3-Ingredient Lemon Tahini Sauce

Meghan Splawn
Meghan Splawn
Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You.
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published May 1, 2020
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Honey mustard sauce in a jar
Credit: Jesse Szewczyk

This versatile sauce is creamy without any oil, has just a hint of sweetness, and tastes great on sandwiches, salads, and more.

Makes1 cup

Prep5 minutes

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Honey mustard sauce in a jar
Credit: Jesse Szewczyk

Several years ago, I fell deeply in love with a maple mustard dressing. I used it for everything from salads to marinades, and told anybody in need of a fast flavor booster to make it. But recently, it’s been replaced by a new favorite — this three-ingredient lemon-tahini sauce. It’s creamy without any oil, has just a hint of sweetness, and it’s even more versatile than my former standby.

This maple-sweetened, lemon-flavored tahini sauce is here to make everything from simple slaws to grilled chicken taste at least 10 times better. Here’s how to throw it together in less than five minutes.

Credit: Jesse Szewczyk

This Super-Simple Sauce You Should Be Making Every Week

You just need a bowl and a whisk to make this simple sauce, which is essentially just tahini and lemon sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Make it over the weekend and put it to use throughout the week, thinning it out with water as needed.

I drizzle this sauce over everything from grain bowls to grilled vegetables, but most recently I’ve been using it as a mayo substitute. It’s fantastic when subbed for mayo in turkey and smashed chickpea sandwiches, and even cold pasta salads.

Recipes to Try with This 3-Ingredient Sauce

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3-Ingredient Lemon Tahini Sauce

This versatile sauce is creamy without any oil, has just a hint of sweetness, and tastes great on sandwiches, salads, and more.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes 1 cup

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1

    small lemon

  • 1/2 cup

    tahini

  • 2 tablespoons

    maple syrup

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Halve and juice 1 small lemon. Place 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, 1/2 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl and whisk to combine. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1/3 to 1/2 to cup warm water as needed until it reaches the desired consistency.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Filed in:
sauce
vegetarian
vegan
Gluten-Free
pantry
quick