Creamy Tahini Lemon Garlic (Printable Page)

A smooth blend of tahini, lemon, garlic, and olive oil for vibrant flavor enhancements.

# 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 more 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add the minced garlic, maple syrup or honey if using, salt, and cumin if using. Whisk again until fully combined.
03 - Adjust consistency by adding more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is pourable and creamy.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or sweetener as desired.
05 - Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir or shake before using.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Five minutes, zero cooking: This is the kind of sauce that feels like a shortcut but tastes like effort.
  • It transforms everything: From tired salads to roasted root vegetables to crispy falafel, this dressing finds a home everywhere.
  • It actually tastes better than store-bought: Once you taste the difference between homemade and bottled, there's no going back.
02 -
  • Tahini separates, and that's completely normal: If you've ever opened a jar and found a layer of oil on top, that's not a mistake—just stir it back in, or drain some off if you prefer a denser paste.
  • Don't skip the whisking: A fork won't get the air and emulsion you need; even thirty seconds with a proper whisk changes everything about the texture and how it feels in your mouth.
03 -
  • Cold lemon juice takes longer to emulsify than room-temperature: Let your lemon sit out for a few minutes or run it under warm water, and the whisking becomes easier and faster.
  • If it breaks or gets too thick, start with a clean bowl and whisk a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, then slowly add your separated dressing back in: It'll come back together.
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