Lemon Tahini Sauce
With just a few pantry ingredients, this Lemon Tahini Sauce comes together in minutes! It is perfect on bowls, salads, wraps, and roasted veggies. Somehow it is nutty, lemony, garlicky, and herby all at the same time!
If you love grain bowls like I do, you absolutely have to try this lemon tahini sauce! It’s super simple, totally delicious, and somehow makes everything taste better. I especially like it with any of my bowls that have roasted vegetables. It adds a certain flavor that just takes the whole thing up a notch! Everything comes together in the food processor or blender, and it keeps well for days, so you can drizzle it over anything all week long.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, and it’s a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. While it’s often known for its role in hummus, tahini also makes a rich, nutty base for dressings and sauces, especially when paired with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Ingredients You Need
- Garlic: Raw garlic gives this sauce its punch. Start with 4 cloves for mild heat or use up to 6 if you’re a garlic girly!
- Tahini paste: Use a good-quality sesame seed paste that’s smooth and pourable. If it’s separated in the jar, stir well before measuring.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and softens the sharpness of the lemon and garlic.
- Lemon (juice + zest): Use both the juice and zest for maximum citrusy flavor. Fresh lemon is key here!
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that gives this sauce depth.
- Salt: Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste. I like it a bit saltier and always add around 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the sauce and adds a subtle herbal finish.
- Ice water: Helps thin the sauce and creates a light, creamy texture.
How to Make This Easy Lemon Tahini Sauce Recipe
For the full ingredients list and instructions, click here.- Blend the ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cumin. Blend until smooth. The mixture will be very thick at first.
- Adjust consistency: With the blender running, slowly add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. For a pourable sauce, you may need about ⅓ to ½ cup of water total. Add the fresh parsley and pulse until smooth.
- Season and store: Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt, if desired. Transfer to a jar or airtight container. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5–7 days.
- Serve: Use as a drizzle for grain bowls, roasted vegetables, falafel, grilled meats, or as a dip!
How to Use It
This lemon tahini sauce is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over grain bowls (like my roasted veggie bowl!) or roasted vegetables, use it as a dip for pita or falafel, or spoon it over grilled meats like chicken or lamb. It’s also excellent as a salad dressing, especially warm salads!
Storage
Store your lemon tahini sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. It may thicken slightly as it chills, so just stir in a splash of water or lemon juice before serving to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you finely mince the garlic and parsley, you can whisk everything together by hand. The texture will be slightly more rustic, but still delicious.
Bitterness can vary between brands. Try adding a touch of maple syrup or honey to balance the flavor if needed.
Yes! Typically, tahini sauce is naturally vegan and dairy-free.
Herby Lemon Tahini Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and cumin. Blend until smooth. The mixture will be very thick at first.
- Adjust consistency: With the blender running, slowly add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. For a pourable sauce, you may need about ⅓ to ½ cup of water total. Add the fresh parsley and pulse until smooth.
- Season and store: Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt, if desired. Transfer to a jar or airtight container. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5–7 days.
- Serve: Use as a drizzle for grain bowls, roasted vegetables, falafel, grilled meats, or as a dip!
