Zesty Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. Featuring a delightful blend of zesty lemon juice, creamy sesame tahini, and a touch of savory soy sauce, this dressing offers a unique twist that pairs wonderfully with tuna, peas, and pasta. Not only does it add a refreshing splash to salads, but it also serves as a fantastic marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables. Easy to prepare and store, this dressing will elevate your meals with its bright, nutty, and tangy profile.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Oil
3 tablespoons (use olive oil or neutral oil)
Sesame Tahini
2 tablespoons (smooth)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (low sodium recommended)
Water
1 tablespoon (as needed for consistency)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a blender, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, oil, sesame tahini, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2
Blend the ingredients on high until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
3
Taste the dressing, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
4
Transfer the dressing to an airtight plastic bottle or jar for easy storage.
5
Shake well before each use to combine the ingredients, as they may separate over time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant salad dressing that combines freshly squeezed lemon juice, creamy sesame tahini, and savory soy sauce for a nutty and tangy flavor profile.
Is this tahini vinaigrette recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 2 servings.
What type of oil should I use for this dressing?
You can use either olive oil for a richer taste or a neutral oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use this vinaigrette as a marinade?
Absolutely! It serves as a fantastic marinade for grilled chicken or various vegetables.
What dishes pair well with Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette?
It pairs wonderfully with tuna, peas, pasta salads, and fresh green salads.
How do I store the leftover dressing?
Transfer the dressing to an airtight plastic bottle or glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator.
Do I need a blender to make this recipe?
Yes, using a blender on high speed is recommended to ensure the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
What should I do if the dressing separates in the fridge?
Separation is natural; simply shake the bottle or jar well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Can I adjust the consistency of the vinaigrette?
Yes, you can add water one tablespoon at a time as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Is there added sugar in this dressing?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugars or sweeteners.
What kind of tahini should I use?
Smooth sesame tahini is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended to achieve the zesty, bright flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard soy sauce contains wheat; to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dressing?
The flavor is described as bright, nutty, and tangy.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is actually recommended for this recipe to better control the saltiness.
How long does it take to prepare?
It is a quick and easy recipe that only takes a few minutes to blend once the garlic is minced and the lemon is squeezed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients if you are preparing a meal for a larger group.
Is this dressing considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option because it uses whole ingredients like tahini and fresh lemon juice without processed additives.
What should I do if the blender isn't catching the ingredients?
Stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix.
Is this dressing spicy?
No, it is not spicy, though it has a savory kick from the garlic and soy sauce.
Can I substitute tahini with another nut butter?
While you can use almond butter or cashew butter, it will significantly change the flavor; tahini provides the specific nutty profile intended for this recipe.
Does the recipe require salt?
It uses a pinch of salt, but since soy sauce is also included, you should taste it before adding more.
Is this dressing suitable for pasta salad?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being a great addition to pasta-based dishes.
Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Yes, roasted garlic will provide a mellower, sweeter flavor compared to the sharp bite of raw minced garlic.
How many ingredients are in this vinaigrette?
There are 8 ingredients: lemon juice, oil, tahini, soy sauce, water, garlic, salt, and pepper.
What is the texture of the finished dressing?
When blended properly, the texture is creamy and smooth.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
Yes, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro would be a great addition to the blender for extra freshness.
Is this dressing dairy-free?
Yes, it is 100% dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.