Embrace the rich and nutty flavors of this Easy Tahini Dressing and add a little Middle Eastern flair to your dishes!
I grew up in a very Midwest/Southern household. My mom was a good cook, and we enjoyed the classics. But she didn’t stray very far into ethnic foods (unless you count spaghetti). My first taste of Chinese food came after college, and I didn’t try Middle Eastern cuisine until a trip to Washington, D.C. And then I was hooked. The nutty flavor is a perfect dip for crispy vegetables but it’s versatile enough to serve as a dressing for a Chopped Chicken Salad or a smear for Pita Burgers. It’s also nice to have on hand along with some other Middle Eastern favorites like hummus and Tzatsiki Sauce.
Since I didn’t grow up with tahini, I had to do some research. This Middle Eastern condiment is made from hulled sesame that has been ground and toasted. Although sesame has been used in kitchens for at least 4,000 years, apparently the first mention of tahini in a cookbook was in the thirteenth century!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bursting with flavor, this Tahini Dressing is also good for you. It’s high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—the good fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and heart disease. It can also help your digestive system. So this dressing is totally guilt-free!
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini
- 1 small clove garlic (crushed)
- 3 TBSP maple syrup
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- Water
How to Make – The Steps
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the tahini, crushed garlic, maple syrup, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Use a whisk to blend them thoroughly.
Step 2: Adjust the consistency gradually by adding water, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk. Keep pouring and whisking until the ingredients meld into a smooth dressing. You can make it as thick as you like.
Step 3: Transfer the dressing into an airtight container if you plan to store it. Otherwise, drizzle it over your salad and enjoy.
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Tahini Dressing
- I like to use tahini made from hulled sesame seeds for a smoother, less bitter flavor.
- Add water in small increments while whisking so you can control the consistency of the dressing.
- Ensure the garlic is finely crushed for a subtle, well-distributed flavor throughout the dressing.
- Personalize your dressing. Add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick, some chopped fresh herbs for freshness, or even a dash of soy sauce for a unique twist!
FAQs
I like to mix things up a bit. Sometimes, I’ll swap out the maple syrup for honey or throw in some soy sauce or sriracha. I also love to mix in blocks of feta and crispy diced cucumbers.
You can. (Though you might want to look for another recipe entirely!). Try almond butter or cashew butter in place of tahini—just know that the taste will be completely different.
If it’s too thick, I just add in a bit of water and whisk until it’s the right consistency; if it’s too thin, just add some more tahini.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh green salads love Tahini Dressing, but you can also drizzle it grilled vegetables, chicken, or meats. You might also use it as a dip for pita bread or fresh veggies. Go wild!
Make Ahead and How to Store
This is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Just store it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to a week. The same is true for leftovers. If it seems a little thick, just add a splash of water and stir. The dressing is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini
- 1 small clove of garlic crushed
- 3 TBSP maple syrup
- ½ lemon juiced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- water
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients in a mixing bowl, combine the tahini, crushed garlic, maple syrup, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Use a whisk to blend them thoroughly.
- Adjust the consistency gradually by adding water, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk. Keep pouring and whisking until the ingredients meld into a smooth dressing. You can make it as thick as you like.
- Transfer the dressing into an airtight container if you plan to store it. Otherwise, drizzle it over your salad and enjoy.
Nutrition
