• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Debra Klein

Debra Klein
  • Home
  • About Debra
  • home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Debra
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Salad » Salad Dressing

Green Tahini Sauce

Gluten FreeGrain FreeVegan

Published: May 30, 2020 · Modified: Mar 4, 2023 by Debra Klein · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Finally a green tahini sauce that’s equal parts easy, decadent, versatile and delish! You’re going to love this recipe for tahini sauce that uses 7 ingredients and takes just 5 minutes to make.

Green tahini sauce in a mason jar with specks of fresh herbs and crushed red pepper.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • What is Tahini?
  • How to make it
  • What to do with it:
  • More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

This Green Tahini sauce is EVERYTHING. A salad dressing, a dipping sauce, a drizzle for your buddha bowl, a spread for your sandwich. It’s all that. AND….it’s all good.

I love this fresh and vibrant tahini dressing. It’s super easy to make with clean ingredients that will literally wow your taste buds. It gives off a green goddess kinda vibe…different than an avocado based green goddess dressing…but seriously good.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Labeled ingredients: tahini, jalapenos, lime, garlic, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes
  • Tahini: Buy a brand that has just sesame seeds in the ingredient list. Stir the jar thoroughly before you begin using so your tahini is uniform in texture.
  • Jalapenos: substitute with habaneros, Fresno peppers or Anaheim peppers if you like a bit more heat. If you remove the seeds and membranes of the jalapenos they’ll add flavor, but not a lot of spice.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds that earthy fresh taste. You can substitute with fresh basil or cilantro, but you definitely need some kind of fresh herbs for this delicious dressing.
  • Lime: Fresh lime is great, but use a jar of lime juice if you need to.
  • Garlic

What is Tahini?

I would put it in the condiment category. It’s made from ground sesame seeds, usually raw. Sometimes they’re toasted before grinding, producing a stronger sesame flavor and that is usually called sesame paste.  Tahini has the consistency of other nut butters, but a bit more drippy.

My number one tip for tahini is to STIR THE JAR THOROUGHLY when you first open it. I give the same advice for any nut butter. The worst is when the top of the jar is too liquidy or the bottom is so thick you can’t get it out. Not only that, but using it in recipes like tahini brownies requires a consistent texture to come out right.

Green tahini sauce in a bowl, surrounded by limes, fresh parsley and jalapenos.

My friend Susan recently texted me a photo of an empty sauce container. Did I mention the jar was empty? It did have a sticker with an ingredient list. Tahini, lime juice, parsley, jalapeno, EVOO, garlic, salt/pepper. The text under the photo was simple, “so yummy, can you figure out the proportions?”

Although I didn’t have an opportunity to actually taste the Green Tahini Sauce, she was responsive to my barrage of questions. I needed to know the consistency and whether it was more tangy or spicy. Another important detail: what did she want to use it on. No matter what I suggested, her answer was YES!

That’s how I feel about this green tahini sauce…YES to drizzling it on ALL THE THINGS!!

How to make it

Food processor bowl with tahini, jalapeno, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, grated garlic.

Place tahini, lime juice, parsley, olive oil, chopped jalapenos, grated garlic, salt and pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.

If you’re whole foods plant based with no oil, I’ve got good news. I did make this without the olive oil also. While it wasn’t quite as creamy, it was still really good. I subbed in the same amount of water. No oil, no problem.

Creamy green sauce in a food processor bowl, just blended.

What to do with it:

SALAD DRESSING: Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired thickness is achieved. I poured it over arugula + faro salad and was in heaven. Honestly, this green tahini sauce is so tasty, you could fill your bowl with any greens, pour it on, and call it a day!

Pitcher of green tahini sauce dripping over the edge onto a board with cut up veggies.

It’s also perfect poured onto a BUDDHA BOWL. Fill your bowl with some roasted or raw veggies, a handful of greens, some cooked grains and load on the dressing. So good, you’ll wanna lick the bowl.

Spread it onto your sandwich or wrap. DELISH! Use it in place of mayo. It’s perfect for tuna, potato salad or egg salad.

Large white bowl filled with summer pasta salad that includes cherry tomatoes, spinach, green peas, chick peas, sun flower seeds and fusilli

If you’re a pasta salad lover, but not a fan of creamy sauces laden with mayo or oil, then you will adore this pasta salad recipe. The combo of pasta, veggies, and THIS GREEN TAHINI SAUCE. Seriously DELISH!

Green tahini sauce in a bowl, surrounded by sliced peppers, carrots and cucumbers on a plate.

TAHINI DIPPING SAUCE: Use this yummy sauce as a dip for crudites. It’s a tasty way to up your veggie consumption. Whenever I leave out cut up veggies—-with something good to dip them in—they are always gobbled up. Pile on some pickled onions for a real treat!

More great stuff to dip into this sauce: Veggie Spring Rolls or Sweet Potato Fries,

I’m a total roasted veggie freak. I eat them plain. Sometimes straight from the pan. But I know not everyone loves them as much as I do. Enter the green tahini drizzle. Yup. The perfect flavor enhancer to veggies. Raw, roasted, steamed or air-fried, this will enhance any vegetable dish.

More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes

  • Pouring ranch dressing onto a simple, colorful, bowl of salad.
    Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe
  • Small jar of creamy caesar dressing with a wooden spoon showing it's thickness.
    Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe (vegan)
  • Small glass pitcher filled with bright yellow salad dressing with specks of red and green. In the background is a bowl of salad and some squeezed limes.
    Easy Vegan Mango Salad Dressing
  • small white bowl filled with chipotle salad dressing that's light orange with extra chipotle powder sprinkled on top and swirled around with fresh chopped cilantro.
    Chipotle Salad Dressing

Did you know commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite food bloggers? If you made this recipe, please consider a five star rating below and leave a comment. Also, please share your photos on instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debraklein

📖 Recipe

Pitcher of green tahini sauce dripping over the edge onto a board with cut up veggies.

Green Tahini Sauce

Author: Debra Klein
Green Tahini Sauce uses 7 ingredients, takes just 5 minutes to make and tastes incredible. It's perfect for topping buddha bowls, as a spread for a wrap or sandwich, poured over your favorite green salad, or serve it as a dip with veggies.
4.84 from 24 votes
Rate this Recipe
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 1 ½ cups
Calories 105 kcal

Equipment

  • Balloon whisk
  • 1-Cup Glass Measuring Cup
  • Microplane
  • Global 8″ Chef’s Knife
  • Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup tahini
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 1 cup packed fresh parsley thick stems removed
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 jalapenos
  • 4 cloves garlic zested
  • 1 teaspoon fine ground sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions
 

  • Use a food processor: Remove seeds and membranes then roughly chop jalapenos and throw them and everything else in the bowl of food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.
  • Use a bowl and a whisk: Mince parsley and jalapenos. Whisk tahini, lime juice and olive oil together until thoroughly combined. Stir in garlic, parsley and jalapenos. Sprinkle in salt and crushed red pepper.

Notes

Variations:
  • No oil version: Substitute water for olive oil in the same quantity.
  • Dipping sauce: Cut back olive oil, using only 3 Tablespoons for a little bit thicker sauce.
  • Spread: Use only 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Test consistency and add more oil, or water as needed.
  • Salad dressing: Mix in 1-4 Tablespoons water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until pourable.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 2TablespoonsCalories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 183mgFiber: 1g
    Note

    The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag me @dkhealthcoach or use hashtag #dkhealtcoach on Instagram so I can see it!!

    Categories

    Gluten FreeGrain FreeSalad DressingVeganTahini

    More Salad Dressing Recipes

    • Lemon dill dressing in a bottle with some arugula, fresh dill and half a lemon in the background.
      Lemon Dill Dressing with Dates
    • Creamy green dressing in a bottle with fresh parsley and pistachios in the foreground.
      Creamy Tangy Vegan Pistachio Dressing
    • Creamy Russian dressing in a small glass pitcher.
      Oil-free Vegan Russian Dressing Recipe
    • Small glass pitcher filled with creamy ginger miso dressing.
      5-Minute Ginger Miso Dressing with Tahini

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.84 from 24 votes (12 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sue

      June 01, 2020 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      I’m excited for this recipe! I planted a ton of parsley this year with no clear plan for how to use it. Now I can’t wait for it to grow!

      Reply
    2. Marina

      June 01, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      Never tried to make Tahini dressing before, fantastic flavours. Great alternative to olive oil and balsamic vinegar

      Reply
    3. Sara Rodriguez

      June 01, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      I love Tahini Sauce and this one looks so tasty!

      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        June 01, 2020 at 5:15 pm

        So delish….you’ll want to put it on EVERYTHING!

        Reply
    4. Sabrina

      June 01, 2020 at 6:36 pm

      This sounds great to put on falafel!! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        June 01, 2020 at 9:36 pm

        Another great use for this sauce. Thanks for the suggestion!

        Reply
    5. Amy

      June 01, 2020 at 11:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a dleicious sauce! Had it with a salad and was great!

      Reply
    6. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      June 02, 2020 at 7:42 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This Green Tahini Sauce is perfect for my salad! Looks really yummy.

      Reply
    7. Natalie

      June 02, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      I think I never tried tahini sauce like this one. I absolutely love the flavors and ingredients. Can’t wait to make this.

      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        June 02, 2020 at 1:57 pm

        It’s a nice change from the usual. Enjoy.

        Reply
    8. Leslie

      June 02, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      Great Tahini Recipe!

      Reply
    9. Susan H

      June 18, 2020 at 9:01 pm

      Super quick and super delicious… made with ingredients that I had on hand, which is key these days. This dressing made the lettuce from today’s CSA pick-up even more special. Honestly, I’m already planning tomorrow’s lunch around this dressing. It’s that good!

      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        June 19, 2020 at 10:08 am

        We feel the same way! Can’t get enough….that is how the summer pasta salad recipe came about.

        Reply
    10. Angela

      April 23, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      This refreshing dressing is perfect for just about anything and so easy to make.

      Reply
    11. Freya

      April 23, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds so fresh and delicious!

      Reply
    12. Lilly

      April 23, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      I love this sauce! I use it for everything!

      Reply
    13. Julia

      April 23, 2021 at 11:57 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great, healthy and creamy sauce!

      Reply
    14. Jere Cassidy

      April 24, 2021 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      This sauce sounds amazing and I love the green color. Love how easy this is to make.

      Reply
    15. Jamie

      April 24, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      I love to put this on everything it’s so good!

      Reply
    16. Sondra

      April 24, 2021 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      Love it!

      Reply
    17. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      April 25, 2021 at 2:44 am

      Yum! I could have that with my salad!

      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        April 25, 2021 at 4:55 pm

        Exactly. A delicious dressing!

        Reply
    18. Jeannette Webber

      June 12, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      Easy to follow recipe and easy to prepare and delicious! Added some atop my poke bowl!

      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        June 13, 2022 at 8:27 am

        Awesome. Great way to enjoy that sauce too.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Photo of Debra Klein in the kitchen, smiling, tossing a salad.

    Hi, I’m Debra, Holistic Health Coach and Culinary Instructor inspiring healthy choices with seasonal plant-based recipes. I'm also passionate about transforming Traditional Jewish Foods into dishes that are nutritious, delicious, beautiful and satisfying. Let's get into the kitchen and have some fun.

    More about me →

    Eat more plants.

    Grab the tips to easily whip up more plant based meals.

    Reader Favorite Recipes

    • No Salt Taco Seasoning Recipe
    • Bowl of creamy yellow soup with sauteed mushrooms, scallions and red pepper floating on top.
      Dairy-free Leek Soup without Potatoes
    • Savory Spiced Nuts Recipe
    • Chopped cauliflower, cabbage, dates and nuts on a round plate with limes and fresh herbs.
      Raw Cauliflower Salad with Lime
    • Colorful and chunky roasted veggies in an reddish brown broth.
      Chunky Roasted Veggie Soup Recipe
    • Vegan ground beef in a cast iron skillet with wooden spoon, showing textrure.
      Vegan Ground Beef Recipe with Mushrooms & Lentils

    Trending Recipes

    These recipes are trending because they're super tasty, easy to make and loaded with plant-based nutrition.

    • Crispy potato latkes on a platter with a small dish of sour cream in the center.
      Grandma’s Potato Latkes Recipe
    • Cast iron pan filled with green beans almondine. There are almond slices, cloves of garlic and crushed red pepper scattered around the pan and a grey napkin tied around the cast iron handle.
      Easy Recipe for Green Beans with Almonds
    • Wedges of whole roasted golden beets and red beets with balsamic, sea salt and chopped fresh parsley.
      Whole Roasted Beet Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • Spoonful of homemade applesauce on a jar of chunky applsauce.
      No Sugar Applesauce Recipe
    • White rectangular serving plate with stuffed mushrooms
      Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Small glass pitcher filled with bright yellow salad dressing with specks of red and green. In the background is a bowl of salad and some squeezed limes.
      Easy Vegan Mango Salad Dressing

    More Fresh Recipes-->>

    More Vegan Recipes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    latest recipes delivered

    • HOME
    • RECIPE INDEX
    • CONTACT DEBRA
    • Privacy Policy
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2026 Debra Klein

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.