This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
This super easy Lemon Ginger Poppyseed Salad Dressing transforms boring greens to bright, fresh and delicious salads!
Looking to put a little delicious pizzazz into your life during these long, chilly winter months? This Lemon Ginger Poppyseed Salad Dressing is the perfect prescription! We've been enjoying it for the past few weeks on all sorts of salads.
It's one of those throw-it-all-in-a-jar-and-shake dressings that make it quite ridiculous to even consider buying prepared salad dressings at the grocery store. If you've ever looked at the labels of commercial salad dressings you'll know that many of them are loaded with preservatives and chemicals. And honestly, this Lemon Ginger Poppyseed Salad Dressing is so easy, you probably couldn't even be out of your driveway by the time you can have a jar of it made and ready to go.
The ingredient list is simple and short: freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, grated fresh ginger, olive oil, salt and pepper. I experimented with adding other ingredients; garlic, shallots, rice vinegar and sesame oil. In the end, we liked this simple version the best as it truly lets the lemon and ginger flavors shine.
Lemon Ginger Poppyseed Salad Dressing is wonderful with any type of greens; bib lettuce, field greens, romaine, red leafy lettuce, spinach etc. We especially love the way it enhances bitter greens like arugula and kale. I've got a wonderful recipe coming next week I think you'll love, featuring this dressing but in the meantime, have fun experimenting with it!
One last thing. In addition to a fabulous salad dressing, this simple concoction also makes a delicious (and pretty) drizzle for grilled or pan-seared chicken, shrimp, salmon, cod, etc. I love how it adds a gourmet touch of fresh deliciousness to everyday dishes. We just won't tell anyone how easy it is. Deal?
P.S. It's easy to keep the ingredients on hand for this dressing it all times. If fresh ginger isn't a regular staple in your pantry, and easy alternative is to stash a tube of this ginger paste in your freezer. I always keep a tube in my freezer for quick and easy fresh ginger. I let it thaw 5-10 minutes, squeeze out whatever I need then pop it right back into the freezer. You can find this wonderful little condiment at most larger grocery stores in the produce section.
Readers often ask what kind of cookware, small appliances, cutlery, etc. I use in the kitchen. Here’s what I used to make this recipe.
Tired of the same-old, same-old? This super easy Lemon Ginger Poppyseed Salad Dressing transforms boring greens to bright, fresh and delicious salads!

- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons poppy seeds*
-
Place all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well.
* Poppy Seeds can be ridiculously expensive. If you can find them sold in bulk, they're much cheaper (even at places like Whole Foods!). If you have a middle eastern grocery you'll also find them quite inexpensive.
Luna says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dressing!! I can't get enough! I've been making double batches every few days, it disappears so quickly!
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thanks for letting us know, Luna!
Therese B Lyons says
I just used this on my fish fillets and it was DEEE licious!
Chris Scheuer says
Yum, that's a great idea!
Shama Hussain says
I store peeled ginger in one inch pieces in the freezer and grate what I need with a fine grater. It grates beautifully - like snow and tastes and smells just like fresh ginger.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Shama, that's a great trick!
Louise says
How long can this dressing be kept? Do you keep it in the fridge (where th olive oil might congeal?) or just on the counter?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Louise, the dressing will keep well for a week to 10 days. I would definitely keep it in the fridge though. If the olive oil congeals, just let it sit out on the counter for10 minutes and it will be fine.
Cire says
Another winner. Love the lemon and ginger combination.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, so happy you enjoyed it Claire 🙂
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I've never tried one of those tubes of ginger -- I should give it a whirl. I usually have fresh ginger on hand, but not always. Anyway, this looks like a great dressing! Tons of flavor, and I LOVE ginger. And poppy seeds! Really good -- thanks.
Susan says
The one thing that makes any salad special is the dressing. This one sounds fresh and delicious, Chris, and I can't wait to try it!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
This does look like a fabulous dressing! I use the tubes of ginger but I also keep fresh ginger in the freezer and just grate it when I need it! Can't wait to try this Chris!
cheri says
Hi Chris, another fabulous dressing, love that the ingredients can be all-thrown-in-a- jar, easy peasy. we have lemons coming out of our ears right now so this is perfect;)
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
This is just too good not to share and try! So easy and I bet it tastes incredibly fresh. Beautiful photos too - have a great week!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
I've been on the hunt for a new salad dressing to perk up my winter salads, and this is it! Can't wait to try your recipe - the lemon and ginger sound so good with a touch of honey.
Robyn Gleason says
You make the best dressings, Chris! I love this one for it's simplicity but zesty flavour. At this time of year, I'm craving citrus in my meals so this is the perfect answer. Beautiful shots! Sharing 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
So vibrant and delicious...I can drink the dressing!
Chris Scheuer says
Ha Ha Angie! It truly is a delicious flavor!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Ginny! Yes, the seeds mostly make it look pretty, it will still be delicious with out them!
Ginny Hartzler says
It is bright and beautiful! I cannot eat seeds, so I will leave them out, it should still taster really good! Yes, the store bought ones have a zillion ingredients! boy, this looks good! I can almost smell the lemon and ginger from here!!