This Tahini Lemon Garlic Dressing is a quick, creamy, and delicious 5-minute tahini sauce you can whip up with just a bowl and a whisk - no blender or food processor needed!
This nutty, zesty vinaigrette flavor pairs perfectly with salads, roasted veggies, and countless savory dishes, making it an easy vegan staple you'll want to drizzle on everything.
Tahini lemon garlic dressing is one of those go-to recipes I find myself making again and again, especially because I love the flavor of tahini (I even make my homemade tahini when I have time!).
You'll find it in many of my favorite recipes, such as this creamy beetroot chickpea hummus, rich chocolate tahini cookies, or even my energizing tahini protein shake. It's that versatile!
Tahini is a creamy Middle Eastern paste made from lightly roasted ground sesame seeds, and I truly believe it's the secret to making fresh or roasted veggies and salads irresistibly tasty.
This tahini vinaigrette is incredibly simple to whip up with pantry staples, budget-friendly, and, honestly, tastes significantly better than any store-bought version.
It's perfect for meal prep too, you can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week, ready to drizzle on just about anything!
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🥘Ingredients
- Tahini: Use smooth, runny tahini (not dry or separated) for the creamiest texture. Homemade or high-quality store-bought both work great.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds that perfect tangy balance to the nutty tahini.
- Garlic: A small clove of freshly minced garlic adds a bold, savory kick.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the dressing emulsify into a silky vinaigrette.
- Maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the bold flavors of tahini.
- Salt: It enhances all the other flavors and brings the dressing to life.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the overall taste.
- Water: Water thins the dressing to your desired consistency. Add it gradually to keep it pourable but not too runny.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
🥄How To Make Tahini Lemon Garlic Dressing
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
Step 2: If the dressing is too thick, like a dip, gradually whisk in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creamy, pourable consistency.
📋Substitutions & Variations
- No maple syrup? Use agave syrup for natural sweetness.
- Oil-free option: Skip the olive oil and add a bit more water for a lighter version.
- Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Garlic-free: Replace fresh garlic with a pinch of garlic powder for a milder flavor.
- Add herbs: Try blending in fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro for a herby twist.
💡Marinela's Tips
- Always whisk the tahini mixture well before adding water to avoid lumps and get that silky smooth texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice just can't compete.
- If your tahini is thick or separated, give it a good stir before measuring to get the best consistency.
- Adjust acidity by adding more lemon juice little by little, especially if your tahini is very rich or bitter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using - it may thicken up a bit when chilled.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Stir well before each use, as it may thicken when chilled.
A: Absolutely! This dressing is 100% vegan, made from plant-based ingredients with no dairy or animal products.
🥘Recipes With Tahini
🍽More Vegan Dressings and Dips
📖 Recipe
Tahini Lemon Garlic Dressing
Equipment
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 small garlic clove minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
- 3 tablespoons water add more for thinner dressing
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, like a dip, gradually whisk in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy, pourable consistency.
Notes
- Use runny tahini for the smoothest texture. Stir well if it has separated in the jar.
- Adjust consistency by adding more or less water, depending on how thick you like your dressing.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir before serving if it thickens.
- Try variations like adding fresh herbs, a pinch of cayenne, or swapping maple syrup with agave.
Nutrition
If you try this tahini lemon garlic dressing, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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