Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

Save this article on:

Creamy, tangy, and sweet with a subtle nutty depth, this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is a game-changer for salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and even sandwiches. The richness of tahini pairs beautifully with the brightness of lemon juice and the mellow sweetness of maple syrup, while Dijon mustard adds just the right amount of zippy kick to tie it all together. It’s the kind of dressing that transforms even the simplest ingredients into something memorable.

This plant-based dressing is naturally vegan and gluten-free, made with just a handful of pantry staples in under five minutes. Whether you’re dressing a kale salad or drizzling it over grilled veggies, this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing adds flavor without fuss—and you might just find yourself licking the spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

• It’s incredibly versatile—works with salads, bowls, wraps, and roasted veggies.
• Made with clean, wholesome ingredients.
• Comes together in minutes with no cooking required.
• Stores well in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
• Rich in flavor and texture, yet dairy-free and oil-free.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare this dressing, all you need is a mixing bowl and a whisk or a small blender. The bowl and whisk method is perfect for a quick mix and easy cleanup, while the blender offers a smoother consistency if your tahini is extra thick or gritty. A spoon or spatula is also handy for scraping down the sides and ensuring everything is fully incorporated.

Measuring spoons and a liquid measuring cup are essential to get the balance of tangy, sweet, and savory just right. A citrus squeezer can be useful for getting every drop out of your lemon juice.

---

Preparation Tips

For the creamiest texture, make sure your tahini is at room temperature and well-stirred before mixing. If it’s too thick or separated, give it a good stir or warm it slightly to loosen it up. Start with less water than you think—you can always add more to thin the dressing, but it’s hard to fix if it gets too watery. Taste as you go and adjust the maple syrup, mustard, or lemon juice to suit your preference. A pinch of salt can really elevate the other flavors.

---

Ingredients for this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

• 1/3 cup tahini (well-stirred, room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (pure, not imitation)
• 2–4 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt, to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

---

Step 1: Gather and Measure Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients. Be sure your tahini is creamy and smooth—if it’s too thick or separated, stir it well or briefly warm the jar in warm water. Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness, so avoid bottled juice if possible.

---

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl or blender, add the tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. These four ingredients make up the core flavor profile—nutty, tangy, spicy, and sweet.

---

Step 3: Mix or Blend Until Smooth

Use a whisk to mix everything until smooth and creamy. If you’re using a blender, blend on low until combined. At this stage, the mixture might seem thick.

---

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency

Gradually add 1 tablespoon of water at a time while stirring or blending. Continue until the dressing reaches your desired consistency—whether pourable for salads or thicker for spreading in wraps.

---

Step 5: Season and Final Adjustments

Add garlic powder (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust. You can add a splash more lemon juice for brightness or a few extra drops of maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.

---

Step 6: Serve or Store

Transfer the finished dressing to a glass jar with a lid. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to one week. The dressing may thicken as it sits—just stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen before serving.

---

Notes

This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is highly adaptable and perfect for those looking to add bold, rich flavor to their meals without relying on dairy or processed oils. You can tweak the sweetness, acidity, or thickness easily by adjusting just a single ingredient. It’s a great base recipe to experiment with — add fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a touch of smoked paprika for variation.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using bitter tahini: Some tahini brands can be overly bitter. Always taste-test your tahini first or choose one that’s known for its smooth and mellow flavor.
• Over-thinning the dressing: It’s easy to add too much water too fast. Add water slowly and mix thoroughly between additions.
• Skipping the whisk or blender: Simply stirring with a spoon might not be enough to fully emulsify the dressing. Use a whisk or small blender for best results.
• Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice offers a cleaner, brighter taste and makes a noticeable difference in the flavor.
• Not tasting and adjusting: Always taste and tweak the seasoning to your preference. What works for one salad may need a little more zing or sweetness for another.

---

Storage Instructions

Store the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It may thicken as it chills, especially if your tahini is on the thicker side. Simply stir in a teaspoon or two of water before serving to loosen the texture. Avoid freezing as it may alter the consistency.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per 2-Tablespoon Serving)

• Calories: ~130 kcal
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 3g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another nut or seed butter instead of tahini?

Yes, but the flavor will change. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work in a pinch, though they may be thicker and slightly sweeter.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Dijon mustard to be safe.

Can I make it without mustard?

Yes, though Dijon adds tang and depth. If you omit it, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to compensate for acidity.

How long does this dressing last in the fridge?

It will keep well for up to 7 days in an airtight container. Shake or stir before each use.

Can I freeze this dressing?

Freezing is not recommended as it can cause the texture to separate or become grainy once thawed.

What type of tahini should I use?

Choose a high-quality, smooth, and runny tahini made from roasted sesame seeds. Avoid overly thick or bitter brands.

Can I add herbs or spices to change the flavor?

Yes! Fresh dill, parsley, cumin, or smoked paprika can add interesting twists.

Is this dressing suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores well and adds great flavor to pre-prepped salads, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week.

---

Conclusion

Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and full of bold flavor from just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens, scooping it onto grain bowls, or using it as a dip, this creamy dressing elevates everything it touches. Once you make it, you’ll want a jar ready in your fridge at all times.

---

Print