This Tahini Sauce is a luscious, tangy and creamy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, falafel and more.
Whenever I’m looking for a simple way to boost the flavor of grilled or roasted vegetables, a grain bowl or a wrap, I make this tahini sauce. It’s my favorite sauce for this nutrient-packed Buddha Bowl, and it makes an amazing salad dressing. With so many delicious uses, this versatile sauce deserves a spot in your recipe collection!
The best part is that making tahini sauce couldn’t be easier! It takes less than 10 minutes to make and requires no cooking. I like to whisk up a batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge to liven up our meals all week long.
What is Tahini Sauce?
Tahini sauce is a Middle Eastern sauce that’s made with tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic and lemon juice. It’s creamy, tangy and bright, with a slight nutty flavor.
Tahini Sauce Ingredients
There are five basic ingredients in my tahini sauce recipe. Sometimes I also like to add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, for a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor.
- Tahini: Tahini is a paste made from roasted sesame seeds. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Using a good-quality tahini is key for making the best tahini sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds boldness. Use one small or large clove, depending on how much you like garlic!
- Sea Salt: To make all of the flavors pop.
- Ice-Cold Water: Thins the sauce and creates a smooth texture.
How to Make Tahini Sauce
Here’s an overview of the recipe steps. Find the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts below.
Make a paste with the garlic and sea salt. First, mince or press the garlic and place it in a small mixing bowl. Sprinkle the sea salt on top and use the back of a spoon to mash the garlic and salt into a paste.
Add the tahini and lemon juice. Whisk to combine. The mixture may thicken; this is normal.
Whisk in the water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If you plan to use the sauce as a dip, you’ll want to leave it a bit thicker. To make a thinner sauce or dressing for drizzling, whisk in a little more water.
Taste the sauce and add more lemon juice and/or salt if needed. I usually add one more tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor a bit more.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to use this flavorful sauce! Here are a few ideas:
- I love this sauce with my Chicken Shawarma recipe!
- Drizzle it over Roasted Vegetables or Grilled Vegetables.
- Use it as a salad dressing or drizzle it over a grain bowl.
- Serve it with gyros, drizzle over falafel, or add it to a Veggie Wrap.
- Enjoy it as a dip for raw veggies or Whole Wheat Pita Bread.
Storage Instructions
Tahini sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Whisk it again before serving. If it has thickened up too much, you can whisk in a little more cold water.
More Sauces and Spreads
Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt*, or to taste
- ½ cup tahini
- 4-5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
- 4-6 tablespoons ice-cold water, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Mince or press the garlic clove and place it in a small mixing bowl. Add the fine sea salt on top of the minced garlic and use the back of a spoon to mash the garlic and salt into a paste.
- Add the tahini and 4 tablespoons lemon juice and whisk to combine. The mixture may thicken; this is normal.
- Whisk in the water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce is your desired consistency.
- Taste and add more lemon juice and/or salt if needed. (I usually add one more tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor a bit more.)
Notes
- If using regular table salt, start with just 1/4 teaspoon and add more if needed to taste.
- If you are sensitive to salt, start with less and then add more if needed, to taste.
- Makes about 1 cup.
- Tahini sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Whisk again before serving. If it has thickened up too much, you can whisk in a little more cold water.
This tahini sauce is AMAZING!!! I found and used it on the Buddha bowl recipe. This sauce has earned regular rotation status in this family, it’s that good but it was made for the Buddha bowl. The flavor combo is incredible.
Yay!! I’m so glad that you are enjoying both this recipe and the Buddha bowl! I agree, they are a perfect pair!