This homemade Creamy Tahini dressing is a must-try, with its smooth, nutty, and savory flavor profile that will elevate your salads, sandwiches, and more. It’s become a kitchen staple for us — we always have a jar ready in the fridge!
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Incredibly versatile, this dressing is perfect for drizzling over grilled veggies and meats or you can use it as a delicious dip. While store-bought are out there, there’s something super special about crafting your own creamy, warmly spiced tahini dressing at home.
What is Tahini?
Tahini, also known as tahina, is a type of paste or spread made with ground sesame seeds. A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, it can be used on its own or to make other dips such as hummus or baba ganoush.
What is Tahini Sauce Made Of?
Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below!
- Tahini Paste – This forms the base of the dressing.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is best! The acidity helps cut through some of the bitterness of the tahini. If preferred, lemon juice will also work.
- Spices – Ground cumin, salt, and pepper build the savory flavor of the dressing.
- White Vinegar – Vinegar helps to emulsify the ingredients, creating a smooth consistency. It’s acidity also balances the sauce.
- Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves, and adjust to taste.
Blend and Serve: How to Make Creamy Tahini Dressing
- Combine the ingredients. Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Or, whisk everything together in a bowl.
- Adjust. Add more water as needed to create a smooth consistency.
- Serve. Transfer your tahini sauce to a serving bowl, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Note: Tahini sauce typically has a light, runny texture similar to salad dressing. However, you can make it as thin or as thick as you like!
Serving Suggestions
There’s not much this tahini dressing doesn’t pair well with! We love to use it with veggies, salads, meats, and snacks. Here are just a few of the recipes we take to the next level with this sauce:
- Harissa Potatoes with Whipped Tahini Sauce
- Chickpea and Cucumber Tahini Salad
- Oven Roasted Whole Carrots with Tahini Dressing
- Pita Bread or Pita Chips
- Easy Beef Kofta
- Falafel
How to Store
Store leftover tahini dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good stir or shake before using it!
The tahini may thicken over time. Add more water as needed to loosen it back up before serving.
Common Questions About Tahini Dressing
Sesame seeds are naturally slightly bitter. However, roasting at too high of a temperature can cause them to be even more bitter. Feel free to add maple syrup or honey to balance some of the bitterness.
Tahini has a nutty, earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
Tahini is a good source of healthy fats. However, it is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Consult your doctor with any specific concerns!
More Dressing, Dips, and Spreads
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe
- Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
- 5-Ingredient Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Tahini Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of tahini paste stirred
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 Tablespoons cold water or more if needed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- Fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the tahini, lime juice, water, cumin, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic. Process the ingredients until well combined. If needed, add more water to achieve the desired consistency. Or, add all the ingredines to a bowl, and whisk until smooth.1/2 cup of tahini paste, 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice, 3 Tablespoons cold water, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 clove garlic
- Transfer the tahini dressing to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh Italian parsley.Fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Absolutely love your recipes
Thank you so much, Venessa!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
What is Za’ater? What does it taste like ? Foods to use it in. Thank you
Hi Denise,
Za’atar is a seasoning! It’s earthy, herbaceous, and sightly tangy. We use it in lots of recipes like meat, fish, dips, etc!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Was there supposed to be zaattar in this dip? It’s not listed. Mistake?
Hi Geraldine! We don’t use za’atar in this recipe, but you can always add it if you’d like!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Zaattar isn’t listed in this recipe. Mistake?
I love the dressing because it taste great and doesn’t have additional fat.
Thank you, Marlene! We’re so glad you enjoy it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Love this! So yummy. Side note: My mom loves the glass you have the dressing in in the first picture, do you remember where you got it from?
Thank you, Amanda! We’re not sure where we got it, but we will try to find a similar one!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I love tahini, also delicious as a sweet sauce with date syrup
Yum!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I love the dressing because it taste great and doesn’t have additional fat. It’s so so yummy and love tahini.
Thank you, Marlene! We’re so glad you enjoy it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
There are many tahinis out there. What do you recommend?
Any you like best! We recommend looking for one with very minimal ingredients.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Love the recipes all very tasty
Thank you so much, Noelle! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Do you think this would be good on Buddha bowls? I’d like to start making bowls with rice, veggies, protein, etc., but not sure what sauce might work.
We think so! We’d love to know how it is if you try it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa