Crispy Poppy Seed and Sesame Salad Dressing
Elevate your salad experience with this delightful Crispy Poppy Seed and Sesame Salad Dressing. This homemade dressing combines the nutty flavors of sesame and poppy seeds with the sweetness of raspberries and the brightness of fresh greens. Perfect for drizzling over a mixed salad, this dressing enhances flavors while providing a creamy texture that clings beautifully to your favorite vegetables and toppings. Featuring a unique blend of mandarin oranges and crispy bacon, it's a popular choice for gatherings and family meals alike. Enjoy the vibrant tastes in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed salad greens
1 bag (of your choice, washed and dried)
Red onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Mandarin oranges
1 (4 ounce) can (drained and sliced in half)
Grated cheddar cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Bacon
to taste (cooked and crumbled)
Poppy seeds
1 tablespoon
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1/2 cup
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Raspberry vinegar
1/3 cup
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sugar, dry mustard, and salt.
2
Add the raspberry vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to the blender.
3
Blend until smooth and well combined.
4
Prepare your salad by placing the mixed greens, sliced red onion, and halved mandarin oranges in a large salad bowl.
5
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6
Top with grated cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to your liking.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Crispy Poppy Seed and Sesame Salad Dressing?
The dressing features a unique blend of nutty sesame and poppy seeds combined with the sweetness of raspberry vinegar and sugar.
What ingredients are needed for the salad base?
The salad base consists of mixed salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, and halved mandarin oranges.
How do I prepare the poppy seed and sesame dressing?
Combine poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sugar, dry mustard, salt, raspberry vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for raspberry vinegar to provide a fruity brightness.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and heart-healthy properties.
Are there any crunchy toppings in this salad?
Yes, the salad is topped with cooked and crumbled bacon for a crispy texture.
What kind of cheese is suggested for this recipe?
Freshly grated cheddar cheese is suggested to be added to taste.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be sliced very thinly before being added to the mixed greens.
Are the mandarin oranges fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of mandarin oranges, drained and sliced in half.
What is the recommended tool for making the dressing?
A blender is recommended to ensure the dressing is well combined and smooth.
Is there mustard in the dressing recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of dry mustard is included to add a slight tang and help emulsify the dressing.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What kind of salad greens should I use?
You can use one bag of your favorite mixed salad greens, ensuring they are washed and dried.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing to maintain freshness and crispness.
How many seeds are in the dressing?
The dressing includes 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
Is the bacon cooked before adding it to the salad?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and crumbled before being used as a topping.
Can I adjust the amount of cheese and bacon?
Yes, both the grated cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon are added to taste according to your preference.
Is there salt in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
What makes this dressing 'crispy' as the title suggests?
The title refers to the overall texture of the salad which features crispy bacon and fresh, crisp greens.
How many ingredients are in the dressing itself?
The dressing consists of 7 ingredients: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sugar, dry mustard, salt, raspberry vinegar, and olive oil.
How many total ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for both the salad and the dressing.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the dry ingredients (seeds, sugar, mustard, and salt) in a blender.
Do I need to toss the salad?
Yes, after drizzling the dressing, you should toss the salad gently to ensure even coating.
Can this salad be served at gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is a popular choice for gatherings and family meals.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifies dry mustard rather than prepared liquid mustard.
Is the dressing creamy?
The description mentions it provides a creamy texture that clings well to vegetables, despite being an oil-and-vinegar based dressing.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
The recipe does not specify toasting them, so they can be used raw or as purchased.
How should the mandarin oranges be sliced?
They should be drained and then sliced in half.
Does the recipe use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil is required.
What is the main entity of the salad besides greens?
The main components besides greens are mandarin oranges, red onions, bacon, and cheddar cheese.