Artificial Flavors Free Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Bright, nutty, and tangy all at once, this lemon-tahini dressing is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. Bottled dressings are one of the sneakiest places artificial flavors hide, tucked behind vague "natural and artificial flavors" labels that make it nearly impossible to know what you're actually pouring over your food. Making it from scratch with real tahini, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a single garlic clove means every bit of flavor comes from an ingredient you can actually see and name. The cold water trick is the real magic here — added gradually while whisking, it transforms a thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable dressing with a texture that rivals anything from a bottle. A pinch of cumin adds just enough warmth to round out the brightness without overpowering the sesame. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, salads, or anything that needs a little lift — and keep a jar in the fridge because you will absolutely want it on hand all week.
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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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