Lemon tahini dressing is my go-to dressing for topping salads, vegetables, and grain bowls! It's light yet flavorful with fresh citrus, smoky cumin, and fresh garlic. Ready in 5 minutes with only 9 pantry ingredients.
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I try to make a main dish salad for dinner at least once a week. One thing that makes it easier is having a favorite, easy dressing that I can reach for without needing to think about it.
This tahini salad dressing has become my favorite because it works well in so many different dishes. It's vegan, flavorful, and naturally creamy yet dairy-free thanks to the tahini paste.
I always have these ingredients on hand in my pantry, so it's easy to whip together at the last minute. It only takes 5 minutes from start to finish and works as a dressing, dip, or sauce.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Tahini
- Pure maple syrup
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Coarse kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
How to make lemon tahini dressing
- Add all ingredients to an 8 ounce mason jar, close the lid tightly, and shake until everything is combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Top tips
Use pure maple syrup
This recipe calls for real maple syrup. Do not attempt to substitute sugary pancake syrup in this recipe.
Stir your tahini
High quality tahini may separate in the jar. Make sure you're stirring it until smooth before measuring what you need to avoid it either being too stiff or too runny.
Shake or stir well
The tahini and lemon juice will emulsify as you mix your dressing. It will look a little curdled for a second before becoming a smooth, creamy sauce. I like to put all my ingredients in a small mason jar and shake it, but you could also use a bowl and a whisk.
How to store vegan tahini dressing
Keep dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips for customizing tahini salad dressing
- Swap the fresh garlic for ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more or less lemon juice, garlic, cumin, or maple syrup
- I recommend fresh lemon juice, but in a pinch you can use the bottled lemon juice
- Use as a dressing for salads, grain bowls, or stuffed sweet potatoes
- Drizzle over roasted veggies or use as a dip for fresh vegetables
FAQ
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that makes a wonderful base for mixing with other flavors. It's loaded with nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
Yes, simply leave the garlic out, no need to make any other substitutions.
More dressing recipes
- Peanut Dressing
- Creamy Cashew Dressing
- Ginger Tahini Dressing
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Cilantro Broccoli Slaw with Peanut Dressing
- Healthy Green Salad with Sriracha Peanut Dressing
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to an 8 ounce mason jar, close the lid tightly, and shake until everything is combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Notes
Tips for customizing tahini salad dressing
- Swap the fresh garlic for ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more or less lemon juice, garlic, cumin, or maple syrup
- I recommend fresh lemon juice, but in a pinch you can use the bottled lemon juice
- Use as a dressing for salads, grain bowls, or stuffed sweet potatoes
- Drizzle over roasted veggies or use as a dip for fresh vegetables
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