By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 3, 2024 | Last Updated on March 14, 2024
There’s something magical about the perfect salad dressing that can elevate a simple bowl of greens to a gourmet experience.
One of my all-time favorite dressings is the Tahini Balsamic Dressing – a creamy, tangy blend that’s bursting with flavor and offers a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
In this blog post, I’ll share not just the recipe for this delectable dressing but also insights on how it can benefit your health and boost your meals. So, let’s dive in!
Why this recipe is great for you?
I have always been passionate about creating wholesome dishes that not only taste delicious but also nourish the body. The ingredients in this Tahini Balsamic Dressing are carefully chosen to provide a balance of flavors while offering various health benefits.
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Ingredients:
- Maple syrup: I add maple syrup to my tahini balsamic dressing for its natural sweetness, which helps balance out the acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Tahini: Tahini adds a creamy and nutty richness to the dressing, providing a smooth texture and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Dry oregano: Dry oregano brings an earthy and herbaceous flavor to the dressing, enhancing its savory notes and adding complexity to each bite.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and tangy acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness of the tahini and enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
- Garlic powder: I use garlic powder to infuse the dressing with a subtle garlic flavor, adding depth and complexity without the texture of raw garlic.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a smooth and creamy consistency in the dressing. It also adds a hint of tanginess and depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the dressing, enhancing its overall depth and complexity.
- Water: Water is added to adjust the consistency of the dressing, ensuring it’s pourable and easy to drizzle over salads or roasted vegetables.
- Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a rich and slightly sweet acidity to the dressing, complementing the other flavors and adding depth to the overall taste profile.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the dressing, helping to balance out the sweetness, acidity, and savory notes.
- Pepper: Pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the dressing, enhancing its overall taste profile and adding a bit of spice.
- Dry thyme: Dry thyme brings a subtle earthiness and aromatic flavor to the dressing, complementing the other herbs and spices and adding complexity to each bite.
How to Make Tahini Balsamic Dressing?
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients in one place. Make sure you have maple syrup, tahini, dry oregano, lemon juice, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, water, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and dry thyme. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a small bowl, pour in the tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Add the dry oregano, dry thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything together thoroughly. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
After whisking, check the consistency of your dressing. If you prefer it to be thinner, gradually add water while continuing to whisk until you achieve your desired consistency. Be mindful not to add too much water too quickly; it’s easier to thin the dressing out than to thicken it back up.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Once you’ve achieved your desired consistency, give the dressing a taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other seasoning to enhance the flavor to your liking. Keep tasting and adjusting until it’s just right for you. Enjoy your homemade tahini balsamic dressing on salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip!
Recipe Notes:
- Tahini: Choose a high-quality tahini for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Balsamic vinegar: Opt for aged balsamic vinegar for a more robust flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for a vibrant taste.
Recipe Variations:
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
To make it creamy and tangy, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
Add a touch of honey for a sweeter profile.
Tahini Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dry thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Gather all your ingredients in one place. Make sure you have maple syrup, tahini, dry oregano, lemon juice, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, water, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and dry thyme. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Mix The Ingredients
- In a small bowl, pour in the tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Add the dry oregano, dry thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything together thoroughly. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
- After whisking, check the consistency of your dressing. If you prefer it to be thinner, gradually add water while continuing to whisk until you achieve your desired consistency. Be mindful not to add too much water too quickly; it’s easier to thin the dressing out than to thicken it back up.
Step 4: Taste And Adjust Seasonings
- Once you’ve achieved your desired consistency, give the dressing a taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other seasoning to enhance the flavor to your liking. Keep tasting and adjusting until it’s just right for you. Enjoy your homemade tahini balsamic dressing on salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip!
Notes
- Tahini: Choose a high-quality tahini for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Balsamic vinegar: Opt for aged balsamic vinegar for a more robust flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for a vibrant taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
A1: While apple cider vinegar can be a substitute, it will alter the flavor profile of the dressing. Balsamic vinegar provides a unique sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Q2: Is tahini high in calories?
A2: Tahini is calorie-dense due to its fat content. However, it is rich in healthy fats and offers various nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation.
Q3: Can I store the dressing in the fridge?
A3: Yes, the Tahini Balsamic Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using.
Q4: Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
A4: Yes, this dressing is entirely vegan as it does not contain any animal products.
Q5: How can I make the dressing thicker or thinner?
A5: To make the dressing thicker, reduce the amount of water. To make it thinner, add a bit more water until you reach the desired consistency.
Q6: Can I omit the maple syrup for a sugar-free version?
A6: Yes, you can omit the maple syrup if you prefer a sugar-free option. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a small amount of alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making your own Tahini Balsamic Dressing not only allows you to customize the flavors to your liking but also ensures that you are getting a healthier option compared to store-bought dressings that may contain additives and preservatives.
With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this dressing is sure to take your salads to the next level. Experiment with the recipe variations and enjoy the benefits of this homemade dressing.
From enhancing the nutrients in your salads to tantalizing your taste buds, this dressing is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
