This easy tahini sauce recipe (tarator) is ready in 5 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and works perfectly as a dip, dressing, or side to many dishes!
Published: March 22, 2025 by Lea
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If you’ve had shawarma or falafel, you’ve probably tried tarator; a smooth, garlicky tahini sauce that makes everything taste better.
I’m Lebanese, and this sauce is something we always have at home. We use it with beef shawarma, falafel, and even fried fish. I made it to go with my healthy chicken shawarma bowl, and it was the perfect match.
A lot of people think tahini is just for hummus, but tahini dressing is very different from hummus, well not too much, it just doesn’t have chickpeas in it. Tarator is also thinner than hummus, we consider hummus a dip but tarator a sauce.
This is an authentic tahini sauce recipe I learned from my mom, just like we make it back home in Lebanon. It is super quick to make and only takes a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients to make Lemon Tahini Dressing:
- Tahini
- Lemon Juice
- Garlic Cloves
- Water
- Salt
Measurements are posted in the recipe card below the instructions.
Instructions to make Tahini Sauce:
- Add the tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt to a blender or a deep jar if you’re using an immersion blender. Blend everything until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you get the texture you like.
Instructions – No Blender Method:
Start by crushing the garlic. Traditionally, my mom uses a mortar and pestle to turn the garlic into a smooth paste. If you don’t have one, a garlic press is a great option.
In a bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, water, crushed garlic, and salt. Use a spoon or whisk to mix everything together until smooth. The mixture might look like it’s splitting at first, just keep stirring and it will come together into a creamy sauce.
You can adjust the texture with a little more water if needed.
Can I make tahini sauce without a blender?
You don’t need a blender at all! As mentioned earlier, my mom makes this authentic tahini sauce recipe using a mortar and pestle. She crushes the garlic until it turns into a smooth paste, then mixes everything together with a spoon. You can also use a garlic press instead, then stir everything by hand.
Can I use tahini sauce as a salad dressing?
Yes! This tahini sauce also works great as a tahini dressing recipe.
How long does homemade tahini dressing last in the fridge?
This homemade tahini sauce keeps well in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days. Store it in an airtight container. It may thicken slightly, so give it a stir or add a splash of water before serving.
Is this tahini sauce recipe the same as Lebanese tarator?
Yes, it is! This recipe is a traditional tarator; a lemony, garlicky tahini sauce we use in Lebanon with shawarma, falafel, and more.
What’s the difference between tahini sauce and tahini paste?
Tahini paste is just ground sesame seeds, while tahini sauce (like this one) is made by mixing tahini paste with lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt.
Try this Tahini dressing recipe with my healthy chicken Shawarma bowl!
If you tried this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Tahini Sauce Recipe (Tarator)
Instructions
- Add tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt to a jar or blender cup. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Recipe yields between 1 cup and 1¼ cups of sauce.
- Nutrition info is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. For the most accurate details, consider using a nutrition tool or checking our full Nutrition Information Disclaimer.
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