Meet the secret weapon your kitchen has been missing! This Lemon Tahini Dressing is unbelievably creamy, packed with zesty, nutty flavor, and comes together in less than five minutes. It’s the kind of versatile, liquid gold that can transform a simple salad, elevate roasted vegetables, or become the perfect drizzle for your favorite grain bowl. Forget store-bought dressings; once you see how easy this is, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Ingredients
• Makes 1 1/2 cups / 375 mL
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL tahini
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL water
• 1/4 cup / 60 mL fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup / 60 mL tamari or soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon / 5 mL ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2 mL toasted sesame oil
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Combine all —tahini, water, lemon juice, tamari, garlic, cumin, toasted sesame oil, and cayenne pepper—in a blender.
2. Process for 30 seconds, or until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender if needed to ensure everything is well combined.
3. Transfer to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The dressing may thicken when chilled; simply stir well before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Per 2 tablespoon (30 mL) serving
• Calories: 70
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Sodium: 344 mg
Pro Tips
• For a thinner consistency, add more water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture. For a thicker dip, reduce the water or add more tahini.
• Taste and adjust the flavors before storing. Add more lemon juice for brightness, more tamari for saltiness, or a teaspoon of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness to balance the tahini.
• Use a high-quality, runny tahini for the best results. Stiff, dry tahini from the bottom of a jar can result in a clumpy or overly bitter dressing.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk this dressing by hand in a bowl. Mince the garlic very finely first, then add all and whisk vigorously until smooth.
FAQ
Q: Is this lemon tahini dressing gluten-free
A: Yes, this dressing is easily made gluten-free. Simply ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is a naturally gluten-free alternative. Always double-check the label on your tamari to confirm it is certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this tahini dressing soy-free
A: Absolutely. To make a soy-free version, replace the tamari or soy sauce with an equal amount of coconut aminos. Since coconut aminos are slightly sweeter and less salty, you may want to add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
Q: Is tahini a good source of plant-based protein
A: Yes, tahini is a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. This dressing provides 3 grams of protein per serving, making it a nutritious and satisfying way to boost the protein content of your salads, grain bowls, and vegetable dishes.
Q: How long does this homemade vegetarian dressing last
A: This lemon tahini dressing stores very well. Keep it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The dressing will naturally thicken when chilled; simply stir it well, adding a splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency before serving.
