By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on March 3, 2024 | Last Updated on March 14, 2024
Welcome to a culinary journey into the heart of Mediterranean flavors with a delightful twist – Greek Tahini Dressing.
This versatile and wholesome dressing is not only a burst of savory goodness but also a nutritional powerhouse, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will bring your taste buds to life.
As a passionate food enthusiast, I have always cherished the art of creating dishes that not only tantalize the senses but also nourish the body. And this Greek Tahini Dressing recipe truly encapsulates that ethos.
Picture this – the velvety smooth tahini, infused with the zesty lemon juice and the richness of extra-virgin olive oil, all coming together harmoniously. The aromatic garlic adding a subtle kick, while the fresh parsley lifts the flavors to new heights.
A touch of salt to balance the flavors, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. This ingredient combination is a symphony of flavors that is sure to elevate any dish it accompanies.
Ingredients:
- Fresh parsley, chopped: I add fresh parsley to the Greek tahini dressing for its bright and herbaceous flavor, which adds a refreshing touch to the dish and enhances its overall freshness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil serves as the base of the dressing, providing a rich and smooth texture while also adding a fruity and slightly peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and tangy acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness of the tahini and olive oil and adding a refreshing citrusy flavor to the dish.
- Garlic, minced: I include minced garlic to infuse the dressing with its pungent and aromatic flavor, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
- Tahini: Tahini adds a creamy and nutty richness to the dressing, providing a smooth and velvety texture while also adding a distinct sesame flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing, balancing out the acidity from the lemon juice and enhancing the overall flavor profile with its rich and caramel-like notes.
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish: I use toasted sesame seeds as a garnish for the dressing, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the tahini and enhances the presentation of the dish.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the dressing, helping to balance out the sweetness, acidity, and richness while also adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
- Water: Water is added to adjust the consistency of the dressing, ensuring it’s pourable and easy to drizzle over salads or roasted vegetables without being too thick or overpowering.
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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients: fresh parsley, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, tahini, maple syrup, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and water. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt. Pulse the mixture, scraping down the sides as needed, until it becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Water and Garnish
With the food processor running, gradually pour in the water in a thin stream. Continue blending until the mixture becomes pale and smooth. Once the desired consistency is reached, transfer the tahini dressing to a serving bowl. Top it with chopped fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds for garnish. If you prefer, drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top. Your Greek tahini dressing is now ready to enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Tahini: Opt for a high-quality tahini to ensure a creamy texture and robust flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the brightest and most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity notes that complement the tahini beautifully.
Recipe Variations:
1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
2. Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, basil, or mint for an aromatic twist.
3. Creamy Texture: For a creamier dressing, blend in a small amount of Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
4. Nutty Flavor: Enhance the nuttiness of the tahini by stirring in a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil.
5. Citrus Burst: Swap the lemon juice for orange juice to add a refreshing citrusy zing.
6. Sweet Sensation: Infuse the dressing with a touch of honey or agave nectar for a hint of sweetness.
Greek Tahini Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
- Gather all your ingredients: fresh parsley, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, tahini, maple syrup, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and water. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Blend The Ingredients
- In a food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt. Pulse the mixture, scraping down the sides as needed, until it becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Water And Garnish
- With the food processor running, gradually pour in the water in a thin stream. Continue blending until the mixture becomes pale and smooth. Once the desired consistency is reached, transfer the tahini dressing to a serving bowl. Top it with chopped fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds for garnish. If you prefer, drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top. Your Greek tahini dressing is now ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Tahini: Opt for a high-quality tahini to ensure a creamy texture and robust flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the brightest and most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity notes that complement the tahini beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use store-bought tahini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought tahini works perfectly well for this recipe. Just ensure you give it a good stir before measuring it out.
2. Is there a substitute for parsley if I don’t have it on hand?
Certainly! You can replace parsley with other fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or even basil to add a unique flavor twist.
3. How long can I store Greek Tahini Dressing in the refrigerator?
This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply give it a good stir before serving.
4. Can I adjust the consistency of the dressing to my liking?
Absolutely! If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of water added. For a thinner consistency, simply add a bit more water until you reach your desired texture.
5. Is Greek Tahini Dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this dressing is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those following a vegan lifestyle.
6. Can I customize the level of garlic in the dressing?
Of course! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove for a more pronounced garlic flavor. Conversely, you can reduce the amount of garlic for a milder taste.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Greek Tahini Dressing is a culinary marvel that adds a burst of Mediterranean flavors to any dish it accompanies. With its creamy texture, vibrant taste, and nutritional benefits, this dressing is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Whether drizzled over salads, used as a dip, or as a marinade for grilled vegetables, the possibilities are endless. So, elevate your culinary creations with this simple yet exquisite recipe and savor a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
