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GET IT NOWThis Tahini Sauce Recipe Goes On Everything
I first whipped up this tahini sauce when I wanted something creamy and flavorful, but a little different from the usual ranch or vinaigrette. It turned out way better than I expected, and now I drizzle it over roasted veggies, toss it into salads, and even use it as a dip for grilled meats. This tahini sauce recipe has definitely become a staple around here, and I think it’ll be one of your new faves, too. 😉 Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- Creamy, nutty flavor – It has that bold, savory sesame taste like hummus, but smoother and tangier. I love how it instantly gives dishes that Mediterranean flair.
- Only takes 5 minutes – Seriously, just toss everything in the blender and go. I make it while my veggies are roasting or my chicken’s on the stove.
- Works for everything – I use it as a dip, dressing, or drizzle. Zucchini noodles? Yes. Falafel? Of course. Even grilled salmon gets a glow-up.
- Naturally healthy – It’s low carb, vegan, gluten-free, and made with whole food ingredients. I didn’t even set out to make it that way…it just happens to check all the boxes.
Make it with me and see just how many ways you’ll want to use it.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my tahini sauce recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Tahini Paste – This is just sesame seeds ground into a creamy seed butter…kind of like almond butter, but with sesame. It’s the star of the show here and also what gives hummus that classic flavor. I usually buy it (this is my favorite brand), but you can totally make your own by blending sesame seeds in a food processor until smooth. Toasted seeds give more flavor, and if it’s too thick, just add a little sesame oil to loosen it up.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves give the best flavor, but I’ve used 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic when I’m in a hurry. You could even get away with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if that’s all you’ve got.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I love the flavor EVOO adds here, but you can swap it with sesame oil for extra sesame vibes, or use something neutral like avocado oil if that’s what you have.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice gives the best zing, but I’ve definitely used the bottled kind when I’m short on time. Lime juice works too if you want a different citrus twist.
- Spices – I keep it simple with cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Water
How To Make Tahini Sauce
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Blend the ingredients. Combine the tahini, garlic, olive oil, water, lemon juice, and spices in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
- Thin out as needed. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the tahini sauce reaches your desired consistency. I leave it thicker if I plan on using it as a dip, and add water to thin it out if I’m using it as a dressing or sauce.
Tahini Sauce (5 Minutes)
My tahini sauce recipe is creamy, zesty, and ready in minutes. Use it for drizzling, dipping, or as a quick and easy dressing.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Combine all ingredients for the tahini sauce in a blender. Puree until smooth.
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Check the consistency and add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to thin out to a dressing consistency.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Makes 3/4 cup.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for easy ways to tweak the flavor, texture, or ingredients to make it your own.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for all the tasty ways I’ve been using this sauce lately.
- Store: I keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. If it thickens up, I just let it sit out a bit, then whisk in a little water if it still needs thinning.
- Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. I like using a silicone tray so I can pop out just what I need later!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Tahini Sauce
Serving Ideas
One of the most popular ways to use tahini sauce is with falafel, but here are a few of my other favorites:
- Salads – This sauce totally works as a tahini dressing, too. I like swapping it into a Greek salad, chickpea salad, or even a simple cucumber tomato one.
- Veggies – I love using tahini sauce as a dip for raw veggies like cucumbers and carrots, or drizzling it over roasted cauliflower, sauteed eggplant or roasted asparagus (pictured above).
- Bowls & Noodles – I first made this sauce to go over cucumber noodles, but now I use it on everything from zoodles to cauliflower rice to burger bowls. Just add your favorite protein and veggies, then drizzle away!
- Meats – I love it with lamb kofta or drizzled over Mediterranean chicken kabobs. It also makes a great swap for tzatziki on gyros, with or without pita bread.
Recipe Variations
If you want to change things up, here are a few easy ways to make this easy tahini sauce recipe your own:
- Spicy – Want to kick it up a notch? I like adding a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herby – Turn it into a green tahini sauce with about 1/2 cup of fresh herbs. I usually go for fresh parsley or cilantro, but dill, basil, mint, or chives are all fair game.
- Sweet – Add a tablespoon of maple syrup (or my sugar free maple syrup) or honey (or my sugar free honey) for a hint of sweetness.
- Yogurt – Stir in 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt to make it extra creamy. I like mixing in herbs too for a tahini yogurt sauce that’s super fresh.
22 Comments
Jean Hofve
0A delicious and very forgiving recipe! I had fish, and I had tahini (finding it was the hard part!). I more or less followed the recipe with what I had on hand, and it was great! Now that I have a giant jar of raw tahini, I look forward to using this recipe on a whole lot of other things!
Wholesome Yum D
0Thanks for sharing, Jean! That’s the beauty of this recipe, it’s so flexible. Can’t wait to hear what else you use that tahini on!
Jeannette
0This was great with some air fried chicken breast with teriyaki spices.
jess
0This sauce is amazing and I cannot wait to have this with literally everything and anything that I want.
Sharina
0This is so easy and satisfying! I enjoyed my zucchini noodles with this tangy and flavorful tahini sauce. And I am glad it is nut-free! Saving this recipe!
Toni
0I love how quick and easy it is to make! Thanks for the recipe!
Bilal
0The sauce tastes great! Hands down one of the best dressings I’ve had. However after my third attempt the dressing had risen and overflowed the container it was in. What could have caused the rise? It was out on a very warm day, and was never refrigerated, if that helps.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Bilal, Without being there is the kitchen with you it’s hard to say what went wrong, I suggest storing the tahini sauce in glass jars in the refrigerator.
Catherine
0How long will this keep in the fridge?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Catherine, It will last 5-6 days in the refrigerator.
Susan
0Just a comment for those who are unfamiliar with tahini. It is very difficult to work with when it’s cold (the brand I use requires refrigeration after opening), so I’ve learned to bring it to room temperature before trying to use it. Also, roasted tahini is way more flavorful than raw.
Shanna
0This was the first time I have ever tried tahini sauce and I am glad I did. I tried it with the cucumber noodles and it was so good that I started dipping other vegetables in it and even put a little on the pork roast I made. Super good, and really easy to make!
Sonali
0Absolutely delicious. The only change I made was using garlic infused olive oil rather than fresh cloves. That way I can take it to work without bothering my colleagues 😉 you’ve officially convinced me to start making my own dressings!
Joanne Madigan
0Can you leave out the lemon juice? What would you recommend in its place?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Joanne, You can use any citrus you like. The acid will help to brighten the sauce.
Michelle
0OMG Delicious! Adjusted the seasoning to my taste and I want to tell everyone about using Tahini as a base for dips dressings and marinades! So glad I stumbled across your recipe! Bravo! Where has this been all my life?
Teresa Lincoln
0I loved this so much I made a jar of it. I love to have cucumber noodles with tomato everyday. Great for breadless sandwich. Delicious!!
Davina
0Can you heat up the tahini sauce?
if I want to serve it over hot zucchini noodles?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Davina, Yes, you can!
Jenna Urben
0I can’t wait to try this over a buddha bowl for lunch! I have roasted veggies and kale and think this would be the perfect addition 🙂
Rosalie Dieteman
0Although the ads didn’t appear on the print preview, a big blank box with a CLOSE BUTTON did! I just had to close the print preview and close the bottom ad and it printed perfectly.
Wholesome Yum L
0Hi Rosalie! I tested the print feature and it worked great on my end. Glad you got it to print and hope you love it.