This Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing is the perfect tahini sauce. Use it on salads, sandwiches or veggie burgers, on top of Buddha bowls, or as a dip on veggie platters.
This vegan lemon tahini sauce is one dressing that gets made quite in a bit in my home. We usually make different variations depending on the dish, bowl, or sandwich we intend to use it on. But, this basic version is so good it deserves a moment in the spotlight.
This super simple Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing is bright and electric when it comes to flavor. And, it’s great over any of your favorite salad greens. It has become our salad dressing of choice. But, honestly, anything is good with this tahini sauce poured over the top!
Ready? Check it out!
Table of Contents
What Is Tahini?
Tahini is a paste that’s made from sesame seeds. You tend to see it used primarily in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes. Tahini has an earthy, bitter flavor on its own. But, it’s great when mixed with lemon and other spices. The most common place you find this is hummus.
However, tahini is also very versatile and works well in dessert recipes. Check these out…
- Vegan Lemon Bars with Spiced Tahini Caramel by Vegan 8
- Chocolate Tahini Cookies (oil-free) by Vegan Richa
- Big Sesame Tahini Cookies by Beaming Baker
- Vegan Chocolate Tahini Ice Cream by Vegan 8
Tahini is 100% vegan, plant-based, and gluten free. And, it’s great if you are following a Paleo, keto, or Whole 30 diet. So, as you can see, tahini is pretty versatile.
Where To Buy Tahini
International markets are great places to buy tahini, which is where I buy mine because the prices are usually much better. But, it should be available in your local grocery store in the international aisle or by the nut butter.
If you can’t find it in a local store you can always purchase it online.
Buy Here: Tahini, 2 16-ounce jars
How To Make Lemon Tahini Dressing
This Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing recipe is so easy to make. It requires only 1-bowl, 3 ingredients (5 if you count the water and salt), and is ready in about 5 minutes.
So, let’s make it.
Start by adding ½ cup of tahini, ¼ cup of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to a small bowl and mix together. The mixture will initially be very thick. Now, begin to add the water and whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Salt to taste and then serve.
And, YOU’RE DONE!
What Goes With Lemon Tahini Dressing?
This Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing is…
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Rich
- Creamy
- Easy to make
- Plant-based
- Versatile
- Delicious
If you are looking for more oil-free salad dressings be sure and check out my Vegan Ranch Dressing and Vegan Honey Mustard.
If you make this recipe let me know. Leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure to share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. Follow me on Facebook or Pinterest & be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.
PrintGarlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing
This Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing is the perfect tahini sauce. Use it on salads, sandwiches or veggie burgers, on top of Buddha bowls, or as a dip on veggie platters.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salads & Dressings
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup warm water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic powder to a small bowl. Begin adding the water and whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If your tahini sauce is thick add a little more water and whisk unitl its smooth and you get the consistency you desire.
- Serve over salads; use as a condiment on veggie burgers and sandwiches; or pour over roasted and steamed veggies. Really, there’s no wrong way to use it.
Notes
Leftover lemon tahini dressing will keep for a month in the fridge in a sealed container. It will get thicker so add a little water and stir when you get ready to use it.
Be sure and use a really good tahini that is fairly creamy because it’s easier to mix. If your tahini is hard and chunky add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor in order to mix everything.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Calories: 47
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 112.3 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.3 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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So simple, yet so delicious! Love this. I actually have yet to try any of your recipes that aren’t top notch!
Thanks Shane!
I can see no one has posted for awhile, but I have a question. My tahini salad dressing is bitter. Is it the brand of tahini I bought (organic), or is there something I missed? Is there anything I can do to save it? I tried a little more salt but that just made it saltier and bitter.
Shane, your recipes look delicious! Right now I’m eating raw vegan but, in time, I will be trying your recipes!
Tahini is naturally a little bitter. But, try a little more water and maybe a pinch of salt. Should take the bite off.
Delicious. I have been wanting to make a lemony dressing and this one is tasty. I like that it doesn’t require oil.
Thank you!
I make this recipe often. It is the best . I also warm it lightly and use it as a sauce over organic brown rice.
Shane as always your recipes are to perfection. Thank you so much for sharing.
Diane M
We just made this for our lunch salad, it is
our new favorite! Its good! Thanks Shane! 😇Teri
Absolutely delicious! And so easy to make. Thank you!!
The most delicious dressing I didn’t know I needed in my life… I used a small clove of garlic instead of the powder, threw everything a little blender and thanked the universe for you. Your tahini sauces are ALL wonderful. They’re a very bright spot in what otherwise might be a pretty bleak time. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Sarah! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for reaching out.
I love your recipes. This is a winner.
What is that beautiful piano music playing in the background of video. Love love love
Blessings to you and yours
Thank you so much! It’s some music I put together for a wedding and it just seemed to fit:)
Creamy, tangy, easy to make, and oil-free. DELICIOUS!