Of all the salad dressings we have shared, this tahini dressing is the one you will most likely find in our fridge. It’s similar to our creamy tahini sauce but with more lemon juice, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil to make it extra delicious. We hope you try this easy dressing. It is perfectly creamy and made without dairy or mayo! I love it with a fresh green salad and drizzled over cooked grains like quinoa. It’s a total keeper! I especially love it for our tahini lemon quinoa bowls.
Key Ingredients
Tahini: The dairy-free creamy base of our dressing. I love using my tahini recipe to make homemade tahini, but you can easily substitute store-bought tahini in the recipe below. Fresh garlic and lemon juice: Lemon + garlic + tahini is a classic combination. I love it! Olive oil: Thins out the tahini and adds richness. Maple syrup: I add some maple syrup to sweeten the dressing. If you are not vegan, you can substitute it with honey or use agave nectar. Toasted sesame oil: This is my secret ingredient for the best dressings and sauces! It adds a nutty flavor that complements the tahini so well. Smoked paprika: I love a little smoked paprika. It really makes this tahini dressing pop and adds a hint of smokiness.
To make our tahini dressing, you’ll whisk everything together. The tahini thickens a little on you initially. As you whisk in the water and other ingredients, it should relax and become a creamy dressing.
Ways to Use Tahini Dressing
Use this simple tahini dressing on just about anything. It’s my go-to salad dressing and works well with fresh greens like kale, romaine, and baby lettuce. It’s perfect for crunchier salads with bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber. Make this simple bean salad, but use this tahini dressing instead. You can toss it with cooked or canned beans (here’s how to cook chickpeas). Or drizzle over cooked grains like our fluffy quinoa. I also love spooning it over warm roasted veggies! 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 3 tablespoons cold water, more if needed 2Add three tablespoons of cold water, and then whisk until creamy. For a thinner consistency, add a little more water. 3Season to taste with additional lemon juice or salt.
