Poppy Seed Dressing: Best Paired Cheeses For A Flavorful Dish

Poppy seed dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used to elevate the taste of various dishes. It is characterised by a tangy-sweet flavour and a nutty crunch from the poppy seeds. This dressing pairs well with simple mixed greens as well as more elaborate salads featuring fruits and nuts. For cheese lovers, the question arises as to which type of cheese would complement this dressing. One classic combination is a salad of spinach, strawberries, almonds, and goat cheese, topped with poppy seed dressing. The creamy goat cheese adds a luxurious touch to the salad, while the dressing brings all the elements together with its unique flavour.

Poppy seed dressing with goat's cheese

Poppy seed dressing and goats cheese are a classic combination, and for good reason. The creamy, tangy goat's cheese is the perfect complement to the sweet and nutty poppy seed dressing. The result is a flavourful and well-balanced dish that can be served as a simple side salad or dressed up for a more elaborate main course.

One popular option is to pair poppy seed dressing with a spinach and strawberry salad, which also includes almonds and goat's cheese. The spinach provides a crisp and tender base, while the strawberries add a burst of sweetness, the almonds a crunchy texture, and the goat's cheese a luxurious creaminess. This salad is both fancy enough for a Mother's Day brunch and easy to whip together on a weeknight.

Another option is to create an apple goat cheese salad with a maple poppy seed dressing. This refreshing yet filling salad combines apples, carrots, chickpeas, spinach, and goat cheese, with a dressing made from apple, lemon juice, water, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and poppy seeds.

For a creamier poppy seed dressing, you can combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds. This dressing goes well with a salad of romaine lettuce, green apples, Swiss cheese, and cashews.

When making a poppy seed dressing, you can either whisk the ingredients together or blend them in a food processor or blender. It is recommended to chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours blend, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Spinach, strawberry and almond salad

A spinach, strawberry, and almond salad with poppy seed dressing is a classic for a reason. The combination of crisp and tender greens, juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy almonds is hard to beat. Here's a guide to making this delicious salad, with tips on the best cheese to use and how to make your own poppy seed dressing from scratch.

Ingredients

For the salad, you'll need:

• Spinach (baby spinach works well)
• Strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Almonds (regular or smoked), preferably toasted
• Cheese (more on this below!)

Cheese Options

When it comes to cheese, you have several options to complement the other ingredients in your salad. Here are some great choices:

• Goat cheese: This is a classic choice for a spinach, strawberry, and almond salad. Goat cheese has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Feta: Feta adds a salty, briny note to the salad. Be sure to buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself for the best texture and creaminess.
• Blue cheese: A mild blue cheese like Gorgonzola adds a decadent and tangy twist to the salad.
• Other options: You could also try cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, or even a mild, nutty cheddar.

Poppy Seed Dressing

To bring everything together, a tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing is the perfect choice. You can easily make your own by whisking together the following ingredients:

• White wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar for a deeper colour and flavour)
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, or extra-virgin olive oil)
• Poppy seeds
• Sweetener (honey, sugar, or powdered sugar)
• Dijon or dry mustard
• Salt
• Onion (grated or minced)

Simply whisk all the ingredients together, chill for an hour, and your dressing is ready to go!

Putting It All Together

Now, it's time to assemble your salad. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

• Toast your almonds if they aren't already toasted. Toasting brings out their flavour and adds a nice crunch.
• Hull and slice your strawberries.
• Place your spinach in a large bowl.
• Drizzle your poppy seed dressing over the spinach and toss gently to coat the leaves.
• Add the strawberries and almonds, along with your chosen cheese.
• Toss everything together gently.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra strawberry slices, almonds, and cheese on top.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

This salad is a perfect side dish for a Mother's Day brunch, a potluck dinner, or any other occasion. It's easy to whip together, and the combination of flavours and textures is sure to impress.

Poppy seed dressing with Swiss cheese

Poppy seed dressing is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes, and Swiss cheese is an excellent pairing option. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:

Cashew and Swiss Cheese Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

This salad combines the creaminess of Swiss cheese with the crunch of cashews, all tossed in a tangy and sweet poppy seed dressing. To make the dressing, whisk together oil, sugar, vinegar, grated onion, poppy seeds, mustard, and salt until smooth. For the salad, you'll need romaine lettuce, Swiss cheese, and cashews. Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and toss to coat, then add the cheese and cashews, tossing gently to combine. This salad is perfect for a potluck or church function and can be made ahead of time.

Winter Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

For a festive twist, try this winter fruit salad with poppy seed dressing. Combine shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apples, and pears in a large serving bowl. To make the dressing, blend sugar, lemon juice, diced onion, Dijon mustard, and salt in a food processor, then slowly add oil until the mixture is thick and smooth. Finally, add poppy seeds and process briefly to incorporate. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to coat. This salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savoury, perfect for a holiday gathering.

Apple, Swiss Cheese, and Romaine Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:

This salad features a creamy poppy seed dressing that complements the crisp romaine lettuce, tart apples, nutty Swiss cheese, and buttery cashews. To make the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds. For the salad, layer or toss the lettuce, apples, Swiss cheese, and cashews in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and enjoy! This salad is a perfect blend of flavours and textures.

Swiss Cheese and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

If you're looking for a simple side salad, try a spinach salad with Swiss cheese and poppy seed dressing. The dressing's tanginess pairs well with the mild flavour of Swiss cheese. You can also add other ingredients like strawberries, blueberries, and grilled chicken to make it a more substantial main dish salad.

Poppy seed dressing with honey

Ingredients and Substitutions

The basic ingredients for a poppy seed dressing with honey include vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, oil, and optional additions like mayonnaise, lemon juice, or herbs. Here are some specific tips for each ingredient:

• Vinegar: White balsamic vinegar is recommended for the best flavour, but you can also use apple cider or white wine vinegar for a lighter flavour.
• Honey: Use light or dark honey, or substitute with maple syrup, agave, or sugar if desired.
• Mustard: Whole grain mustard is ideal, but Dijon or stoneground mustard can also be used.
• Poppy Seeds: Any brand of poppy seeds will work, and they add a nice savoury and nutty flavour to the dressing.
• Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil is recommended, but you can also use a neutral-flavoured oil or blend different oils together.

Preparation and Storage

• Making the Dressing: Simply whisk or blend all the ingredients until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more oil or water if needed.
• Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temperature and give it a good shake before using.

Food Pairings

• Salads: Drizzle it over strawberry spinach salad, kale salad, or any combination of greens, fruits, and nuts. It also goes well with pear salad, grilled peach salad, or smoked salmon salad.
• Sandwiches: Try it on turkey, ham, or chicken salad sandwiches for a unique twist.
• Dip: Use it as a dip for apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, or other crunchy vegetables and fruits.
• Meat and Fish: Use it as a marinade for fish or chicken, or pour it over baked chicken breasts.
• Slaw: Instead of traditional coleslaw dressing, use poppy seed dressing for a tangy and sweet alternative.

Cheese Pairings

Now, let's talk about cheese! While the previous sections provided a general overview of using poppy seed dressing with honey, here are some specific suggestions for cheese pairings:

• Goat Cheese: Crumble some goat cheese over a spinach apple salad or strawberry spinach salad and drizzle with poppy seed dressing for a delightful combination.
• Blue Cheese: Sprinkle blue cheese over a pear salad or a kale salad with pomegranate and hazelnuts, then add the poppy seed dressing for a sweet and savoury contrast.
• Feta Cheese: For a refreshing summer salad, combine feta cheese, kale, and strawberries or pears, and dress it with honey poppy seed dressing.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and salad combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Poppy seed dressing with mayonnaise

Poppy seed dressing is a versatile condiment that can elevate any simple side salad or main dish. It is characterised by its unique balance of sweet and tangy flavours, with a nutty crunch from the poppy seeds. While the classic version of this dressing uses a combination of vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, salt, oil, and poppy seeds, there are variations that include mayonnaise for a creamier texture.

One popular recipe for poppy seed dressing with mayonnaise includes the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds

To prepare this dressing, simply whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds. For the best flavour, it is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for at least half an hour before serving. This allows the flavours to meld and settle. This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and is a perfect complement to a variety of salads.

Another variation of the dressing includes similar ingredients but with the addition of milk, creating a smoother and creamier texture. The ingredients for this version are:

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• A dash of milk

To prepare this version, simply whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. Transfer the dressing to a jar and refrigerate until ready to serve. It is recommended to give the jar a good shake before using, as the ingredients tend to settle. This creamy poppy seed dressing is perfect for drizzling over fruit salads, coleslaws, or even as a marinade for chicken.

Frequently asked questions