Creamy Zesty Tahini Dressing (Printable Version)

Creamy tahini sauce with fresh lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect drizzle for salads, bowls, and roasted vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
02 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
06 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for balance)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for depth)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add the minced garlic, maple syrup or honey if using, salt, and cumin if using. Whisk again until fully combined.
03 - Adjust consistency by adding more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable and creamy texture.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or sweetener as desired.
05 - Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir or shake before using.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in five minutes but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
  • This dressing transforms boring vegetables into something you actually crave.
  • Once you have it in your fridge, you'll find yourself using it on everything from salads to leftovers.
02 -
  • If your dressing breaks and looks grainy instead of silky, you went too heavy on lemon before the tahini was ready—add a splash more water and whisk patiently.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better than cold ones; if your tahini has been in the fridge, let it sit out for ten minutes first.
03 -
  • A garlic press or microplane grater creates the finest minced garlic, which dissolves seamlessly into the dressing instead of leaving little sharp bits.
  • Keep an extra squeeze bottle or jar of this in the fridge—it becomes your shortcut for turning everyday meals into something that tastes thoughtfully made.
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