Paleo Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, nutty, and bright with fresh lemon, this tahini sauce comes together in minutes with nothing but a bowl and a whisk. Every ingredient — sesame paste, garlic, cumin, and a squeeze of citrus — is completely grain-free and unprocessed, making it a natural fit for a whole-foods way of eating. The trick to getting that silky, pourable texture is adding ice water gradually and whisking hard, which transforms a stiff paste into something almost impossibly smooth. A pinch of cumin gives it a subtle warmth that takes it well beyond basic, and a handful of fresh parsley stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and freshness. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled meat, or use it as a dipping sauce for crudités — it's endlessly versatile. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving again.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ½ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 3–5 tbsp ice water, plus more as needed
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin until the mixture seizes into a thick, pale paste.
- 2
Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition, until the sauce loosens to a smooth, pourable consistency that falls off the whisk in a slow, steady ribbon. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more for a thinner sauce.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!