The Balsamic-Poppy Seed Dressing has a pleasant tanginess that is a nice change of pace from the usual super sweet poppy seed dressings, plus it balances the sweetness of the dried cherries and pears. I dress the salad very lightly and offer more of the dressing for guests to add at the table if they wish.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Combine the poppy seeds, sugar, balsamic vinegar, onion, garlic, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor, pulsing 3 times. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube, blending until incorporated.
  2. Pour the dressing into a screw-top jar and store in the refrigerator. When ready to use, shake to recombine.

Yield: 1 cup

Martina McBride's Around The Table
William Morrow Cookbooks

Many thanks to country superstar Martina McBride for sharing this recipe from her new cookbook, Around the Table! 

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