Best Tahini Sauce

Why You’ll Love Best Tahini Sauce Recipe

• It’s easy and quick to make — just a few minutes and a whisk.

• The flavor is balanced: nutty and rich from tahini, bright and fresh from lemon juice, and gently savory from garlic and cumin.

• It’s extremely versatile — great as a dip, a sauce, or a dressing.

• You can easily adjust the consistency (thick or drizzly) to suit whatever you pair it with.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 medium‑to‑large cloves garlic, pressed or minced

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• ½ cup tahini

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• Pinch of ground cumin

• 6 tablespoons ice water (more as needed)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic and lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes — this mellows the garlic and infuses the lemon juice with flavor.

2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl, pressing the garlic solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

3. Add the tahini, salt, and cumin to the bowl with the garlic‑infused lemon juice. Whisk until fully combined. The mixture will thicken and may seize up — this is normal.

4. Add ice water two tablespoons at a time, whisking after each addition, until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy and light-colored. You’ll usually use about 6 tablespoons.

5. If you want a thinner, drizzlable sauce, add more water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste, and if needed, adjust by adding more lemon juice for brightness or more salt for depth.

Servings and timing

Makes about 1 to 1¼ cups — enough for approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes (plus 10 minutes resting time)
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

• For a herby twist: whisk in chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, cilantro, or basil) at the end. For a smoother green sauce, blend the herbs with the tahini sauce in a food processor.

• Skip the garlic for a simpler, milder flavor.

• To use as a salad dressing, thin more with water (or lemon juice + water) until it reaches your desired consistency.

• You can experiment with spices — a pinch of smoked paprika, ground pepper, or even a hint of chili can add a nice dimension.

Storage/Reheating

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If the tahini thickens as it chills, whisk in a little cold water to bring it back to a smooth, drizzly consistency. Do not heat — serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What can I use this tahini sauce for?

You can use it as a dip for pita or raw veggies, drizzle it over roasted vegetables or salads, serve it alongside falafel or grain bowls, or use it as a creamy sauce for wraps and sandwiches.

Can I make this sauce without garlic?

Yes. If you prefer a milder, less “garlicky” flavor, simply skip the garlic and add the lemon juice directly with the tahini. You’ll still get a bright, creamy tahini sauce.

My sauce got grainy or thick — what happened?

Tahini naturally seizes up if you add liquid too quickly. That’s why you whisk in ice water gradually, two tablespoons at a time. If your sauce turns thick or grainy, just keep whisking and add a bit more water until it loosens up.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes — you can stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to add some heat.

Can I add herbs to make a green tahini sauce?

Absolutely. Chop fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill or basil and whisk them in. For a smoother green sauce, blend the herbs with the tahini sauce in a blender or food processor.

Is this sauce vegan and dairy‑free?

Yes. This tahini sauce uses no dairy; it’s based on tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, water, and seasonings — making it naturally vegan and dairy-free.

How long does the sauce keep?

Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, it will keep for about a week.

What if my tahini becomes too thick once chilled?

No problem — just whisk in a little cold water until it returns to a smooth, pourable consistency.

Can I freeze the tahini sauce?

Yes — you can freeze it for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and whisk to re-emulsify before using.

Does the flavor improve over time?

The flavors meld and mellow slightly after a few hours or overnight in the fridge, making the sauce even more balanced — but it’s delicious right away, too.

Conclusion

This tahini sauce is a simple, yet transformative addition to your cooking repertoire. Rich and nutty from tahini, bright and zesty from lemon, and softened by garlic and cumin, it brings depth and creaminess to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over roasted veggies, dressing a salad, dunking fresh pita, or building a grain bowl, this sauce adds that satisfying, Middle Eastern–style touch — ready in just 20 minutes and infinitely adaptable.

Best Tahini Sauce

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This creamy, versatile tahini sauce is made with simple ingredients and comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or using as a dip.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: About 3/4 cup
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Whisking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tahini (well-stirred)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 1 1/2 lemons)
• 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water, more as needed
• 1 medium garlic clove, pressed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin or chopped fresh parsley, for extra flavor

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Whisk until the mixture is well blended. It may thicken up and seize—this is normal.
3. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of ice water and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
4. If desired, stir in ground cumin or chopped parsley for extra flavor.
5. Taste and adjust as necessary—add more lemon juice for tang, garlic for bite, or salt to enhance flavor.
6. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using.

Notes

• For a thinner consistency, add more ice water gradually.
• The sauce will thicken when refrigerated; stir in a bit of water to loosen.
• This sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
• Great as a dip, dressing, or drizzle over roasted veggies or grains.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg