Creamy Sesame Dressing (Printer-friendly)
Luscious nutty dressing with sweet tangy notes, ideal for salads and bowls
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
02 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
03 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
04 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
06 - 2 tablespoons water (plus more as needed to thin)
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Aromatics
08 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
09 - 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
→ Optional Additions
10 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
11 - 1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha or chili sauce (for heat)
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, water, and lemon juice until completely smooth and well blended.
02 - Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the bowl, whisking thoroughly to incorporate them into the dressing.
03 - For a richer, creamier texture, whisk in the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If desired heat is wanted, add Sriracha or chili sauce to taste and blend well.
04 - If the dressing is too thick, add an extra splash of water, one teaspoon at a time, whisking until the desired pouring consistency is reached.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a jar or bottle, seal, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms plain vegetables into something you will actually crave, with zero cooking required.
- The balance of nutty, tangy, and sweet hits every flavor note without overwhelming your palate.
02 -
- Tahini behaves unpredictably when it first meets liquid and may seize into a thick paste before suddenly smoothing out, just keep whisking and do not panic.
- Refrigerated dressing will thicken considerably overnight, so stir in a teaspoon of water before serving leftovers.
03 -
- Grate the ginger directly over the bowl using a microplane so you catch every drop of juice instead of losing it on your cutting board.
- Shake the tahini jar vigorously before measuring because the oil separates and rises to the top during storage.