Creamy Tahini Lemon Zest (Printable)

Smooth tahini blended with lemon, garlic, and olive oil for versatile kitchen use.

# What you'll need:

→ Base

01 - 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
02 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons water, plus additional as needed

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
06 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for balance)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for depth)

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add minced garlic, maple syrup or honey (if using), salt, and cumin (if using). Whisk until fully combined.
03 - Add water gradually in 1-tablespoon increments until the dressing reaches desired pourable and creamy consistency.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt, lemon juice, or sweetener as desired.
05 - Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Stir or shake before each use.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to squeeze a lemon—no cooking, no stress, pure creamy deliciousness.
  • One batch works as a salad dressing, a grain bowl topper, a vegetable dip, and a sauce for grilled everything, so you're basically solving dinner in five minutes.
02 -
  • Don't add water all at once—the dressing thickens up as you whisk, and you'll end up with something too thin if you're not patient and gradual about it.
  • The quality of your tahini matters more than any other ingredient; a smooth, fresh tahini makes this silky, while an old or poor-quality one tastes bitter and grainy no matter what else you do.
03 -
  • Room temperature tahini whisks into a smooth dressing much faster than cold tahini straight from the pantry—take it out five minutes before mixing.
  • If your dressing breaks or looks grainy, start fresh with clean bowl and slowly whisk in the broken dressing to an existing mixture of lemon juice and water.
Return