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Golden tahini dressing drizzled over a vibrant salad, tempting and delicious.

Creamy Tahini Dressing with Smoked Paprika

Elevate your meals with this incredibly easy, creamy, and flavorful homemade tahini dressing featuring a unique hint of smoked paprika. It’s perfect for grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and salads, offering a delicious, healthy, and versatile addition to any dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Course: Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup well stirred tahini
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
  • Few twists of freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup filtered water
  • A pinch of smoked paprika (for the unique smoky flavor)

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Whisking the Base
  1. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup well-stirred tahini, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt, a few twists of freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
  2. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes surprisingly thick and smooth, forming a uniform, thick base.
Adding Oil and Water
  1. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil until fully incorporated.
  2. Gradually add 1/3 cup of filtered water, whisking continuously, until the thick paste thins out and becomes beautifully smooth and pourable.
  3. If you desire an even thinner, more drizzly consistency, continue to add more water, just a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred fluidity.
Taste and Adjust
  1. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for a brighter, more zesty flavor. If the tahini is bitter or the dressing is too sharp, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey to balance it. To mellow a too-sharp flavor, whisk in an extra 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  2. For optimal consistency and flavor, take the dressing out of the fridge about 1/2 hour before using, so it is easier to whisk together.

Notes

This dressing will naturally thicken as it sits in the fridge; simply whisk in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency before serving. Store leftover Tahini Dressing in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Avoid freezing as creamy, emulsified dressings can separate upon thawing.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.