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This lemon tahini dressing is the one you’ll reach for again and again. Five ingredients, two minutes, and it turns plain grains or roasted vegetables into something you actually crave. Bright, creamy, and endlessly useful. Keep a jar in the fridge and dinner practically finishes itself.
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Ingredients
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Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Tahini, 1/4 cup
- Lemon, 1 juiced
- Garlic clove, 1 small, minced
- Warm water, 2–3 tbsp
- Maple syrup, 1 tsp (optional)
- Sea salt, a pinch
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt. It will look thick and clumpy at first. That is normal.
- Add warm water one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each, until the dressing turns smooth, creamy, and pourable.
- Taste and adjust: more lemon for brightness, more salt for depth, more water to thin.
- Use right away or store in a jar in the fridge.
What's in this meal?
Nuts + Seeds · Fruit · Veggie
Fiber: 1g per serving
|Protein: 3g per serving
|Plant variety: 3
Nutrition info is approximate and based on common whole food ingredients. It depends on your ingredient choices and add-ins, so use it as a general guide—not a strict count. Focus on variety, fiber, and flavor, not perfection.
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Swap It + Smart Tips
- No fresh lemon? Use 1.5 tablespoons bottled lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic too sharp? Use a pinch of garlic powder instead, or roast the clove first for a mellow, sweet flavor.
- Want it thinner for salad or thicker for a dip? Just adjust the water. Less water gives you a sauce you can dollop.
- Optional add-ins: a teaspoon of maple syrup rounds it out, a pinch of cumin makes it earthy.
Meal Prep Tip
Make a double batch at the start of the week and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will thicken as it sits, so whisk in a little warm water to loosen it back up before using.
Why It Matters
For You:
- Tahini brings plant-based calcium, healthy fats, and a little protein, so a simple drizzle helps a meal keep you full.
- Making your own means no added oils, gums, or preservatives, just real food.
For the Planet:
- Sesame, lemon, and garlic are simple whole ingredients with a light footprint.
- A homemade jar skips the single-use plastic bottle that store-bought dressings come in.
Pro Tip
Grate the garlic on a microplane instead of chopping it. It melts right into the dressing, so you get all the flavor without sharp bites, and the whole thing turns silky.
Community Gallery:
Real kitchens. Real tweaks. See real people in our community gallery. If you’d like to share, email hello@pigsaresmart.com.
