Ready to learn my go-to dressing that’s perfect for salads, bowls, falafel, and more?
Allow me to introduce my 3-ingredient tahini dressing that’s so delicious it’s like liquid gold. I always have some on hand!
What is Tahini?
Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds into a smooth paste. Sometimes the sesame seeds are hulled, sometimes they’re left unhulled; sometimes roasted, sometimes raw. Our favorite way to use tahini? THIS tahini dressing!
Origin of Tahini
Tahini is an Arabic name for ground sesame seeds. However, its origins are thought to have been in Persia, where it was called “ardeh.” Tahini later found its way to other parts of the world and was held as a delicacy as sesame seeds were rather expensive to procure. In some cultures, tahini was even used as currency. (source) We hope you LOVE this easy dressing that’s perfect for salads, falafel, roasted veggies, and more!
How to Make Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tahini (ground sesame seeds – I love Alexis brand! For other brands, see our tahini review)
- 1 medium lemon, juiced (1 medium lemon yields ~3 Tbsp or 45 ml)
- 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup (or sub agave – or honey if not vegan)
- 1 pinch sea salt (optional)
- 1 clove garlic (minced // optional)
- Water (to thin // ~3-6 Tbsp or 45-90 ml as original recipe is written)
Instructions
- To a medium mixing bowl, add tahini, lemon juice, and maple syrup. If adding salt and garlic, add now (optional).
- Whisk to combine. Then slowly add water until creamy and pourable. The mixture may seize up and thicken at first, but continue adding water a little at a time and whisking until creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice for acidity, salt for saltiness, or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Enjoy fresh, or store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days (sometimes longer). This is delicious on things like Salads, Falafel, Fritters, Buddha Bowls, and more!
Video
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without salt or garlic.
Lynn says
1 TBSP of raw honey was way way way way way too sweet! I even tried doubling the recipe and it was still too sweet! (Unfortunately I didn’t have any maple syrup.) What are disappointment and what a waste of ingredients!
We’re so sorry that happened, Lynn!
Joanna Levine says
Thank you for this delicious simple recipe- love throwing it all in the bullet to blend ❤️
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Joanna. That’s a great idea to throw it in the bullet. Thank you for sharing! xo
Rachel mimeles says
This recipe is fabulous. Will be using on repeat.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rachel! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Lisa says
This was absolutely delicious, I didn’t have lemons so I had to substitute apple cider vinegar but it came out great. I will be making this on a regular basis. Thank you for introducing me to a way to use tahini other than hummus.
You’re so welcome! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Lisa! xoxo
Learning to count says
I ma be wrong here, but that is not a 3 ingredient dressing.
1- tahini
2-lemon
3-garlic
4-maple syrup
5-salt
And if you want to count the h20,
6- water
Garlic and salt are both optional and we don’t include water in the ingredient count.
Anti-imperialist says
Palestinians have been using tahini long before Israel’s invention.
Israel is fake says
I love that she’s casually ignored this accurate comment. ‘Israelis’ are Europeans and Americans, created and dumped by the west onto Arab lands, because the west didn’t want them anymore. And their murder of Palestinians continues to be funded by the west, in order to keep them away and dumped in the Arab world. They didn’t create any of the Arab food they claim to be theirs. They stole land, food, and culture because they lacked all of it, and frankly after her mention of Israel above, I will no longer be using or recommending her recipes.
June says
Anti-semitic much? Yikes.
Great recipe, gracias!
Ray says
Jews are indigenous to Israel. You forgot to include all the millions of Israeli Jews who were living in all the Arab lands but persecuted and kicked out. Please read before making ridiculous comments on this persons food blog
Chantal says
Delicious, Nice consistancy
Thank you for the lovely, Chantal! xoxo
Lucy S. says
I made this and poured it over a baked sweet pita with cooked kale, quinoa, & black beans. SO delicious!
That sounds SO good, Lucy! Thank you for sharing! xo
Lucy S. says
That’s sweet potato!! Not sweet pita.
Heidi A. says
Oh man! Now I am obsessed! This dressing makes plain Romaine sing! And it is wonderful with all my favorite salad items, artichoke hearts, pepita’s, avocado, pickled beets. Please do try it 💗
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Heidi! Thanks so much for the lovely review. xo
Jeanie Griggs says
How much does ⅓ cup of tahini weigh? Would much rather see recipes written with weights — way easier!
Hi Jeanie, it’s 80 grams tahini. Just above the listed ingredients it says “US Customary – Metric”, if you click “Metric” it shows you the weight for each ingredient in a recipe. Hope this helps!