Vegetarian 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 creamy sesame paste loosened with fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of good olive oil, with a little garlic and cumin rounding out the flavor into something genuinely complex. The trick is adding cold water gradually — it transforms what starts as a thick, seized paste into a silky, pourable sauce that coats salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables beautifully. Every ingredient here is plant-based and straightforward, so there's no need to scan labels or second-guess anything. A touch of lemon zest at the end is optional but worth it if you want an extra pop of citrus. This is also one of those dressings that keeps well in the fridge, though you may need to whisk in a splash of water to bring it back to life before serving.
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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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