Our family absolutely loves this homemade lemon tahini dressing – it’s bursting with vibrant flavors and made with love. With just a few simple ingredients whisked together, your taste buds are in for a real treat.
This Lemon Tahini Dressing is a creamy, zesty blend of tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs—perfect for drizzling over salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies. In Middle Eastern kitchens like mine, tahini is a pantry essential, adding rich, nutty flavor to everything from cucumber salads to kofta. This version gets a citrusy upgrade with lemon and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup for a well-balanced, versatile dressing you’ll want to keep on hand.
Lemon Tahini Dressing Ingredients
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Lends a vibrant citrusy punch and zestiness.
- Olive Oil: Provides a smooth texture and richness.
- Tahini: Infuses a nutty and creamy element into the dressing.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, harmonizing the dressing.
- Fresh Dill: Offers a refreshing and herbaceous note.
- Cold Water: Adjusts consistency while maintaining flavors.
How to Use Lemon Tahini Dressing
This Lemon Tahini Dressing is incredibly versatile and brings a creamy, tangy boost to almost anything. Drizzle it over roasted veggies like cauliflower or zucchini, or spoon it onto warm lentils and chickpeas for added richness. It’s a must with falafel—adding that perfect zing to crispy chickpea fritters. Whether you’re dressing salads, grain bowls, or mezze platters, this dressing elevates every bite.
Lemon tahini dressing notes and tips
While making a simple and delicious lemon tahini dressing may seem like a breeze, a few tips can take it from good to extraordinary, especially when working with Tahini. Here are some tips to keep in mind
- Cold Water or Ice Trick: Just like in hummus, using cold water or ice cubes can help emulsify the tahini dressing, especially if you’re not using a blender. This technique promotes a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Whisk Vigorously: If you’re whisking the dressing by hand, try vigorously to help incorporate and blend the ingredients thoroughly. This will help achieve a well-emulsified dressing.
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more or less water. For a thicker dressing, use less water, while more water will result in a thinner consistency.
- Balance Lemon and Tahini: Finding the right balance between lemon and Tahini. Add smaller amounts of lemon juice, taste, and gradually adjust to your liking. This will ensure a harmonious blend of tanginess and nutty flavors.
- Season and Taste: Don’t forget to season the dressing with a pinch of salt and taste as you go. Salt helps enhance the overall flavors and brings out the best in the ingredients.
- Let it Rest: After preparing the dressing, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dressing.
More Salad dressing to make
If you want to expand your salad dressing repertoire, you’re in for a treat! In addition to the delightful Lemon Tahini Dressing we’ve been exploring, there is a wide range of other dressings to try. From the zesty and refreshing Lemongrass Salad Dressing to the tangy and citrusy Mandarin Vinaigrette, a dressing suits every palate. For a classic favorite, there’s nothing like the creamy and versatile Ranch Salad Dressing. The Greek Goddess Dressing, with its blend of herbs and tangy yogurt, is sure to please. And let’s not forget the creamy and nutty Avocado Lime Dressing or the tangy and robust Dijon Balsamic Dressing. With these options and more, the possibilities are endless. To help you on your salad dressing journey, check out our simple guide on making the perfect dressing. It provides useful tips and notes to create well-balanced dressings that enhance the flavors of your salads.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Combine the Ingredients
Mix or Blend the Dressing
If using a blender: Blend on medium speed until well combined.
If using a mason jar: Seal tightly and shake until fully mixed.
Adjust Consistency
Taste & Adjust
Serve or Store
Drizzle this homemade lemon tahini dressing over your favorite salads for a burst of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious! Whisk together tangy lemon juice, creamy tahini, and a touch of sweetness to create a luscious and versatile dressing.
Ingredients:
¼ cup lemon juice (plus the zest of lemon) | |
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil | |
¼ cup tahini paste | |
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup | |
1/4 cup cold water | |
1 garlic cloves (minced) | |
Salt and pepper to taste | |
2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped |
Preparation
In a bowl, blender, or mason jar, add the lemon juice and zest. Then add the olive oil, tahini, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. If using, add the fresh dill for an extra layer of flavor.
If using a bowl: Whisk the ingredients vigorously until smooth and creamy. If using a blender: Blend on medium speed until well combined. If using a mason jar: Seal tightly and shake until fully mixed.
Gradually add cold water while whisking, blending, or shaking. This helps emulsify the dressing and create a smooth, pourable texture.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning—add more lemon for tang, tahini for richness, or a sweetener to balance.
Your Lemon Tahini Dressing is ready to enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
I love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment below and let us know how you enjoyed this recipe. Your thoughts and suggestions are always appreciated. Enjoy and happy dressing!”