Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

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When it comes to dressings that transform the ordinary into something crave-worthy, this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is a true gem. It blends the rich creaminess of tahini with the brightness of lemon, a little tang from Dijon mustard, and just enough maple syrup to keep things balanced and slightly sweet. The result is a silky, nutty, and perfectly tangy drizzle that pairs with nearly anything on your plate.

Whether you’re jazzing up a grain bowl, massaging kale for a hearty salad, or looking for a fresh take on a veggie dip, this dressing earns its keep in your fridge. With no dairy, gluten, or refined sugar, it’s also a win for many different dietary needs, making it as versatile as it is flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

This dressing has the kind of flavor that makes you pause after the first bite. The creamy tahini gives it body and richness, while the maple syrup and Dijon create a sweet-sharp balance that lifts every ingredient it touches. It’s brightened with lemon juice and finished with garlic for that extra savory depth.

It takes less than 5 minutes to whisk together and can be stored in the fridge for over a week. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—you can tweak the sweetness, thin it out with water, or add extra herbs for your own twist.

Can I Use Any Type of Tahini?

Yes, but the quality matters. Look for tahini that is smooth and pourable, with a mellow sesame flavor. Some store-bought versions can be overly bitter or gritty, which will affect the final dressing. Stir well before using if the oil has separated.

Ingredients for the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

The beauty of this dressing is in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Tahini is the creamy base and gives the dressing a rich, nutty flavor with a smooth texture.

Maple syrup balances the sharpness of the mustard and lemon with its mellow, natural sweetness.

Dijon mustard adds a subtle heat and tang that makes the dressing pop.

Lemon juice brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the tahini.

Garlic adds depth and that little punch of savory you want in a great dressing.

Water helps thin the dressing to your desired consistency without diluting the flavor.

Salt brings all the flavors together and enhances each component.

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How To Make the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt. It might look a little thick or separated at first.

Step 2: Thin It Out

Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly. The mixture will seize up at first, then smooth out into a creamy dressing. Add enough water to reach your preferred texture.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Taste the dressing and adjust as needed. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, lemon for brightness, or garlic for bite.

Step 4: Store and Chill

Pour into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It will thicken slightly as it chills, so you can stir in a splash of water before serving if needed.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Dressing

This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing makes about 3/4 cup, which is enough for four large salads or multiple grain bowls. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 10 days, making it a perfect make-ahead component for weekly meal prep. Just give it a shake or stir before each use.

The flavor also deepens slightly after a day, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the second time around.

What to Serve With Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing?

Over Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle it over warm roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for an earthy-sweet finish.

With Grain Bowls

Pour generously over a bowl of quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, and greens for a protein-packed lunch.

As a Salad Dressing

Toss with kale, arugula, or mixed greens. It’s especially good with hearty greens that can hold up to a rich dressing.

On Wraps or Sandwiches

Use it in place of mayo or aioli on wraps or veggie sandwiches for an elevated flavor punch.

As a Dip for Crudites

Serve it alongside sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for a wholesome snack.

On Falafel or Roasted Chickpeas

It’s a dream over crispy falafel or a bowl of roasted chickpeas with herbs.

With Grilled Proteins

Brush over grilled chicken or tofu right before serving for a flavorful glaze.

Want More Dressing Ideas?

If you loved this creamy tahini dressing, check out some of my other flavor-forward sauces and dressings:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or sauce board so you can come back to it whenever you need a versatile, creamy dressing.

Let me know in the comments how you served it! Did you thin it out more? Try it over rice bowls? Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley?

I always love seeing your variations and ideas. Don’t be shy to ask questions or share your favorite combos!

Explore beautifully curated healthy and delicious dressings on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen staple.

Conclusion

Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory. It takes just minutes to make but brings lasting impact to every dish it touches. With clean ingredients and flexible flavor, it’s an everyday dressing you’ll come back to again and again.

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Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is a creamy, dairy-free sauce made with tahini, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Perfect as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or grain bowl topping, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of sweet-savory flavor.


Ingredients

0.25 cup tahini

1.5 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, finely grated

3 to 5 tablespoons water (to thin)

0.25 teaspoon salt


Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add tahini, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth.

2. Slowly add water one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition. The mixture will first thicken, then become creamy and smooth.

3. Adjust consistency by adding more water if desired. Taste and adjust with more maple syrup, lemon juice, or garlic as needed.

4. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Stir or shake before each use.

Notes

Make sure your tahini is well-stirred and smooth for the best texture.

You can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

This dressing thickens as it chills; stir in a splash of water before serving if needed.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dressing
  • Method: Whisk
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 tablespoons
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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