Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

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This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is the kind of sauce that makes you look forward to eating salad. It’s creamy from tahini, a little tangy from lemon and Dijon, and just sweet enough thanks to a drizzle of pure maple syrup. You can whisk it together in minutes, but it tastes like something you’d find at a cozy café.

I keep a jar of this in my fridge most weeks, and it ends up on everything: crunchy chopped salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, even as a dip for warm pita or chicken strips. If you love bright, bold, better-for-you dressings that still feel a little indulgent, this one is going to be on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

This dressing walks that perfect line between creamy and refreshing. Tahini makes it luxuriously smooth without any dairy, while lemon juice keeps it lively and light. Dijon adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of maple syrup so it never tastes sugary—just beautifully rounded.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Thin it out for a pourable salad dressing, or leave it a bit thicker for drizzling over grain bowls and roasted vegetables. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, easy to batch-prep, and made entirely from pantry staples you probably already have.

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What Kind of Tahini Works Best for Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing?

For the silkiest dressing, you’ll want a smooth, pourable tahini rather than a dry, chunky one. Look for tahini that’s well-stirred and the consistency of heavy cream when you open the jar. Middle Eastern–style tahini made from hulled sesame seeds tends to taste mild and nutty, which lets the maple and Dijon shine.

If your tahini has separated, don’t worry—just give it a really good stir before measuring. And if it’s especially thick, you may need a splash or two of extra warm water to loosen the dressing to your preferred consistency.

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Ingredients for the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

This dressing is built from a handful of simple ingredients that come together in the most flavorful way. Each one plays a role in balancing creaminess, tang, sweetness, and depth.

• Tahini – The creamy, nutty base of the dressing that replaces dairy and gives it body.
• Pure maple syrup – Adds gentle sweetness and a caramel-like note that pairs beautifully with Dijon and lemon.
• Dijon mustard – Brings tang and a little sharpness, helping emulsify the dressing so it turns velvety.
• Fresh lemon juice – Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the tahini.
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel while mellowing the tahini’s intensity.
• Warm water – Thins the dressing to your ideal consistency and helps everything blend smoothly.
• Garlic – A small clove gives the dressing a savory backbone that makes it extra addictive.
• Fine sea salt – Pulls all the flavors together and highlights the sweetness and acidity.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and depth at the very end.

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How To Make the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

Making this dressing is as simple as whisking and adjusting. You don’t need a blender—just a bowl, a whisk, and five minutes.

Step 1: Build the creamy base

In a medium bowl or jar, combine the tahini, Dijon mustard, and pure maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture looks thick, smooth, and slightly lighter in color. This step helps the tahini start to emulsify, which keeps the dressing from separating later.

Step 2: Add the brightness

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and whisk again. The mixture may tighten up at first—this is normal. Keep whisking until the lemon is fully incorporated and the dressing looks glossy.

Step 3: Whisk in the olive oil and seasonings

Slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking, followed by the grated garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. At this point the dressing will be thick but smooth, almost like a dipping sauce.

Step 4: Adjust the consistency

Whisk in warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your ideal texture. For salad dressing, you’ll want it pourable but still creamy. For a dip or drizzle over roasted vegetables, keep it a bit thicker. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon, or maple as needed.

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How to Serve and Store Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of dressing, which is enough to generously dress 4 side salads or about 6–8 portions if you’re using it as a drizzle over bowls or roasted veggies. It’s perfect for meal prep because the flavors deepen as it sits.

Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5–6 days. It will thicken as it chills, so just whisk in a splash of water or lemon juice before serving to loosen it back up. Give it a good shake or stir each time you use it to re-emulsify the tahini and oil.

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What to Serve With Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing?

Crisp green salads

Toss this dressing with romaine, mixed greens, shaved Brussels sprouts, or baby kale. Add sliced apples, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries for a bistro-style salad at home.

Grain and veggie bowls

Drizzle over warm quinoa, farro, or brown rice bowls loaded with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and greens for a satisfying, plant-forward dinner.

Roasted vegetables

Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing loves caramelized flavors. Spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower right before serving.

Mediterranean mezze plates

Use it as a dip for warm pita, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives, or drizzle over falafel and grilled halloumi for a cozy mezze-style spread.

Grilled chicken or shrimp

This dressing makes a fantastic finishing sauce for simply seasoned grilled chicken or shrimp. The lemon and maple play so nicely with smoky charred edges.

Buddha bowls and power bowls

Layer greens, roasted veggies, a grain, and your favorite protein, then finish with a generous drizzle of the dressing for an easy lunch that feels restaurant-worthy.

Sandwiches and wraps

Spread a thicker version of the dressing inside wraps, pita pockets, or sandwiches instead of mayo for a creamy, flavor-packed twist.

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Want More Salad Dressing and Fresh Salad Ideas?

If you fall in love with this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing, you’ll probably enjoy these other bright, veggie-forward favorites too:

• Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs for a protein-packed lunch with tons of fresh flavor.
• Easy Asian Slaw when you’re craving crunchy veggies and a tangy, sesame-kissed dressing.
• The Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe for a bold, colorful salad that doubles as a party dip.
• Healthier Waldorf Salad when you want a lighter spin on a nostalgic classic that still feels special.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing to your Pinterest salad or meal-prep board so you can find it quickly whenever you need a fast, flavorful dressing.

When you make it, I’d love to hear how you use it—over roasted veggies, stuffed into wraps, or poured generously on a big dinner salad. Do you keep it thick and dip-able, or whisk in extra water for a lighter drizzle?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own and discovering your favorite variations. Questions are always welcome in the comments—let’s swap ideas and help each other cook smarter.

For even more everyday inspiration, follow Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest and explore beautifully curated, health-boosting recipes and feel-good meal ideas.

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