4.9 from 126 votes
Tahini Dressing (Plus 4 Flavor Variations)
This Tahini Dressing recipe features creamy tahini blended with water, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and optional black pepper to yield a smooth, tangy dressing. The base is versatile, with flavor variations like smoked paprika, orange juice, grated ginger, and Dijon mustard, including a Green Goddess version with herbs and non-dairy yogurt. The dressings balance nutty tahini richness with brightness and subtle sweetness.
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
88 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
Classic Lemon Tahini Dressing
- ⅓ cup tahini
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice or more to taste, fresh
- 1 small clove garlic grated or finely minced (if not using a blender
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon salt reduce if adding mustard, fine sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper optional
Optional Additions and Flavor Variations
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika add to lemon dressing above for a hint of smokiness
- orange instead of lemon juice, zest and juice, fresh
- ¾ inch ginger root perfect with lemon or orange, peeled and grated
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
Green Goddess Tahini Dressing (written in full for simplicity)
- ⅓ cup tahini
- ⅓ cup Non-Dairy yogurt unsweetened plain
- ¼ cup water
- 2 small cloves garlic grated or finely minced
- ⅓ cup flat leaf parsley finely chop if not using a blender, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons chives chopped fresh
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- ¼ teaspoon dulse flakes or crumbled nori
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and whisk until smooth. Note that the tahini will look curdled when first mixed with liquids. Just keep whisking and it will smooth out. Alternatively, use a blender for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Taste the dressing for seasoning, and add another splash of water if needed for consistency.
- Refrigerate tahini dressing in an airtight container for up to 6 days. Note that the orange and herb variations may not last as long, closer to 4 days.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Whisking tahini with liquids initially looks curdled; continued mixing or blending smooths the dressing.
- Flavor variants can be whisked together, but blending ensures a creamier consistency.
- Store dressing refrigerated in airtight containers—classic variations last up to 6 days; orange and herb versions best within 4 days.
- Adjust water quantity to achieve preferred thickness and pourability.
- Estimated nutrition info applies to 2-tablespoon servings of classic lemon tahini dressing.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2tablespoon
Calories
88kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
0mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
0IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
60mg
(6%)
Iron
1.3mg
(7%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 88
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoon | |
| Calories | 88kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 0IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.