When you think of spring, what comes to mind first for you? For the culinary team here at Coho Restaurant, we think of bright flavors like lemon and of course spring greens such as spring onion, nettles, ramps, and so much more.
In spring and summer, you’ll notice throughout the country that lemon desserts, ice creams, and pastries pop up on restaurant menus, but we love to make a lemon poppy seed dressing. This dressing is full of bright, vibrant flavors that will be sure to satisfy all of your spring citrus cravings. The poppy seeds add a nutty flavor that contrasts well with the zing from the lemon.
Speaking of poppy seeds, you will notice the bright colors of poppy flowers even right along the roadside as you drive around the island. Primarily you will see the bright orange California poppy which is native to that state but through the decades they have made their way to the Pacific Northwest.
We hope that you are able to visit us at Coho Restaurant this spring to enjoy our seasonal green salad showcasing this beautiful dressing. But fret not! If you aren’t able to dine with us (or you loved it so much when you tried it at Coho!), we share the recipe below so you can make this dressing at home.
You can use it in a number of different ways: as a salad dressing, as a dip for veggies, or even drizzle it over some grilled chicken or fish. There is no going wrong with what you add it to. Below you will find the step-by-step process to make this dressing and the ingredients you will need to add to your shopping list.
Ingredients
2 lemons
½ tsp poppy seeds
½ c olive oil
¼ c apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
¼ tsp salt
Directions
1. Zest both lemons into a small bowl, then juice them either by hand or by using a juicer.
2. In a blender, add lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and salt.
3. Turn the blender on high speed and slowly add the olive oil until combined. You will know when it’s ready when the mixture turns light in color, almost white. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a bowl and a whisk. Simply follow the same process of mixing the oil slowly into your citrus and vinegar.
4. Turn the blender off and pour in your poppy seeds. Be careful not to blend the poppy seeds into the dressing. You simply want to incorporate them. Turn the blender on the lowest setting and pulse for about thirty seconds.
Now your dressing is complete! We hope you enjoy this dressing as much as we do at Coho Restaurant. Make it for family and friends or keep it in the fridge to use for yourself.
Tag us on social and let us know how this recipe worked out for you and how you use it at home! We hope to see you at the restaurant soon!