Creamy Tahini Lemon Dressing (Printable)

Smooth tahini sauce with lemon and garlic, great for enhancing salads and roasted vegetables.

# Components:

→ Base

01 - 1/2 cup tahini
02 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed

→ Flavorings

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under five minutes with just a bowl and whisk, no cooking required.
  • One batch lasts all week and somehow gets better as it sits, making meal prep feel effortless.
  • Tahini has this nutty, grounding quality that makes even plain salad greens taste like you tried.
02 -
  • Adding lemon juice first before water is non-negotiable—the acid activates the sesame and prevents that gluey texture that ruins everything.
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly than cold ones straight from the fridge, so let things sit out for a few minutes first.
03 -
  • If your tahini separates in the jar, don't throw it out—stir it back together with a spoon and it's as good as new, just a bit more oil on top than usual.
  • A garlic press or microplane grater creates a smoother, more evenly distributed garlic flavor than knife-mincing ever could.
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