Carrageenan Free Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Bright, nutty, and tangy all at once, this lemon-tahini dressing is the kind of sauce that makes you want to drizzle it on absolutely everything. Store-bought dressings are a minefield for anyone avoiding carrageenan, since that thickener hides in countless creamy and emulsified products — but this one gets its silky, pourable texture entirely from the tahini itself and a little cold water whisked in gradually. The technique is satisfying to watch: what starts as a thick, seized paste transforms into a glossy, ribbon-smooth dressing right before your eyes. Fresh lemon juice and zest keep it lively, while a small hit of cumin adds just enough warmth to make it feel like more than a simple condiment. It's genuinely versatile — equally at home over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, falafel, or a simple green salad. Every ingredient is whole and straightforward, so you know exactly what you're pouring on your food.
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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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