Tahini Lemon Basil Salad Dressing

Close-up of a small pitcher holding lemon basil tahini dressing.

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Creamy and tangy, Lemon Basil Tahini Dressing can elevate any salad to the next level. This recipe is a perfect combination of fresh herbs, nutty tahini, zesty lemon, piquant Dijon mustard, olive oil, and white balsamic. And, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only a few minutes to blend all the ingredients together. With its unique flavor and texture, this tahini dressing is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing, Tahini Lemon Basil Salad Dressing

Servings: Around 1 cup

Calories: 199kcal

Author: Lee Clayton Roper

Ingredients

1/4 cup tahini
3 tablespoons lemon juice
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves packed
2 garlic cloves chopped or pressed
1 tablespoon honey or more to taste (see Note)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup water – add as needed to thin. See directions

Instructions

Place the tahini and lemon juice in the bowl of a small food processor. Process until smooth.
Add the olive oil, basil, garlic, 1 tablespoon honey, mustard, vinegar, zest and salt; process until smooth.
Slowly add water, a tablespoon at a time, as needed to thin the dressing.
Season to taste with ground pepper, and additional honey and/or salt.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Note on honey: I have found that the bitterness of tahini varies significantly by brand – from not bitter at all, to very bitter. As a result, when preparing the dressing you really need to taste and add more as needed. Adding more salt also reduces the bitterness.

Make ahead: Can be prepared up to 1 week ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using. It will thicken as it sits, so you’ll want to thin it by whisking in a tablespoon of water.

Nutrition