Vegan Creamy Tahini Lemon Dressing
Bright, nutty, and silky smooth, this tahini lemon dressing is the kind of thing you'll want to drizzle over absolutely everything. The base is well-stirred tahini whisked together with fresh lemon juice, garlic-infused olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup — no honey, no dairy, no shortcuts that would compromise its plant-based credentials. A pinch of cumin adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting without overpowering the clean, citrusy backbone. The trick of adding cold water one tablespoon at a time is what transforms the initially thick paste into a glossy, pourable ribbon that clings perfectly to greens, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or falafel. Many store-bought dressings sneak in dairy derivatives or honey, so making your own means you know exactly what's in the bottle. Fresh parsley stirred in at the end gives it a pop of color and a herby lift that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy. It comes together in one bowl with a whisk, which means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying the meal.
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
8 servings
- ½ cup tahini (well-stirred)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 3 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
- 3–4 tbsp cold water, plus more to thin
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp fine salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic-infused olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and uniform — it will seize and look thick at first, which is expected.
- 2
Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until the dressing is pourable and coats the back of a spoon — about 3 to 4 tablespoons total. The dressing should flow off the whisk in a thin, steady ribbon.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!