ZESTY GARLIC TAHINI DRESSING
Zesty Garlic Tahini Dressing is a smooth, flavourful and nutritious dressing with a creamy texture and a bold garlic lemon tang. Tahini, a sesame seed paste, provides a nutty richness, while fresh lemon juice adds brightness. The olive oil enhances the silkiness and the minced garlic introduces a pungent depth that makes this dressing stand out. This dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls or as a dipping sauce for pita and falafel. Its well-balanced flavours work well in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and plant-based meals. With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, this dressing is quick to make and full of natural, wholesome goodness. Whether drizzled over a fresh salad or used as a creamy sauce, it brings a vibrant boost to any dish.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Salad Dressing
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic, Family Reunion, Potluck, Ramadan, Passover
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Vegan, Quick & Easy, Gluten-Free, Low Sodium
DISH TYPE
Salad Dressing
INGREDIENTS
The following are the ingredients we need to prepare this zesty garlic tahini dressing.
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber:5g
- Sugars:5g
- Protein: 1g
PREPARATION
Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing this zesty garlic tahini dressing.
- Prepare The Ingredients: Mince the garlic finely to ensure even distribution and a smooth dressing. Measure out all other ingredients before starting.
- Mix The Base Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the tahini and lemon juice. Stir vigorously until the mixture thickens into a paste. This step helps emulsify the dressing.
- Incorporate The Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This step ensures the dressing remains creamy and well-blended.
- Add The Garlic And Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Adjust The Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add ½ teaspoon of water and stir until it reaches the desired consistency. Add more if needed.
- Let The Flavours Meld: Allow the dressing to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
- Serve And Enjoy: Drizzle over salads, use as a dip or spread onto sandwiches and wraps for added flavour.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
No cooking required
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for you when making this zesty garlic tahini dressing.
- Use Smooth Tahini: Stir the tahini well before using, as it can naturally separate. A runny consistency blends more easily.
- Mince Garlic Finely: To prevent overpowering chunks, mince the garlic as finely as possible or use a garlic press for an even smoother texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
- Balance Acidity: If the dressing tastes too sharp, add a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of sugar to mellow it out.
- Make It Creamier: Blend the dressing with a small amount of Greek yoghurt for a silkier, richer consistency.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the dressing to rest before serving enhances the flavours, making it more balanced and well-rounded.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Tahini Dressing: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for a mild heat. Adjust spice level based on preference.
- Herbed Tahini Dressing: Stir in ½ tsp finely chopped parsley, cilantro or dill for a fresh herbal twist. Let it sit for 10 minutes to enhance the flavour.
- Sweet Tahini Dressing: Add ½ tsp maple syrup or honey for a slightly sweet contrast. This works well with grain bowls or roasted vegetables.
- Sesame-Infused Dressing: Mix in ½ tsp toasted sesame oil for a deeper, nutty flavour that complements Asian-inspired dishes.
- Creamy Garlic Tahini: Blend in 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt or a dairy-free alternative for a thicker, more indulgent texture.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before each use, as separation may occur.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as tahini-based dressings can change texture when thawed.
- Serving Tip: If the dressing thickens in the fridge, whisk in a small amount of water or lemon juice to restore consistency before serving.