Lemon Tahini Dressing
This lemon tahini dressing is ultra creamy, zesty, and nutty! It’s ready in less than 5 minutes, simple to whip up, and goes on just about everything. Pair it with salads, roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, and so much more.
I put this lemon tahini dressing on just about everything! It only requires a few pantry staples yet it’s bursting with creamy, zesty flavors. If you love tahini-based dressings like this, try my lemon herb tahini recipe!
Why I love this recipe
Store-bought dressings pale in comparison to this homemade lemon tahini dressing. Why, you ask? You only need 5 simple ingredients, making it way more cost-friendly, and it tastes incredible!
It’s probably the easiest sauce in the world to make, but it’s unbelievably rich, creamy, and downright addictive. Since this recipe is oil-free, vegan, and gluten-free, itโs the ideal choice for so many dietary needs and preferences.
The base is made primarily from tahini, lemon, garlic, and maple syrup, and all you have to do is whisk it together in a bowl. Thatโs right, no blender is required! Serve it on salads, roasted vegetables, and more.
“This tahini dressing turned out amazing! So easy to make and perfect on top of a salad!” โ ANDREA
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Ingredient notes
This lemon tahini dressing requires very basic ingredients. Find a breakdown and suitable substitutes below!
Tahini
Tahini provides a distinctly nutty, sweet, and mildly bitter flavor. Its creamy, runny consistency also helps emulsify everything. The quality varies greatly from brand to brand, so itโs important to source one made with 100% sesame seeds. I always suggest purchasing tahini from Mediterranean or Middle Eastern markets. In general, avoid brands that are thick, grainy, and stiff-looking.
Substitute: Sunflower seed butter can provide a similar consistency but has a milder flavor. Use an equal amount as tahini.
Maple syrup
Sweetens the dressing, balancing out the bitterness of the tahini and the tartness of the lemon. Use pure maple syrup here, not pancake syrup!
Substitute: If you don’t have maple syrup, use the same amount of agave.
Garlic
Minced garlic provides a zesty, savory punch that elevates the dressing’s flavor. Use fresh garlic cloves for the best results.
Substitute: Garlic powder works in a pinch for a milder taste. Use ยผ teaspoon for each clove of garlic.
Dijon
Dijon mustard adds a gentle tang and heat and helps emulsify the dressing, bringing everything together smoothly.
Lemon
Adds a bright acidity that rounds out the creaminess of the tahini. Make sure it is freshly squeezed, not lemon juice concentrate.
Substitute: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tanginess. Use an equal amount.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn the best way to make this lemon tahini dressing with my straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!
Assembly
Step 1
Add the tahini, maple syrup, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard to a small mixing bowl. Stir everything until well combined.
Step 2
While continuously whisking, slowly add lemon juice and water until you achieve your preferred consistency. Season it with sea salt to taste before serving. Happy eating!
I use ยผ cup of water, but you may need more or less depending on your tahini brand.
Expert tip
Always whisk the tahini with the other seasonings before adding any liquids. Tahini has a tendency to separate, so giving it a good stir beforehand results in a consistently creamy base.
Add lemon juice first, as its acidity will help emulsify the tahini more smoothly. Once the lemon juice is incorporated, slowly whisk in the water to control the consistency and prevent lumps.
If your lemon tahini dressing seems too thick, continue adding water in small increments until you achieve your preferred texture.
Serving suggestions
Lemon tahini dressing is so versatile, and the serving possibilities are virtually endless! Use it as a dressing for a harvest bowl or apple walnut salad.
Dip fresh vegetables in it, or pair it with air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer butternut squash, and air fryer sweet potato fries for a creamy contrast. I also LOVE this recipe with my lentil patties and homemade falafel recipe.
Cooking tips
Use runny tahini: Runny tahini blends more easily with other ingredients, giving the dressing a smoother, creamier consistency.
Fresh ingredients: For the best flavors, ensure youโre using fresh lemon and garlic.
Add water slowly: Prevent a runny dressing by slowly incorporating the water while continuously whisking the mixture.
Customize add-ins: Experiment with spices or herbs like cumin, paprika, or parsley for a unique twist.
Frequently asked questions
Some brands of tahini are naturally more bitter than others due to the type of sesame seeds used or the roasting process. To counteract the bitterness, add a sweetener like agave or adjust the amount of lemon juice and salt.
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Before preparing your dressing, mix the tahini with a small amount of warm water first to help loosen it up. Gradually add more water until you achieve a runny consistency.
Storing
I love keeping lemon tahini dressing on hand to liven up meals during busy weeks. Follow these tips to keep it fresh for longer.
Fridge
You can keep your dressing in the fridge for about 5-6 days. It will thicken as it sits, but you can add a few teaspoons of water and stir it before each use. I recommend keeping it in an airtight container like a mason jar to preserve the flavors best.
Freezer
If you donโt finish it in time, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When youโre ready for more, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir it in the morning.
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Recipe
Best Lemon Tahini Dressing
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- โ cup runny tahini
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ยฝ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Sea salt to taste
- ยผ cup water to thin
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon, and lemon juice until well combined.
- While continuing to whisk, slowly add in water until your desired consistency is achieved. We use ยผ cup total, but you may need more or less depending on the tahini you’re using.
- Season with sea salt to taste. Add lemon juice for more tartness, maple syrup for sweetness, or garlic for more of a bite.
- Serve over salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, falafel pitas, and more. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: I’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
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.
This tahini dressing turned out amazing! So easy to make and perfect on top of a salad!
Hi Andrea,
That’s great to hear! It’s one of our favorites for salad ๐
Perfect tartness for a nice creamy dressing for my green salads or my Buddha Bowls!!