This Lemon Herb Tahini dressing is the perfect dipping sauce or salad dressing. All you have to do is add everything to a blender and blend. How easy is that?! And, with fresh herbs and lemon juice, it is a crowd favorite!
I saw this video on TikTok of a salad with herbs, dates, pistachios, and an orange tahini dressing. So, I made it and it was amazing! Naturally, after this success, I decided to try all types of tahini dressing combos.
That is how this lemon herb tahini sauce came about! Think creamy pesto without any dairy. It’s delicious, nutritious, and delicious - wait I already said that, but you get the point. Plus, this great sauce can be used in SO many ways - on fresh salads, Mediterranean grain bowls, with fresh veggies, or with pita bread. It can be made in advance to use throughout the week on any meal plans you may be following.
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What is Tahini?
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. The seeds are ground into a smooth paste that brings out the natural oils in the process. It has a nutty flavor and a thinner texture than peanut butter. It is dairy-free but high in fat, making it a great way to emulate the creaminess that dairy ingredients normally provide.
Ingredients and Substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.
Tahini: The star of the show! Tahini is a magic ingredient that turns everything into gold - edible gold of course.
Substitutions: Tahini paste, sunflower butter, or cashew butter can be used. If using cashew butter, you may need to add additional water to thin out the sauce and reach the desired consistency.
Parsley, Basil, and Mint: Herbs are awesome because you can mix and match and still get great flavor!
Substitutions: Any combination of cilantro, parsley, basil, or mint can be used. You can use dried or fresh parsley but should use fresh basil and mint.
Lemon Juice & Zest: The citrus helps to brighten and lighten the slightly heavy tahini.
Substitutions: Orange juice and Orange zest can be used. Lemon zest can be left out and lemon juice from a jar can be used if needed.
Garlic: Garlic is measured by your heart, so follow your heart when measuring the garlic!
Substitutions: Fresh garlic, minced garlic, diced garlic cloves, or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used.
Olive Oil: This helps amp up the super creamy texture of this delicious sauce!
Substitutions: Avocado oil or other vegetable oil can be used. Sesame oil can also be used, but it has a very strong flavor that may be too strong for this dressing.
Honey: Because of how earthy tahini is, we added a smidge of sweetness to balance out the earthiness.
Substitutions: Agave or maple syrup can be used. These would also make this sauce vegan.
Salt and Pepper: Always flavor with salt and pepper to taste!
Substitutions: Sea salt or black pepper of any kind can be used. Black pepper can be left out if needed. A splash of soy sauce could be used in place of salt.
How to Make this - Step by Step
Step one: Add the half cup of tahini and everything else to a blender or food processor.
Step two: Blend! If the dressing is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is the desired consistency.
Don’t have a blender? No Worries! Finely chop all the herbs and garlic. Add everything to a large bowl and whisk until well combined.
Watch How to Make This - Step by Step
Joy Tip!
Have herbs that are going bad in the fridge? Toss them in a dressing or sauce! The salt and oil help extend their life and since it is in a blended sauce, the herbs do not have to be fresh to still make a great dressing!
Facts and Common Questions
Where do you find tahini in the grocery store?
Tahini can usually be found in the Asian section of the market or by the other nut butters and peanut butter.
What goes well with tahini dressing?
Everything! It can be used as a marinade, as a salad dressing, as a drink (just kidding), as a dip with chips and vegetables, or as a spread on toast.
What is a good brand of tahini?
Good tahini tastes delicious straight out of the container. There should be a good amount of separated oil on top when you open the container. The more oil it has the creamier it will be when you mix it. So trusted brands are Soom, Har Bracha, and Seed & Mill.
Is tahini healthier than peanut butter?
They are almost the same! They have similar fat contents and are both gluten-free, but peanut butter has slightly more protein.
Want to Save it for Later? Here’s how!
This sauce can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two weeks! You may need to stir to re-combine the oils when ready to enjoy, but otherwise, it is perfectly enjoyed right out of the fridge!
Fun Fact
Sesame Seeds contain tons of health properties and date back to Egyptian times when they was used as medicine. The oil is good for hair and skin, the specific type of fiber in these seeds helps regulate cholesterol, and it can help manage stress! (source)
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Recipe
Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ¼ cup parsley
- ⅛ cup basil
- ¼ cup mint
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt & pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup tahini unsweetned
- ½ cup water possibly more to thin sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave for vegan option
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend! If the sauce is too thick, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce if at your desired consistency.
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