Panera Poppyseed Dressing with Cottage Cheese Homemade
This homemade Panera Poppyseed Dressing is a creamy, flavorful dressing made with whipped cottage cheese, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion powder, honey, and fresh orange juice. It’s light, naturally sweetened, and easily adjustable to suit your taste—perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip.

This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen, and it’s one that’s been perfected with time-saving techniques and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. As a home cook who loves sharing the best version of every recipe, this poppyseed dressing is a great example of how easy it can be to make your own at home, without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re tossing it with greens or using it as a dip, you can adjust the flavors to suit your personal preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Creamy and light: Made with whipped cottage cheese for a smooth, lighter texture without egg yolks.
- Naturally sweetened: Honey and fresh orange juice add the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and poppyseeds.
- Versatile and easy: Great for salads or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make my easy Panera poppyseed dressing:
Whipped Cottage Cheese: This adds a subtle cheesy flavor and protein. You can replace it with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Avocado Oil: You can also use light olive oil for a different healthy fat option.
Honey: Maple syrup, agave nectar, date syrup, coconut sugar, cane sugar, or granulated sugar can also be used.
Apple Cider Vinegar: For a different acidic component, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar, white vinegar, rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice.
Orange Juice: You can omit this or replace it with pineapple juice for a different citrus flavor. You can also add half as much fresh lemon juice or lemon juice concentrate for a more tangy flavor.
Garlic Powder: You can also use finely minced fresh garlic or dry mustard powder for a different flavor.
Onion Powder: You can omit this or use fresh minced onion (1 tablespoon) or shallot for a stronger onion flavor.
Poppyseeds: Chia seeds or sesame seeds can be used instead for a different seed texture.

How to Make My Delicious Cottage Cheese Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making the perfect creamy poppy seed dressing. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, avocado oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.



Expert Recipe Tips
Dressing Adjustments: If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a bit more orange juice or water. For a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey or maple syrup.
Delicious Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing Suggestions
- Drizzle over a fruit salad for a refreshing, sweet salad.
- Enhance a strawberry spinach salad with this amazing dressing.
- Top a spinach strawberry salad with goat cheese and sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Use as a poppy seed vinaigrette for vegetable salads.
- Blend with onion puree for a richer flavor.
- Combine with blue cheese dressing for a unique twist.
- Add a touch of red onion and mustard seed for extra zing.
- Perfect as a simple vinaigrette for roasted vegetables.
- Use as a delicious addition to quinoa bowls.
- Serve as a dip for vegetables or crackers at your next dinner party.
- Spread in veggie wraps for a fresh and flavorful option.
- Add a splash of onion juice to enhance depth of flavor.
Do you love homemade salad dressings? Check out more of my easy and nutritious dressing recipes:

Panera Poppyseed Dressing with Cottage Cheese Homemade

Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, avocado oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and poppy seeds.Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
Video

this is seriously delicious and so easy to make! Love the addition of orange juice!!
Hi Amanda, thank you so much for the review! I appreciate it 🙂
I’m so excited to share this easy salad dressing with you! It’s creamy, delicious and made healthier with cottage cheese 🙂