Creamy Spicy Tahini Dressing for Salads & Bowls

This spicy lemon tahini dressing adds a bright, peppery kick to salads, grain bowls, burrito bowls, and roasted vegetables. It’s also excellent as a dip for fresh vegetables or crusty sourdough.

Tahini is one of our favorite pantry staples because it’s versatile and adds rich, nutty depth to both savory and sweet dishes. This simple dressing comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and a splash of hot sauce for heat. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, budget-friendly compared with store-bought dressings, and gives any dish a luxurious, homemade finish.

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a key ingredient in classics like hummus and baba ghanoush and also lends itself well to desserts and confections. On its own, tahini has a savory, nutty flavor and can often be used as a substitute for other nut butters in recipes.

Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe Ingredients

A small list of simple ingredients creates a creamy, well-balanced dressing:

• Tahini — choose a high-quality tahini for the best flavor.
• Lemon juice — freshly squeezed if possible. Whisking lemon with tahini makes the mixture thicken and become creamy.
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar — adds a bright, tangy note that finishes the dressing like a classic vinaigrette.
• Maple syrup — a touch of maple balances the savory and bitter elements with gentle sweetness.
• Spicy green dragon sauce — or any hot sauce you prefer; adjust the amount to taste.

How to Use Spicy Tahini Dressing

This dressing is extremely versatile. Drizzle it over fresh summer salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn, or use it to finish warm bowls of roasted root vegetables and hearty greens. It doubles as a dip or sandwich spread, and the spicy component elevates grain bowls, roasted cauliflower, and falafel.

How to Make Homemade Tahini Salad Dressing

Making this dressing takes only minutes and requires minimal equipment—just a bowl and a whisk. Start by mixing the tahini and lemon juice until the mixture thickens. Gradually whisk in cold water and salt until smooth. Finish with vinegar, maple syrup, and hot sauce, then taste and adjust the seasoning. If your tahini is very thick, a blender or food processor helps create a smoother texture. Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

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More Recipes with Tahini

• Baked Green Falafel with Tahini
• Vegan Tempeh Sheetpan Dinner
• Warm Green Beans with Chestnuts, Pomegranates, and Tahini
• Shawarma Veggie Tacos
• Roasted Cauliflower Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini
• Pink Salt & Tahini Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes

DID YOU LIKE OUR SPICY TAHINI DRESSING?

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Spicy Tahini Dressing

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5 from 1 review

• Author: Vicky & Ruth
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 ¼ cups
• Diet: Vegan