Pistachio Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, tangy, and endlessly versatile, this tahini sauce comes together in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. The magic happens when ice water is whisked in gradually — it transforms a thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable sauce that clings beautifully to everything from roasted vegetables to falafel. A touch of cumin adds warmth, fresh lemon juice keeps it bright, and the optional parsley gives it a pop of color that makes it look as good as it tastes. Since tahini is made purely from sesame seeds, this recipe is naturally free from tree nuts like pistachios, with no sneaky additions or blended nut pastes to worry about. Store-bought versions can sometimes include unexpected ingredients, so making it from scratch gives you full control over every element. It stores well in an airtight container, so you can make a batch ahead and drizzle it over just about anything all week long.
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!