Simple Citrus Poppyseed Dressing

(I will edit this post to add a picture as soon as my computer that has all of my lovely images on it is functional again.  In the meantime, use your imagination.)

This is my go-to dressing.  It takes less than 2 minutes to whip together and has a nice sweet tang to it.  Even better, it's relatively low fat.  I love to use this for broccoli slaw, or drizzle it over a bed of baby greens topped with chunks of avocado, oranges, strawberries and mangos with a sprinkling of spiced nuts.  Absolutely delicious and refreshing!

Simple Citrus Poppyseed Dressing

1/3 cup reduced fat mayonaise
3 T. red or white wine vinegar
3 T. orange juice
1 t. raw sugar
pinch of kosher salt
1/2-1 t. poppyseeds, according to your taste

Mix all ingredients together.  The end.  So simple.  I like to make small quantities at a time since a little goes a long way.  Keep any unused portion sealed in a jar or tupperware in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  If you'd like to boost the citrus flavor, stir in a bit of orange zest.

Simple Poppyseed Salad Dressing

Yesterday, I made the most scrumptious salad.  Of course, I didn't think to take a picture of it until it was scattered most unattractively across my plate, so you'll have to use your imagination.  In my opinion, salads should be interesting, colorful, have a contrast of flavors and textures, and be packed with nutrition.  I composed the one yesterday of spring mix and baby spinach, chunks of orange, sliced strawberries, large dices of avocado, crisply fried bacon, slivered almonds candied with a kick of cinnamon and cayenne, and chunks of chicken.  Delicious!  A little sprinkling of blue or feta cheese would have just been the icing on the proverbial cake, but I was limited simply to what I had on hand when I made this creation.

The dressing is something that my little sister made for a family gathering once.  I couldn't remember the exact proportions, and I believe that she added milk to hers, but mine came out great, and with just 4 ingredients, you can't beat the simplicity.  If you're looking to cut calories, use fat free mayo, and if you're really desparate to cut more calories, I *suppose* you could use artificial sweeteners.  I personally hate artificial sweeteners, though, and would be more inclined to try something like stevia instead.  This is a sweet/tangy dressing that works well with the addition of other flavors, such as orange juice or zest.

Simple Poppyseed Salad Dressing

1/2 cup mayonaise (reduced fat is just fine)

1/3 cup white wine vinegar

2-3 T. sugar, to taste

1 T. poppyseeds

Stir all ingredients together and let rest for 30 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve, then stir again just before serving.