Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dressing
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Easy Lemon Tahini Dressing is a quick, creamy, and tangy sauce perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Made with simple ingredients like tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of honey, it offers a delightful balance of nutty, citrusy, and smoky flavors, enhanced with smoked paprika and fresh chives for an extra burst of freshness. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile dressing is both vegan-friendly and naturally gluten-free.


Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup/agave for a vegan option)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives


Instructions

  1. Prepare Tahini Mixture: Stir the tahini in its jar if separated, then transfer 4 tablespoons into a medium bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin (if using), and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk all ingredients together until combined into a smooth paste.
  2. Adjust Consistency: Gradually whisk in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your preferred consistency. Typically, 3 tablespoons total water provides a creamy but pourable texture.
  3. Season and Enhance Flavors: Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Whisk in smoked paprika for a smoky depth and freshly chopped chives to brighten the dressing with fresh herbal notes.

Notes

  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep this dressing vegan.
  • Adjust the water quantity to achieve a thinner or thicker dressing depending on your preference.
  • Smoked paprika is optional but adds a lovely smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used as a milder alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use.
  • This dressing pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grain bowls, fresh salads, or as a dip for pita bread.