Xanthan Gum 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. Many store-bought dressings and condiments sneak in stabilizers and thickeners — xanthan gum being one of the most common — so making your own is the cleanest way to stay in control of what's actually in the bottle. The good news is that tahini does all the emulsifying work here on its own, creating a silky, pourable consistency without any additives whatsoever. Cold water is the secret weapon: added gradually while whisking, it transforms that thick, seized paste into something smooth and glossy that ribbons beautifully off the whisk. A little fresh garlic and ground cumin round out the flavor, giving it depth that goes way beyond a basic vinaigrette. Spoon it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, salads, or grilled proteins — it genuinely elevates whatever it touches.
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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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