Low Sugar Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Bright, creamy, and packed with nutty depth, this lemon-tahini dressing is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more intentional. Store-bought dressings are notorious for sneaking in sweeteners — even savory-sounding ones often hide cane sugar, honey, or agave somewhere in the ingredient list. This version keeps things completely clean, relying on the natural richness of tahini, the sharp brightness of fresh lemon juice, and a whisper of cumin to build real, layered flavor without a drop of added sweetness. The technique is simple but satisfying: the mixture seizes up dramatically at first, then transforms into a silky, pourable ribbon as you work in the olive oil and cold water. That gradual emulsification is what gives it such a smooth, restaurant-quality texture. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or crisp salads, and you'll wonder why you ever reached for a bottle.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3–4 tbsp cold water, plus more as needed
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin until combined — the mixture will seize and look thick and paste-like at first.
- 2
Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until incorporated.
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