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Fresh Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce or Dressing

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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.

Substitutes of the tahini sauce recipe

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

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.

grinding the lemon peel

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

Is lemon herb tahini vegan?

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.

squeezing 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.

how to make tahini sauce
How to Make Lemon and Herb Sauce recipe

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?

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 saladavocado 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.
Is lemon herb tahini healthy?

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.

What does lemon tahini taste like?

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?

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.

zest the lemon peel and juice the lemon

Fresh Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce or Dressing

Vladka Merva
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.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 362 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1-2 clove garlic
  • 1 lemon 1/4 cup, -> the juice and zest
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mint fresh, chopped
  • 1/4 cup yogurt or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 8gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 229mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20g
Keyword lemon herb sauce, lemon herb tahini, lemon herb tahini dressing, lemon herb tahini sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Lemon Herb Tahini
Vladka on December 4th, 2023
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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