Quick Lemon-Tahini Dressing
This vibrant Quick Lemon-Tahini Dressing is a creamy, plant-based powerhouse ready in just 5 minutes. Its rich, nutty flavor with a bright citrus kick makes it incredibly versatile for salads, bowls, and dips.
For 6 servings
Prep ingredients: Mince the garlic clove finely and juice the lemon(s) to yield 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Combine: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined and slightly thickened.
Adjust consistency: Gradually add 2 tablespoons of cold water, whisking continuously. The mixture may seize up initially but will smooth out as you continue to whisk.
Achieve desired thickness: Continue adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition, until the dressing reaches your desired pourable consistency. It should be creamy but not too thick.
Season: Stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for brightness.
Serve: Drizzle generously over salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, falafel, or use as a dip.
Store: Transfer any leftover dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. It may thicken in the fridge; simply whisk in a teaspoon of water to loosen before serving.
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 made from hulled sesame seeds will yield the creamiest, least bitter dressing.
- 2Cold water is key: Using cold water helps the tahini emulsify better, resulting in a smoother, creamier dressing without clumping.
- 3Don't skip the 'seizing' stage: When you first add water, the tahini mixture might seize and become very thick. Keep whisking; it will eventually loosen and become smooth.
- 4Adjust to your preference: The amount of water is flexible. Add more or less depending on how thick or thin you prefer your dressing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Tahini Dressing
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Herby Tahini DressingHerby Tahini Dressing
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for an aromatic twist.
Sweet & Savory TahiniSweet & Savory Tahini
Whisk in 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) to balance the tanginess and add a touch of sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Tahini is packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol.
Good Source of Plant Protein
As a sesame seed paste, tahini provides a significant amount of plant-based protein, making this dressing a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
Packed with Vitamins & Minerals
Tahini offers essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, along with B vitamins, contributing to bone health, energy, and immune function.
Frequently asked questions
This is a normal reaction! The fats in tahini temporarily seize when cold water is introduced. Keep whisking, and it will eventually emulsify and smooth out into a creamy consistency.
