The brightness pairs beautifully with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. You can also add mandarin oranges, strawberries, avocado, or peaches to the salad, as the dressing complements them. You can also use this dressing as a marinade, or you can drizzle it over roasted vegetables, just as long as you aren’t cleansing. We hope you like it!