This creamy poppy seed dressing and quick spinach salad are always a huge hit and a total crowd pleaser. Easy and packed with flavor!
I love homemade salad dressings, and I am sooo excited about this creamy poppy seed dressing! I added some peaches to it and it really sends it over the top. The quick spinach salad couldn’t be easier to throw together as well, and everyone always loves it. Guaranteed if you bring it to a potluck it will be gone and you’ll get recipe requests.
I developed this creamy poppy seed dressing on a whim a few days ago because I had a box of peaches a dear friend gave me and putting one in the salad dressing just seemed like the right thing to do. Like it was just meant to be. And I’m telling you what, it certainly was the right thing to do!
I used my mom’s poppy seed vinaigrette dressing as a base and altered it a little from there. She has made that dressing for years and it’s still one of my favorites today. Of course, you could leave the peach out….but why would you?? It really adds a special little something to the dressing and pairs beautifully with this salad.
I added a little mayo to the peach dressing to give it some creaminess and the put in a whole peach, which was about 1/2 – 3/4 of a cup. I recommend adding 1/2 a cup, tasting it, and adjusting from there.
It is no secret that I hate peeling fruits and veggies, so I just don’t. Ha! I put it in with the skin on and then blended it all up with my immersion blender – just be sure you add the poppy seeds after you blend it. Otherwise, you will be left with a very black poppy seed vinaigrette, and no one needs that headache in their life.
I actually loved how it turned out when I left the peach skin on, it left little dark red flecks in the creamy poppy seed dressing that were just lovely. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender or a food processor too!
I left the measurements for the peanuts and dried cranberries slightly variable in the recipe, this is totally personal preference and up to you. I like to add a cup, toss it all together and adjust from there. There isn’t a right or wrong answer, so don’t be afraid of the variable measurements!
Let me know what you think of this delicious creamy poppy seed dressing with the peach! It’s one of my favorites and everyone I bring it too loves it as well.
Looking for some other salad recipes? Check out my cucumber salad or my simple lemon vinaigrette!
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Quick Spinach Salad with Peach Dressing
This creamy poppy seed dressing and quick spinach salad are always a huge hit and a total crowd pleaser. Easy and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 10 oz bag of spinach
- 16 oz bag of coleslaw
- 1 cup dried cranberries amount is your preference
- 1 cup honey roasted or candied peanuts or sunflower seeds, amount is your preference
- 1 recipe peach vinaigrette dressing recipe follows
For the Peach Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup peaches diced, skins on
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
For the Dressing
- Combine all ingredients besides the poppy seeds.
- Blend in a food processor, blender, or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in poppy seeds.
For the Salad
Toss the spinach and coleslaw together in a large bowl.
- Start by adding 1 cup each of dried cranberries and peanuts, adjust to your personal preference from there.
- Add the dressing gradually, tossing periodically. Use as much as you prefer. I usually use close to a full recipe.
Melissa Griffiths says
Made it for dinner because hello, peaches are in season and I needed that on some spinach with them. SO GOOD! Will be making it regularly.
Alli says
I’m so happy to hear that you liked it, Melissa!! It is such a great way to use up peaches!
Alli says
I always get asked for this recipe when I bring it to a potluck 🙂