Lemon Herb Tahini

Bursting with vibrant citrus notes and fresh, herby undertones, lemon herb tahini is here to bring your dishes to life! It features lemon juice and zest, runny tahini, and aromatic herbs, creating a summery flavor profile you won’t be able to resist. This versatile condiment adds a unique touch to salads, sandwiches, roasted veggies, and more.

Lemon herb tahini on a spoon.
Lemon herb tahini is so versatile

๐Ÿ’š Why youโ€™ll love this recipe

  • Quick & easy: You’ll only need about 5 minutes and a blender to whip up this sauce. Just throw everything in and hit start!
  • Versatile: You can use this lemon herb tahini sauce for just about anything, from salads and wraps to grilled and roasted vegetables.
  • Healthy: This lemon herb tahini dressing is packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, meaning it’s a condiment you can feel good about!
  • Adjustable: You can easily adjust the consistency to your liking, from a thicker dip to a more pourable dressing.

If you love sauces and dressings with a punch, you should also check out our lemon tahini dressing, creamy balsamic dressing, baba ganoush, and toum.

๐Ÿค” But first, what is tahini?

Tahini makes up the base of this sauce, so itโ€™s important to understand what weโ€™re working with here! Itโ€™s a seed butter thatโ€™s made by grinding whole sesame seeds until they are smooth and creamy โ€” just like peanut butter.

The taste is very distinctly nutty, sweet, and mildly bitter. Some brands are sweeter, less bitter, and creamier than others, so you need to know what to look for. The most important thing is to source a quality brand made with 100% sesame seeds.

We always recommend looking for your tahini at Mediterranean or Middle Eastern markets, but you can also check in the international foods aisle of most large grocery stores.

As a general rule of thumb, steer clear of tahini jars that look stiff and grainy. It should be easily pourable coming out of the container.

Lemon herb tahini in a mason jar.
This recipe is ultra-creamy and dairy-free

๐Ÿ‹ What is lemon herb tahini?

This lemon herb tahini dressing is a spinoff of our original lemon tahini dressing! It showcases fresh herbs, like parsley and cilantro, lemon juice and zest for good measure, and lusciously creamy tahini.

The slightly nutty, rich tahini base is perfectly complemented by the zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. The result is a velvety sauce with a vibrant green color and an absolutely irresistible flavor profile!

You can use your lemon herb tahini sauce as a dip, dressing, or accompaniment to dishes like falafel and kofte. Alternatively, try it drizzled over salads, spread on sandwiches, or as part of a mezze platter.

๐ŸŒฑ Is lemon herb tahini vegan?

Absolutely! Most tahini dressings achieve their creaminess from tahini alone, including this lemon herb tahini sauce recipe.

There is no need for dairy or egg products to make a rich and satisfying sauce. Plus, you also have the added benefit of plant-based protein from the sesame seeds!

Ingredients for lemon herb tahini.
You only need 7 ingredients including salt and pepper

๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients & substitutions

  • Lemon juice & zest: For that perfect citrusy element, we suggest using freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest. Make sure you thoroughly wash your lemons before zesting them. If lemons are not available, you can try limes instead.
  • Tahini: Makes up the base of the sauce and adds creaminess. We recommend brands like ARZ Fine Foods, Soom, Tamam, Alkanatar, Baronโ€™s, and Okka.
  • Garlic: For a bit of a savory punch! If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to omit it.
  • Fresh herbs: We love the combination of parsley and cilantro, but you can play around with different blends. Try herbs like dill or basil for a refreshing flavor.
  • Salt & pepper: For the seasoning, we like to keep it simple with just salt and pepper. You can experiment with other seasonings like coriander, cumin, sumac, dukkah, or zaโ€™atar.
  • Water: This helps to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Add more or less depending on your preference.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

๐Ÿ“ How to make lemon herb tahini

Step 1: Prep your lemons

Start by thoroughly washing and zesting your lemons, then squeeze out the juice from both into a blender or food processor. Double-check to make sure no pesky seeds have found their way in!

Tahini and herbs in a blender.
You can use a blender or food processor

Step 2: Add the rest

Next, add the tahini, garlic, and herbs. Add your seasonings and a bit of water to start. Remember, itโ€™s easier to add water rather than take it away.

Lemon herb tahini in a blender.
Adjust the consistency by blending longer

Step 3: Blend the sauce

Blend everything together, adding more water as needed until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go!

Lemon herb tahini in a blender.
We like to leave some texture in ours

If you have questions about this lemon herb tahini dressing recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

๐Ÿฅ— How to use lemon herb tahini

This versatile sauce can dress up just about any dish! Try using your lemon herb tahini in some of these ways:

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Storage

If you have leftover lemon herb tahini sauce or prefer to make a double batch, just follow these simple storage tips:ย 

  • Fridge: Keep the sauce in an airtight container (like a mason jar) for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just note that it thickens the longer it sits in the fridge, so you may need to add a touch of water before using it again.
  • Freezer: You can freeze your lemon herb tahini for up to one month in ice cube trays. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw a few cubes in the fridge overnight when you need more.
Carrot dipped in lemon herb tahini.
It makes a great dip for vegetables

โ™ป๏ธ Variations

  • Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, harissa, or hot sauce.
  • Switch the herbs: Use fresh dill or basil instead of parsley and cilantro.
  • Add yogurt: For a creamier, tangier version, add some coconut yogurt.
  • Sweeter: A dash of maple syrup or agave can balance out the tang.
  • Greek: Add some fresh oregano and serve it with grilled vegetables for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Roasted garlic: For a deeper, mellow flavor, use roasted garlic instead.
  • Add mint: Fresh mint can add an extra refreshing note, especially in the summer.

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿณ Top tips

  • Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor and zest, so this is something you donโ€™t want to skimp on.
  • Choose runny tahini: Runny tahini will make your sauce smoother and thinner. Look for Middle Eastern brands, or at least avoid those that look super grainy.
  • Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender will give you better control over the consistency of your sauce, making it great for all applications.
  • Go slow with the water: Add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. You donโ€™t want to add too much at the start in case it becomes too thin.
  • Taste and adjust: Don’t forget to taste your tahini and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more seasonings in addition to salt and pepper!

๐Ÿ’ฌ FAQ

Why is my tahini sauce too thick?

Tahini comes in all different forms, some thick, and some thin. If you end up with a thicker tahini, just add more water to it until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use dried herbs in lemon herb tahini?

Since herbs are the main source of the flavor in this recipe, we really donโ€™t recommend using dried herbs. However, if thatโ€™s all you have access to, feel free to use them. Just realize that the flavor wonโ€™t be quite as intended.ย 

What can I do if my sauce turns out too runny?ย 

If your sauce is too runny, you can just add more tahini to it until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this salad dressing without a blender?

Absolutely! You can use a whisk to combine your ingredients. Just ensure the garlic and herbs are finely minced before mixing everything in a bowl.

How can I make my sauce smoother?

For the smoothest possible sauce, you have to use a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec.

Why is my tahini bitter?

Some brands of tahini can be bitter. Taste your tahini before using it in the recipe and if it’s too bitter, consider switching brands.

๐ŸดMore sauce recipes

If you loved this lemon herb tahini dressing recipe, youโ€™ll have to check out some of our other popular sauce recipes like these:

  • Mexican Adobo Sauce: All-purpose marinade featuring chiles, spices, and vinegar.
  • Vegan Pesto: A bright, creamy, and umami-rich sauce without the added dairy. 
  • Vegan Tzatziki: A 10-minute sauce thatโ€™s ultra-creamy and refreshing.
  • Vegan Teriyaki Sauce: Simple, sweet, and sticky sauce great for stir-fries and more!
Lemon herb tahini on a spoon.

5-Minute Lemon Herb Tahini

Justine Drosdovech
Bursting with vibrant citrus notes and fresh, herby undertones, lemon herb tahini is here to bring your dishes to life! It features lemon juice and zest, runny tahini, and aromatic herbs, creating a summery flavor profile you won't be able to resist.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Middle Eastern, Vegan
Servings 32 tablespoons
Calories 47.3 kcal

Equipment

  • High-speed blender
  • Microplane
  • Spatula
  • Mason jar

Ingredients
 

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 large lemons (juiced)
  • 1 cup raw tahini (runny is best)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ยฝ cup of fresh parsley (packed)
  • ยฝ cup of fresh cilantro (packed)
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • ยฝ – 1 cup of water (we used ยพ cup)

Instructions
 

  • Zest the lemon, then squeeze the lemon juice directly into a high-speed blender or food processor, making sure you remove any seeds.
  • Add the tahini, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Add the salt and black pepper, and ยฝ cup of water to start.
  • Pulse or blend the ingredients until well combined. The mixture will be quite thick at this point. Add more water 2-3 tablespoons at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency (for reference, we used ยพ cup total).
  • Once you’re happy with the consistency, give your lemon herb tahini a taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  • Transfer it to a mason jar for storage. Use it as a dressing for salads, a sauce for falafel, a dip for veggies, or a spread for sandwiches. Happy eating!

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor and zest, so this is something you donโ€™t want to skimp on.
  • Choose runny tahini: Runny tahini will make your sauce smoother and thinner. Look for Middle Eastern brands, or at least avoid those that look super grainy.
  • Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender will give you better control over the consistency of your sauce, making it great for all applications.
  • Go slow with the water: Add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. You donโ€™t want to add too much at the start in case it becomes too thin.
  • Taste and adjust: Don’t forget to taste your tahini and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more seasonings in addition to salt and pepper!
  • Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 47.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.4g | Protein: 1.4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 39.8mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 102.6IU | Vitamin C: 5.5mg | Calcium: 14.6mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Don’t miss another recipe!Subscribe to our newsletter!
Justine Drosdovech.
Food writer at  | Website |  + posts

Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating