Lemon Tahini Dressing

by Megan Murphy Updated on May 28, 2026

5 from 6 ratings

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My go-to 5-minute Lemon Tahini Dressing made with tahini, fresh lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. This creamy, oil-free dressing is easy to make and perfect for drizzling on salads, grain bowls, buddha bowls, roasted vegetables, and more!

Try it on my Kale Salad with Peaches & Crispy Chickpeas, Chickpea Quinoa Salad, or Roasted Potato & Lentil Buddha Bowl for a flavorful addition.

Smooth and creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a bowl with a wooden spoon

If you’re looking for a homemade salad dressing that’s easy to make and tastes good drizzled on just about everything, then you’re going to love this lemon tahini dressing!

Featured Review

So good! New favorite dressing 🙂 thank you!
– Courtney
12 more reviews »

I am completely obsessed with this oil-free salad dressing, and have been for the past few years. It’s rich, nutty, tangy, and bright. Perfect for drizzling over healthy salads, like this kale salad with peaches and crispy chickpeas, on grain bowls, over roasted veggies, in wraps, and more.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Salad Dressing

I’ve been making this lemon tahini dressing for years and it comes out perfect every single time. Once you make it, I’m sure you’ll find endless ways to use it!

Ready in 5 minutes
Perfect creamy consistency
Drizzle it on salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, and more
Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and oil-free
A meal-prep staple

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds (also known as sesame butter). It has a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture, making it the perfect base for this dressing. It’s packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.

Ingredients Needed

Tahini: Make sure to use a smooth, runny tahini. My favorites are Trader Joe’s, Soom, and Seed + Mill.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy element.
Nutritional Yeast: For a “cheesy” flavor.
Maple Syrup: Just one tablespoon to lift all the flavors.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Water: Helps thin the dressing to a pourable consistency without the need for oil.

Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements!

How to Make Lemon Tahini Dressing

This lemon tahini dressing recipe is so easy to make!

Close-up of Lemon Tahini Dressing made with tahini, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast.

Spoon drizzling creamy lemon tahini dressing

Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until it reaches a creamy, pourable consistency. Depending on the thickness of your tahini, you may need to add a little more water to get the perfect texture and desired consistency.

Megan’s Tips

Use runny tahini: Using a smooth, runny tahini will give you the creamiest dressing. If your tahini is thick or dry, you may need to add more water to reach that creamy consistency. Just make sure the only ingredients in your tahini are ground sesame seeds.
Adjust the consistency: Add extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your perfect drizzle-able consistency.
Make it ahead: This dressing tastes even better after sitting for a little while, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Store it in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving (you may need to add a little extra water as it will thicken as it sits in the fridge).
Balance the flavor: If your lemon is extra tart, add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup to balance the acidity.
Double the batch: Trust me, you’ll want extra on hand for salads, roasted veggies, grain bowls, wraps, and dipping fresh veggies straight from the fridge.

How to Use Lemon Tahini Dressing

This lemon tahini dressing is creamy, tangy, and incredibly versatile. It tastes delicious drizzled on just about anything! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Toss it into salads, like my Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Drizzle it over grain bowls, like my Vegan Butternut Squash & Kale Quinoa Bowl
Add it to buddha bowls buddha bowls, like my Roasted Potato & Lentil Buddha Bowl.
Pour it over roasted vegetables for an easy flavor boost
Spread it into wraps or pita sandwiches with crispy falafel
Use it as a dip for fresh veggies or roasted potatoes

FAQs

What does tahini dressing taste like?

This tahini dressing is creamy, nutty, tangy, and savory all at once. The tahini adds an umami sesame flavor, the lemon juice brightens everything up, and the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.

Is this lemon tahini dressing oil-free?

Yes, this dressing is oil-free, getting its creamy texture from tahini instead.

How long does lemon tahini dressing last?

Store the dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, adding water one tablespoon at a time if needed, as it might thicken in the fridge.

Why did my tahini dressing get thick?

Tahini naturally thickens when chilled. Simply whisk in a little extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Drizzle This Creamy Dressing On

Kale Salad with Peaches & Crispy Chickpeas

Acorn Squash Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

Chickpea quinoa salad with lemon tahini dressing in a white bowl

Chickpea Quinoa Salad (Easy + Vegan)

Healthy vegan butternut squash and kale quinoa bowl with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and vegan feta, served with a spoon.

Vegan Butternut Squash & Kale Quinoa Bowl

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!

5 from 6 ratings