This creamy tahini dressing is oil-free and packed with flavor, yet so easy to make with just six simple ingredients. It’s perfect for salads, falafel, roasted vegetables, and more!
This tahini dressing has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and for good reason—it’s creamy, nutty, and adds the perfect touch of flavor to so many dishes!
Whether I’m drizzling it over a big, hearty salad (like this grilled chicken salad), using it as a dip for roasted veggies, or adding it to a grain bowl (like my chicken shawarma bowl), I find myself making a batch almost every week.
If you love tahini as much as I do, you’re going to be obsessed with this dressing!
Why You’ll Love This Tahini Dressing
- Creamy & Flavorful – This dressing has a rich, nutty taste with the perfect balance of lemony tang and garlic.
- Oil-Free & Healthy – Made without added oil, it’s a nutritious option packed with healthy fats from tahini.
- Quick & Easy – Just six simple ingredients and a few minutes are all you need!
- Versatile – Perfect for drizzling on salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, or as a dip.
Ingredients Needed
- tahini – the star of the show! Tahini is a seed butter that has a nutty taste and creamy consistency similar to other nut butter. My favorite tahini is the organic Whole Foods tahini, but I also regularly buy the Once Again tahini. You can also make homemade tahini!
- lemon juice – one of my favorite ingredients to use for making homemade dressings.
- maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness to balance out the tang from the lemon juice.
- minced garlic – you can use pre-minced garlic to save time, but fresh garlic definitely has the best flavor.
- dijon mustard – make sure you use dijon mustard, which has a more robust flavor compared to yellow mustard. It’s also less vinegar-y which balances out the other flavors nicely!
- sea salt – to bring all of the flavors together.
How to Make This Dressing
Making this tahini dressing is as simple as whisking together a few ingredients—follow these easy steps for a creamy, flavorful dressing in minutes.
Step 1: Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Or add all ingredients into a mason jar and shake to combine.
Step 2: Add more water to thin the dressing if needed. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Brittany’s Tips For The Perfect Creamy Tahini Dressing
- Adjust the Thickness: If your dressing is too thick, add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Use Fresh Tahini: The quality of tahini can really make a difference in flavor—look for fresh, high-quality tahini for the best taste.
- Flavor Boost: For a little extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cumin.
- Make It Sweeter: If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Ways to Use Tahini Dressing
I am obsessed with all things tahini so I love this dressing with so many different salads and grain bowls! Here are some ideas:
How to Store
I recommend storing your homemade dressing in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly in the fridge.
I use these 8 oz mason jars and plastic lids for storing so I can easily shake to re-mix the ingredients before serving.
Tahini Dressing FAQs
Tahini is ground sesame seeds… yep, that’s it! The consistency is similar to other nut and seed butter and it has a mild, nutty flavor that is delicious in a variety of recipes from tahini cookies to tahini pasta sauce. It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals and is one of my favorite ingredients! You’ll find tahini near the other nut and seed butter in the grocery store.
Yes! This tahini dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge.
More Dressing Recipes
Be sure to check out my full collection of healthy salad dressings!
This post was originally published on September 3, 2021 and republished on March 31, 2025
