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This lemon herb tahini sauce is your new secret weapon for adding crazy-good flavor to your salads, bowls, veggies, and more. It’s got fresh parsley and dill for a punch of green, plus tahini for that creamy, nutty goodness we all love. A hit of lemon juice keeps it bright, and a touch of maple syrup cuts through any tartness.
This recipe is one of my favorite all-purpose vegan sauces/dressings. It’s not just a condiment but a flavor enhancer that seamlessly elevates your dishes.
What I find most delightful about this sauce is its creamy texture and the perfect balance of zest and herbs, and I’m enjoying it on everything! This sauce has become a staple in my kitchen, from drizzling it over my favorite salad to using it as a dip for my evening snack.
The lemon herb tahini sauce is not only easy to make and delicious, but it’s also a healthy option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s free from dairy, gluten, nuts, and eggs, making it a safe choice for those with common food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Say goodbye to bland dressings and dips, and say hello to a burst of flavor in every bite!
I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I do!
WHAT IS TAHINI AND WHY IS GOOD FOR YOU?
Tahini is a creamy paste made from toasted and ground sesame seeds. It is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Its rich, nutty flavor makes it versatile for savory dishes and sweet treats.
Beyond its delicious taste, tahini is celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile and health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. It’s packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and iron. Its high antioxidant content can combat inflammation, while its fiber promotes digestive health.
Additionally, tahini supports heart health by potentially lowering cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, making it a beneficial addition to any diet.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS LEMON HERB TAHINI SAUCE
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Creating the Vegan Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce is a breeze. Just blend tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, fresh parsley, dill, and maple syrup in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Then, season with salt and pepper and adjust the consistency with water as desired.
This quick and effortless process results in a sauce that’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile, perfect for a wide range of dishes.
That’s a high-level summary; now, let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools needed to prepare the recipe:
- Using a high-speed blender or food processor is essential for efficiently combining and smoothing the ingredients into a creamy, homogenous sauce. They ensure the herbs are finely chopped and all elements are perfectly integrated for the best texture and flavor distribution. I prefer the consistency and texture you can obtain from using a blender; it is creamier and smoother.
- Mason jar or airtight container: to store the sauce in the fridge.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious lemon herb tahini sauce:
- Tahini is the recipe’s star, acting as the creamy base of the sauce, providing a rich, nutty flavor. Use one that is runny and creamy. You could use almond or cashew butter for a similar texture and richness; however, that slightly changes the flavor, and it’s no more tahini sauce! 😀
- Lemon Juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tahini. You could also use lime juice.
- Dijon Mustard offers depth and tang, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. Substitutions: Whole grain mustard for more texture and bite or yellow mustard for a milder taste.
- Nutritional Yeast provides a cheesy, nutty flavor, contributing to the umami depth. You can skip it or use a dash of soy sauce or miso paste for umami, which will alter the sauce’s consistency and saltiness.
- Garlic Powder adds a savory note, rounding out the sauce’s flavor profile. Substitutions: Fresh minced garlic for a more pungent flavor or onion powder for a milder, slightly sweet note.
- Fresh Parsley brings a fresh, herby brightness to the sauce. Substitutions: Cilantro for a different herbal note or dried parsley in a pinch, though the fresh, vibrant flavor will be reduced.
- Fresh Dill – Contributes a unique, aromatic quality that complements the lemon. Substitution: Dried dill for convenience, though it’s less potent.
- Maple Syrup balances the acidity with its natural sweetness. Substitutions: Date syrup for a similar sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper season the sauce to enhance all the flavors. If you can’t have salt, skip it or add coconut aminos.
- Water adjusts the sauce to the desired consistency, making it more pourable or dip-like, as preferred.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this lemon herb tahini sauce, follow these steps:
Prepare Fresh Herbs: Roughly chop parsley and dill.
Blend Tahini Base with Flavors: Combine tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Add Herbs and Sweetness: Add chopped parsley, dill, and maple syrup to the blend.
Adjust Consistency: Start with 1/4 cup water, adding more as needed for the desired thickness.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper, and adjust as needed after tasting. Blend one last time to ensure a smooth, well-mixed sauce.
Serve or Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Here are some of the highlights:
- Versatility: Elevates any dish, from salads to bowls, making it a go-to sauce for every meal.
- Flavorful: A symphony of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and creamy tahini that delights the taste buds.
- Allergen-Friendly: Free from common allergens, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward preparation for a gourmet touch in minutes.
- Healthy: Nutrient-rich ingredients that are good for you, adding a wholesome boost to your meals.
Let’s prepare this delicious sauce!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY LEMON HERB TAHINI SAUCE (Vegan, Nut-Free)
Equipment
- 1 Blender/Food processor
Ingredients
- ½ cup parsley (fresh, roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup dill (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 4 Tbps lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 Tbps Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbps nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¼ to ½ cup cold filtered water (adjust based on desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Fresh Herbs: Roughly chop the fresh parsley and dill to make blending easier. There is no need for precision here, as they will be going into the food processor or blender.
- Blend Tahini Base with Flavors: In your food processor or blender, combine the tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. Blend these together until they form a smooth, well-combined base. The Dijon mustard will add a tangy depth, while the nutritional yeast contributes a cheesy umami flavor.
- Add Herbs and Sweetness: To the mixture in your food processor or blender, add the chopped fresh parsley, dill, and maple syrup. The fresh herbs will bring a vibrant freshness to the sauce, and the maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Adjust Consistency: Begin by adding 1/4 cup of water to the mixture. Blend until smooth and check the consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add more water (up to 1/2 cup in total), blending after each addition until you reach your desired thickness.
- Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper. It's best to start with a small amount, blend, taste, and then adjust as necessary.
- Final Blend: Once you've adjusted the seasoning to your liking, give the sauce one last blend to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve or Store: Your Vegan Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce is now ready to elevate salads and bowls or even serve as a splendid dip for veggies and crackers. If not using immediately, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Storage Tips: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the sauce thickens upon storage, whisk in water to restore the desired consistency before serving.
- Texture Adjustments: The consistency of the sauce can significantly influence its use. Add more water for a thinner sauce, perfect for drizzling over salads. Use less water for a thicker consistency, ideal as a spread or dip. If you accidentally add too much water, add more tahini to fix it.
- Herb Variations: While parsley and dill are suggested, experiment with other herbs, such as cilantro, basil, or mint, for different flavor profiles.
- Nutritional Boost: To increase the nutritional value, add a tablespoon of hemp seeds or flaxseed meal to the blend. This ingredient will introduce additional omega-3 fatty acids without significantly altering the flavor.
- Allergy Substitutes: For those with sesame allergies, sunflower seed or cashew butter can be a viable alternative to tahini, though it will slightly alter the taste.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can increase or decrease the amount of maple syrup. Alternatively, you can omit the maple syrup entirely if you prefer a more savory sauce.
- If you have a high-speed blender, you can put all the ingredients at the same time and blend. I am doing it in steps since my blender is not that powerful.
- The serving size will depend on how much water you add to the sauce.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS LEMON HERB TAHINI SAUCE
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy the Vegan Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce:
- Drizzle Over Salads: Elevate simple green salads or hearty grain bowls with a generous drizzle. No more boring salads!
- Dip for Veggies: This creamy dip is great for raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Spread on Sandwiches: Spread on your favorite veggie sandwiches or wraps for an added layer of flavor.
- Sauce for Bowls: Perfect as a topping for Buddha, falafel, or any plant-based bowl meal.
- Pasta Sauce: Mix into warm pasta for a creamy, herby pasta dish.
- Dressing for Potato Salad: A unique and flavorful option for potato salads or coleslaws.
- Sauce for Veggie Burgers: Spread over veggie burgers.
This sauce’s versatility makes it a fantastic addition to virtually any meal. It adds depth and zest to both simple snacks and elaborate dishes.
DID YOU MAKE THIS LEMON HERB TAHINI SAUCE?
Please leave a comment below, share it, or rate it.
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