BHA & BHT 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. The base is pure sesame paste whisked together with fresh lemon juice, raw garlic, a touch of cumin, and good olive oil — nothing processed, nothing preserved, just real ingredients doing all the heavy lifting. That matters a lot when you're avoiding synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT, which sneak into a surprising number of bottled dressings and condiments under vague labeling. Making it from scratch means you know exactly what's in the jar. The technique is simple but satisfying: the tahini seizes up dramatically when the lemon hits it, then gradually loosens into a silky, pourable ribbon as you whisk in cold water tablespoon by tablespoon. A little lemon zest at the end is optional but adds a floral brightness that really elevates the whole thing. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, salads, or anything that needs a creamy, flavor-forward finish.
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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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