Gluten Free Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Bright, nutty, and tangy all at once, this lemon-tahini dressing is the kind of sauce that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. The base is pure sesame paste loosened with fresh lemon juice, a whisper of raw garlic, and a pinch of cumin — no fillers, no thickeners, nothing that could sneak gluten onto your plate. That matters more than people realize, since many bottled dressings and condiments rely on hidden starches or malt-based ingredients to achieve their texture. Here, cold water does the work instead, gradually transforming a thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable ribbon that clings beautifully to greens, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or falafel. The technique is simple but satisfying: whisk, drizzle, add water slowly, and watch it come together. A little lemon zest stirred in at the end lifts the whole thing and gives it a brightness that bottled tahini dressings rarely match. Make a batch, keep it in the fridge, and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week long.
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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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