Embrace the rich and nutty flavors of this Easy Tahini Dressing Recipe.
I grew up in a very Midwest/Southern household. My mom was a good cook who stuck to the regional classics. While she had these recipes down to an art, she didn’t stray much from the Southern staples we all knew and loved. That meant it wasn’t until I was much older that I first tasted tahini.
When I did, I was hooked. Made from ground toasted sesame seeds, the nutty flavor of tahini is a perfect backdrop for a number of recipes, both sweet and savory. You can slather it over toast like peanut butter, use it as a dip for crisp vegetables, or even swirl it into cookie or brownie batters for an indulgent finish. But one of my favorite ways to incorporate tahini in the kitchen is in a simple salad dressing. The perfect combination of sweet, savory, and earthy, I drizzle this dressing over greens, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and more.
The secret to smooth dressing
I’ll let you in on a little secret when making tahini dressing: it’s temperamental. Tahini has a tendency to seize up when it meets liquid, which can be quite discouraging. The trick here is to add the water very slowly, whisking as you go. Don’t rush the process, and don’t panic if it’s not coming together—just keep whisking. You can add a little more warm water if it’s still too thick, or try blending it in a food processor or blender for more power.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the tahini dressing in a sealed glass jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir or shake it well before using; it may thicken or separate over time. If it gets too thick, whisk in a small amount of warm water until it returns to a creamy, pourable consistency.
Serving suggestions
The options are endless. Use your tahini dressing to dress a Kale Salad or a grain bowl. Drizzle it over some Roasted Eggplant, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Carrots And Parsnips. You can also use it with proteins, such as these Grilled Chicken Skewers or Baked Shrimp.
Tahini Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 small clove of garlic crushed
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water
Instructions
- 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.
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