This lemon tahini dressing is about to become your new secret weapon! I'm serious - once you try this, you'll want to put it on everything. With just a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes, you'll have a creamy, versatile, dairy-free sauce that transforms everything from boring salads to weeknight grilled meats and vegetables.
What makes this tahini sauce so special? For one, it's incredibly smooth and creamy, without any dairy, which makes it work for so many different diets. The nutty flavors of tahini pair beautifully with bright notes of lemon and a hint of garlic, creating a sauce that's reminiscent of other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean favorites, such as tzatziki and hummus. This dressing works on practically everything! It's absolutely delicious drizzled over my beef roll-ups recipe, over vegetables (like this grilled romaine lettuce ), spooned over chicken, or even used as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Jump to:
What makes this recipe so good
Look, I'm all about recipes that actually work for real life. This one hits every mark:
What is Tahini?
Tahini (or tahina) is simply sesame seeds ground into a smooth paste - kind of like how nuts become nut butter, but with sesame seeds instead. You've probably had it before without even realizing it, since it's the base for hummus and baba ganoush. Most grocery stores carry it in the international or Middle Eastern section. While tahini can be used in sweet treats like halva, inside cookies, or even on top of oatmeal or ice cream, it can also be savory.
Ingredient Notes
- Tahini - When choosing tahini, look for one made from just sesame seeds with no additives. You want it to have a smooth, stirrable texture without too much oil separation on top. Some of the tahini brands I like are: Soom, Seed & Mill, Trader Joe's organic tahini, and Whole Foods' store brand. One of my favorites is from La Boite.
- Lemon - You'll need the juice from one small lemon. The zest isn't necessary, but I like to include it for extra bright flavor.
- Garlic - Grate it using a microplane rather than mincing it, and use it sparingly so it doesn't overpower the other flavors.
- Salt - A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors and marries everything together.
- Water - Cool water helps thin the dressing to the right consistency. The sauce might seize up (thicken and become clumpy) at first, but keep whisking, and it will smooth out to a perfect drizzle. Start with the amount in the recipe and add more if needed.
- Honey - just a touch to balance the flavors and add a hint of sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup for a vegan option. I prefer using clover honey or wildflower, as it is mild in taste.
How to make tahini dressing
This tahini dressing couldn't be simpler to make. I like to use a mason jar because it means fewer dishes, and you can store it right in the jar for easy meal prep throughout the week. A small bowl works fine, too. Just whisk everything together until smooth and runny. At first, it may look like a clumpy mess (don't panic!), but keep going, and it'll transform into a silky, creamy dressing. If it seems too thick, add water, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
Storage
This tahini salad dressing stores really well in the refrigerator for about a week. I like to make it ahead, like on a Sunday, and use it throughout the week. Store it in a well-sealed glass jar. If it thickens in the fridge, add a teaspoon of water and give it a quick stir.
What to serve with tahini dressing
This dressing is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
With Proteins:
- Drizzle over my beef roll-ups - the creamy tahini complements the spices and meat perfectly.
- Spoon over grilled or pan-seared chicken breast
- With lamb kabobs or fish, like my roasted branzino recipe.
- Arayes, another perfect pairing!
With Vegetables:
- Try it with grilled romaine lettuce for an elevated side dish
- Roasted cauliflower, eggplant, or carrots
- Roasted Beets
- As a dip with fresh vegetables
- Tossed with hearty greens as a salad dressing, like in my kale caesar salad.
Recipe FAQ
Tahini dressing has a rich, nutty flavor from the sesame seeds with bright citrus notes from the lemon. It's creamy and slightly sweet with a subtle garlic undertone.
Yes! Simply substitute maple syrup for the honey, and you'll have a completely vegan tahini dressing.
When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, this dressing will remain fresh for approximately one week.
Yes! You can make it ahead and let the flavors meld together. It's also great for meal prep.
Other Dressings & Sauces to try
Easy Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together tahini, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), garlic, and salt until combined.
- Add water gradually. Start with 3 tablespoons and then add 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Don't worry if it looks clumpy at first; this is normal!
- Taste and adjust for desired consistency. Add more water for a thinner dressing consistency, or keep it thicker for a dip.
Leave a Reply