5-Minute Lemon Tahini Dressing
A versatile, creamy, and bright lemon tahini dressing that comes together in just 5 minutes. Perfect for elevating salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables with its rich, nutty, and tangy flavor profile.
For 6 servings
Prepare your ingredients: Finely mince the garlic clove and freshly squeeze the lemon juice. Ensure your water is cold, as this helps with emulsification.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper (if using). If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add the maple syrup or agave nectar now.
Begin whisking the mixture vigorously with a fork or a small whisk. At this stage, the tahini mixture may appear very thick, pasty, and even seize up slightly, which is a normal reaction as the acid hits the tahini.
Gradually add the cold water, about 1-2 tablespoons at a time, while continuously whisking. Keep whisking until the dressing transforms into a smooth, creamy, and emulsified consistency. The dressing should be pourable but still rich.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang, or a touch more water to reach your desired pourable consistency.
Serve immediately over your favorite salads, roasted vegetables, falafel, or grain bowls. For best flavor, let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use good quality tahini: A smooth, pourable tahini with a light color and mild flavor will yield the best results. Stir your tahini well before measuring, as the oil can separate.
- 2Adjust consistency: The amount of water needed can vary depending on the thickness of your tahini. Start with the recommended amount and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired pourable consistency.
- 3Fresh lemon juice is key: Bottled lemon juice often lacks the bright, fresh flavor that makes this dressing shine. Always opt for freshly squeezed.
- 4Storage: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It may thicken slightly when chilled; simply whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to thin it out before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Tahini Dressing
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the mixture for a zesty kick.
Herby Tahini DressingHerby Tahini Dressing
Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Yeast TahiniNutritional Yeast Tahini
For a cheesy, umami depth, add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast along with the other ingredients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Tahini is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Rich in Minerals
Sesame seeds (from which tahini is made) are an excellent source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, crucial for bone health and energy production.
Immune Support
Fresh lemon juice provides a good dose of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight container, this lemon tahini dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It might thicken slightly when cold, but you can easily thin it with a little water before serving.
