This healthy Lemon Herb Tahini is a smooth, delicious sauce with versatile uses. Whether used as a salad dressing or as a dipping sauce, this vegan and gluten-free lemon herb tahini sauce uses simple ingredients packed with nutrients and vitamins.
As usual, I am trying to come up with recipes enhanced with herbs that add nutritional value and unique taste. This recipe is not an exception. Cilantro and mint are key ingredients in this recipe. Despite the sophisticated-sounding “Lemon Herb Tahini” name, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
What is lemon herb tahini?
Lemon herb tahini is a versatile condiment made with fresh herbs, tahini, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, this condiment serves as a versatile addition, perfect for use as a salad dressing or a flavorful dipping sauce. In addition, this lemon herb tahini sauce recipe is naturally vegan and is ideal when drizzled over roasted veggies.
The Ingredients to make lemon herb tahini sauce
tahini paste
while you can make a tahini paste from scratch by grounding sesame seeds in a food processor, you can also use storebought tahini pasta available in most grocery stores. Tahini pasta adds a nutty flavor and a smooth texture.
garlic clove
Smashed fresh garlic cloves impart a subtle hint to this flavorful sauce. If you are sensitive to fresh garlic like my daughter, use garlic powder or garlic in honey instead.
Fresh lemon juice and zest from one lemon
Since we use lemon juice and zest in this easy lemon herb tahini sauce, I recommend using a fresh lemon. It brightens the sauce and adds a fresh, citrusy flavor. The best lemons are fresh, organic lemons free of pesticides and other chemicals.
I also like to use orange zest and juice in sauces, like in this orange cranberry sauce.
extra virgin olive oil
just a little for extra creaminess
Cilantro and mint
While you may substitute for dried herbs, fresh herbs are best for this recipe. Cilantro and mint add a vibrant and fresh flavor to this dip. Don’t be afraid to use the stems; they are packed with flavors, too.
yogurt or water
Add water or yogurt to achieve the right consistency and taste balance.
Pepper and salt to taste
How to Make Lemon and Herb Sauce recipe
While you can combine tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, and minced garlic in a bowl and whisk together, I suggest using a mini food processor or high-speed blender. It helps you achieve a smoother consistency and chop all herbs, including garlic.
First step: zest the lemon peel and juice the lemon
Start by zesting the lemon peel from one lemon and then juicing the lemon. Wash the lemons thoroughly under hot water to eliminate all the pesticides. Use a vegetable peeler or zester to remove just the outer lemon zest. We don’t want to include the white inner pitch as it adds a bitter taste to the sauce. Once zested, juice the lemon.
Second step: combine the ingredients in a blender or food processor
In a food processor, combine the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil. Pulse it to mix well, then add garlic, cilantro, mint, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth; the sauce will become vibrant after a quick swirl.
Third step: taste and Adjust the consistency
Add one tablespoon of water or yogurt until you get the right consistency. Or you may add a little tahini to thicken it.
Season with salt and pepper.
Some people find the taste of tahini to be a little bitter, if this is your case, add a sweetener, like maple syrup or honey. Serve immediately as a salad dressing, a dip for roasted vegetables, or a flavorful sauce for various dishes.
How Do I Store lemon herb tahini dressing?
To store Lemon Herb Tahini dressing, keep the sauce in a sealed container or airtight jar in the fridge and use it within a week. It’s not a freezer friendly.
Ways to Use this lemon herb Tahini Sauce recipe
This herb tahini sauce is easy and has multiple uses.
- Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or your favorite salads for a creamy and flavorful dressing. It pairs well with politiki salad, avocado chutney, or roasted vegetable salads.
- Impress your guests and serve it as a dipping sauce for vegetables, pita bread, falafel, or any other snacks. It makes a great and colorful appetizer.
- Use this Cava copycat lemon and herb tahini as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It adds a creamy and savory flavor.
- Spoon tahini sauce over grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or any bowl-style dishes.
- Tahini sauce generally pairs well with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors and complements chickpea or hummus.
- Tahini sauce goes great with grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or beef.
- Drizzle lemon and herb tahini sauce over roasted vegetables before serving. The creamy texture and nutty flavor enhance the earthy notes of the vegetables.
- Mix tahini sauce into grain-based dishes like quinoa, couscous, or rice.
- Spread a thin layer of tahini sauce on nori sheets when making vegetarian sushi rolls. It adds a unique flavor to the rolls.
Substitutes of the tahini sauce recipe
Tahini Substitute:
You can use almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or sesame seed paste (if tahini is unavailable). For a lighter option, replace some or all of the tahini with Greek yogurt.
Herb Variations:
Substitute cilantro for parsley or dill and mint for fresh basil to get a different herb flavor.
If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried versions. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use half the amount.
Garlic:
You can substitute the garlic for green onion or chive.
Oils:
Pure extra virgin olive oil can be replaced with herb-infused oils, green herb oil, or chive oil.
Frequently asked questions
What does lemon tahini taste like?
Lemon tahini has a rich and creamy texture with a nutty undertone from the sesame seeds in the tahini. Adding lemon brings a bright and citrusy flavor and makes a harmonious blend with coriander and mint.
Is lemon herb tahini healthy?
Yes, lemon herb tahini is a healthy choice as it contains nutrient-dense ingredients like tahini, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. These contribute healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals; however, moderation is key due to their calorie content.
Is lemon herb tahini vegan?
This lemon herb tahini is vegan, as all the ingredients in the recipe are plant-based. If you use sweeteners in this recipe, use maple syrup and not honey.
Fresh Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce or Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- [mv_schema_meta name="zest the lemon peel and juice the lemon"]Start by zesting the lemon peel from one lemon and then juicing the lemon. Wash the lemons thoroughly under hot water to eliminate all the pesticides. Use a vegetable peeler or zester to remove just the outer lemon zest. We don't want to include the white inner pitch as it adds a bitter taste to the sauce. Once zested, juice the lemon.
- [mv_schema_meta name="combine the ingredients in a blender or food processor"]In a food processor, combine the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil. Pulse it to mix well, than add garlic, cilantro, mint, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth; the sauce will become vibrant after a quick swirl.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Adjust the consistency"]Add one tablespoon of water or yogurt until you get the right consistency. Or you may add a little tahini to thicken it. Season with salt and pepper.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
