Paleo Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Bright, garlicky, and creamy without a drop of dairy, this lemon-tahini dressing is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. Tahini — ground sesame paste — forms the silky base, while fresh lemon juice and a hint of cumin give it that punchy, layered flavor you'd expect from something far more complicated. The technique of adding cold water gradually is the real trick here: it transforms a thick, seized paste into a smooth, pourable ribbon that clings beautifully to salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Every ingredient is whole-food and grain-free, so it fits naturally into a paleo approach without any swaps or workarounds. Store-bought dressings are notorious for sneaking in refined oils, added sugars, or stabilizers — making this from scratch means you know exactly what's going in. A little lemon zest stirred in at the end is optional, but it adds a fragrant pop that takes the whole thing up a notch.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!