This Tahini Sauce is a luscious, tangy and creamy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, falafel and more.

Tahini sauce drizzling from a spoon into jar of sauce.

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

Ingredients for tahini sauce recipe.

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.

Minced garlic and sea salt in a small mixing bowl.
Garlic and salt in a bowl mashed into a paste with a spoon.

Add the tahini and lemon juice. Whisk to combine. The mixture may thicken; this is normal.

Thickened mixture of tahini and lemon juice in a small bowl with a whisk.

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.

Tahini sauce in a small mixing bowl with a whisk.

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.

Jar of tahini sauce with spoon resting in it.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to use this flavorful sauce! Here are a few ideas:

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.

Tahini sauce on a spoon held over jar of sauce.

More Sauces and Spreads

Tahini sauce drizzling from a spoon into jar of sauce.
5 from 1 rating

Tahini Sauce

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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. Drizzle it over salads, roasted vegetables, falafel and more!
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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.
Calories: 91kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 151mg, Potassium: 78mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 11IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Course: Condiment, Sauce
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