Name: Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup tahini; 2-3 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp dijon mustard; 2 tsp maple syrup or honey; ½ tsp fine sea salt; freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp ice-cold water

This creamy tahini dressing brings a perfect balance of flavors to your salads, wraps, and grain bowls. It's rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it incredibly versatile.

Photos of Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe

If you don't usually keep tahini or dijon mustard in your pantry, you'll need to grab these at the store. Tahini is a sesame seed paste commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, and dijon mustard offers a smooth, slightly spicy flavor that elevates dressings.

Ingredients for Creamy Tahini Dressing

extra-virgin olive oil: Offers a rich, fruity base for the dressing.

tahini: A creamy paste made from sesame seeds, adding a nutty flavor.

lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy acidity.

dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, slightly spicy kick.

maple syrup: Brings a natural sweetness to balance the flavors.

fine sea salt: Enhances all the other ingredients.

freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth.

ice-cold water: Helps the dressing achieve a creamy consistency.

One reader, Feodor Williford says:

This creamy tahini dressing is a game-changer! The blend of tahini, lemon, and maple syrup creates a perfect balance of flavors. It's incredibly easy to make and adds a delicious, creamy touch to any salad. Highly recommend!

Feodor Williford

Techniques Required for Making Creamy Tahini Dressing

How to whisk: Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. How to taste and adjust seasoning: After mixing, taste the dressing and add more lemon juice or pepper if needed to suit your preference.

How To Make Creamy Tahini Dressing

Tahini has a relatively strong and prickly sour taste that is balanced by honey or maple syrup, adding a fresh taste to any salad. Make this creamy dip now!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
¼cuptahini
2-3tbsplemon juice,taste
2tspdijon mustard
2tspmaple syrup or honey
½tspfine sea salt
freshly ground black pepper,to taste
2tbspice-cold water,more as needed

Instructions

In a liquid measuring cup or jar, combine the olive oil, tahini, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt, and several twists of black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
Add the cold water, and whisk again. The dressing should become remarkably creamy. Taste, and add more lemon juice and pepper, if desired.

Recipe Notes

If your dressing is too thick to drizzle, whisk in more cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
This dressing will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 1 week. It may thicken with time; simply thin it with a little more cool water as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 662.03kcal
Fat: 65.02g
Saturated Fat: 9.01g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 38.85g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.93g
Carbohydrates: 18.44g
Fiber: 4.67g
Sugar: 6.82g
Protein: 8.06g
Sodium: 344.98mg
Calcium: 211.03mg
Potassium: 248.56mg
Iron: 4.45mg
Vitamin A: 1.85µg
Vitamin C: 8.88mg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To achieve a perfectly creamy texture for your tahini dressing, make sure to use ice-cold water. The cold temperature helps to emulsify the tahini and olive oil, creating a smooth and velvety consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dressing Recipe

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, and salt in advance to streamline the process.

Use a blender: Combine all ingredients in a blender for a quick and smooth dressing.

Store in a jar: Make a larger batch and store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Prep cold water: Keep a small container of ice-cold water ready to add for the perfect creamy consistency.

Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe

extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that won't overpower the dressing.
tahini - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for those with sesame allergies.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a similar tangy acidity that balances the richness of the dressing.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor and adds a bit of texture to the dressing.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar provides a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative for those who prefer a different sweetener.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar saltiness but may require a slightly larger quantity due to its coarser texture.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile that can add a unique twist to the dressing.
ice-cold water - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can provide a similar thinning effect while adding a subtle nutty flavor to the dressing.

Best Way to Present This Tahini Dressing

Use a sleek, modern bowl: Choose a minimalist, white ceramic bowl to let the creamy tahini dressing stand out visually.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Drizzle artistically: Use a small spoon or squeeze bottle to drizzle the dressing in a delicate, swirling pattern across the plate.
Add a citrus twist: Place a thin slice of lemon or a small wedge on the side to hint at the lemon juice used in the recipe.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Serve with colorful vegetables: Arrange a variety of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips around the dressing for a vibrant presentation.
Highlight the ingredients: Place small, elegant bowls of tahini, olive oil, and dijon mustard nearby to showcase the key components of the dressing.
Use a contrasting backdrop: Present the dish on a dark slate or wooden board to make the creamy dressing pop visually.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper for an elevated touch.
Serve chilled: Ensure the dressing is well-chilled before serving to enhance its creamy texture and refreshing taste.

Essential Tools for Making Creamy Tahini Dressing

Liquid measuring cup: Used to accurately measure the liquid ingredients like olive oil, tahini, and lemon juice.
Jar: An alternative to a liquid measuring cup, useful for combining and storing the dressing.
Whisk: Essential for thoroughly blending the ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like mustard, maple syrup, and salt.
Pepper mill: Used for freshly grinding black pepper to enhance the flavor of the dressing.
Knife: Useful for cutting the lemon to extract the juice.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the lemon.
Spoon: Handy for scooping and adding ingredients like tahini and mustard.
Small bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the dressing if you prefer not to use a jar or measuring cup.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade Tahini Dressing

Store the creamy tahini dressing in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a squeeze bottle, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If the dressing thickens up too much in the fridge, simply whisk in a little more ice-cold water or olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
To freeze the dressing, pour it into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.
When ready to use the frozen dressing, thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
After thawing, give the dressing a good whisk or shake to recombine the ingredients, as some separation may occur during the freezing process.
If the thawed dressing seems too thick, add a small amount of cold water or lemon juice to adjust the consistency before serving.

Random Fact About Creamy Tahini Dressing

A random fact about this recipe is that tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing and pairs well with the lemon juice and olive oil.

Is Making Tahini Dressing at Home Economical?

This creamy tahini dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients like olive oil, tahini, and lemon juice are pantry staples and can be used in multiple dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7, making it an affordable option. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Creamy Dressing Healthy or Unhealthy?

This creamy tahini dressing recipe is generally healthy, as it contains several nutritious ingredients:

Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron
Lemon juice provides vitamin C and helps balance the flavors
Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and contains beneficial compounds like glucosinolates
Maple syrup or honey provides a touch of natural sweetness, although in moderation

However, the dressing is relatively high in calories due to the olive oil and tahini, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To make this dressing even healthier, you could:

Reduce the amount of olive oil and tahini slightly to lower the calorie content
Use a lighter option like water or unsweetened almond milk to thin the dressing instead of additional oil
Increase the amount of lemon juice for a brighter, tangier flavor and more vitamin C
Add minced garlic or ginger for an extra boost of flavor and potential health benefits
Experiment with adding other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or turmeric for added depth and antioxidants
Drizzle the dressing over a colorful salad packed with fresh vegetables to increase the overall nutrient content of your meal

Editor's Thoughts on This Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe

This creamy tahini dressing recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tahini and extra-virgin olive oil provides a rich, nutty base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tang. Dijon mustard and maple syrup or honey introduce a balanced complexity, with the mustard offering a subtle sharpness and the sweetener adding a touch of sweetness. The fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the overall taste, and the ice-cold water ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. This versatile dressing is perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or as a dip, making it a must-try.

Enhance Your Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds: Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts mingling with the juicy burst of pomegranate seeds. This side-dish brings a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a perfect companion to the creamy tahini dressing.

Quinoa and Kale Salad: Quinoa and Kale Salad: Picture a vibrant mix of quinoa and kale, tossed with a medley of colorful vegetables. The nutty flavor of quinoa and the earthy taste of kale create a wholesome base that pairs beautifully with the tangy and creamy dressing.

Grilled Eggplant with Feta: Grilled Eggplant with Feta: Envision slices of smoky grilled eggplant, topped with crumbles of feta cheese. The creamy tahini dressing drizzled over this dish adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the eggplant's charred goodness.

Couscous with Roasted Vegetables: Couscous with Roasted Vegetables: Think of fluffy couscous mixed with a rainbow of roasted vegetables. The creamy tahini dressing ties all the elements together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet Potato Fries: Imagine crispy, golden sweet potato fries, seasoned to perfection. The creamy tahini dressing serves as an irresistible dipping sauce, adding a savory and slightly sweet twist to this classic side.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Creamy Tahini Dressing

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Brighten up your salads with this zesty lemon herb vinaigrette. A perfect balance of tangy lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Ideal for drizzling over fresh greens or roasted vegetables.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce: This creamy garlic yogurt sauce is a versatile addition to any meal. Made with rich Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and a hint of lemon, it's perfect for dipping vegetables, spreading on sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats.

Avocado Lime Dressing: Elevate your salads with this luscious avocado lime dressing. Creamy avocado blended with fresh lime juice, a touch of cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a subtle kick. Perfect for taco salads or as a dip for crudités.

Miso Ginger Dressing: Add an umami punch to your salads with this miso ginger dressing. A harmonious blend of white miso, fresh ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Ideal for Asian-inspired salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

Honey Mustard Dressing: Sweet and tangy, this honey mustard dressing is a classic favorite. Combining smooth Dijon mustard, sweet honey, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, it's perfect for drizzling over salads or as a dip for chicken tenders.

Why trust this Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of tahini with the bright acidity of lemon juice, creating a balanced and versatile dressing. The addition of dijon mustard and maple syrup adds depth and a touch of sweetness, while extra-virgin olive oil ensures a smooth texture. The use of ice-cold water makes the dressing remarkably creamy without the need for dairy. Trust this recipe for its simple, wholesome ingredients and the perfect harmony of flavors.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long can I store the creamy tahini dressing in the fridge?

You can store the creamy tahini dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it again.

Can I use a different type of mustard instead of dijon?

Absolutely! If you don't have dijon mustard on hand, you can use yellow mustard or even whole grain mustard. It might slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup or honey?

Yes, you can use agave nectar or even a bit of brown sugar if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the amount to taste since these substitutes can vary in sweetness.

Can I make this dressing without olive oil?

Sure thing! If you want to skip the olive oil, you can use water or vegetable broth instead. The dressing will be a bit lighter but still creamy and tasty.

What can I use this creamy tahini dressing on?

This dressing is super versatile! You can drizzle it over salads, use it as a dip for veggies, or even as a sauce for grain bowls and roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!