This Lemon Tahini Dressing recipe is pure magic! It’s luxuriously creamy thanks solely to tahini, the toasted sesame seed paste that originated in the Middle East and, thankfully, has become popular in North America too.

You’re going to want to drizzle this tahini sauce on everything, from salads to falafel to bowls … the possibilities with this lemon tahini dressing are endless.

Dressing being drizzled by a spoon into a mason jar. The dressing is Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I discovered the magic of tahini dressing years ago when I created this broccoli apple salad with a tahini dressing instead of a heavier mayo-based dressing. I was hooked!

Since then, I’ll often keep a jar of lemon tahini dressing in the fridge to dress up crisp summer veggies like tomato and cucumber salad or sautéed zucchini. It’s also perfect on roasted vegetables (I love it with my sheet pan tofu & veggie dinner!) And this lemon tahini sauce completely seals the deal for falafel bowls and other buddha bowls.

Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a mason jar with a drip going down the side plus honey and lemon in the background

Why You’ll Love Lemon Tahini Dressing

  • Creamy without being heavy – No mayo, heavy whipping cream, or any other heavy, creamy ingredient needed. All you need is tahini to create that magical creamy consistency!
  • Easily vegan – If you’re eating vegan, just swap out the honey for pure maple syrup and you’re there!
  • Quick & easy to make – Just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients for a creamy tahini dressing you’ll want to use on everything!
Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

  • Tahini – If the oil has separated from the tahini, be sure to give it a good stir to mix it all together before measuring.
  • Lemon juice – You’ll need 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, which usually takes one or two juicy lemons.
  • Garlic – Just one clove, very finely minced or grated, adds so much flavor to your lemon tahini dressing.
  • Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness which balances out the acidity from the lemon. Feel free to use agave syrup or pure maple syrup instead.
  • Salt & pepper – Highlights all of those nutty, bright, sweet, savory flavors!
  • Water – Adjust the quantity as you wish. Use less water for a thicker sauce, or more water for a thinner, pourable dressing.

Adaptations/Variations

  • Vegan Tahini Dressing – Just use pure maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey.
  • Spicy Tahini Dressing – Add a few pinches of cayenne pepper to give your lemon tahini dressing a touch of heat.
Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a jar on a wooden coaster

How to Make Lemon Tahini Dressing

  1. Add all ingredients – EXCEPT THE WATER – to a small bowl.
  2. Whisk together until homogenous.
  3. Add the water, a little at a time, and whisk it in until it’s the exact consistency you like.
  4. Taste the dressing and add more salt and pepper, if you like, until it’s perfect for you.
  5. That’s it!
Ingredients for tahini dressing
Mixing together tahini dressing

Tips for Success

  • Mix your tahini! If it’s separated, your tahini dressing might end up being too oily.
  • Grate your garlic. If you have a Microplane zester (affiliate link), that’s perfect for getting that garlic into tiny, flavorful bits that permeate every bit of lemon tahini dressing.

I hope this Lemon Tahini Dressing becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in ours! It’s so versatile and adds so much flavor to so many veggies and dishes. It’s a keeper!

Top view of Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a mason jar with a spoon full of dressing.
Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a mason jar
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Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Kare
Yield: 8
So versatile and absolutely delicious! Tahini makes the most lusciously creamy, magic dressing that you'll want to drizzle on salads, roasted veggies, bowls, and so much more.
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup tahini (mixed well)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1-2 large lemons)
  • 1 medium clove garlic (finely minced or grated on a microplane zester)
  • 2 teaspoons honey (or pure maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup water

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the water in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Pour in the 1/4 cup water and whisk together until smooth. Add additional water if you prefer a thinner dressing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes

Yields about 3/4 cup of dressing. I’ve estimated each serving to be around 2-3 tablespoons. Store lemon tahini dressing in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 67kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 149mg, Potassium: 57mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 7IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.5mg

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