Tahini, made primarily from sesame, is a major part of many Eastern cuisines and is used in hummus, halva, and other delicious treats. It’s a popular addition to many health-focused diets, particularly because sesame seeds are high in “good” fats associated with improved heart health.
I’ve taken the flavors of tahini and created this utterly tempting homemade tahini dip recipe ideal for all your favorite vegan snacks.
What to Dip in Your Tahini
Traditionally, tahini is used with foods like falafel either as a sauce or a garnish. You can also pair it with healthy, raw vegan snacks like cucumber, celery, or sticks of carrot. For an unusual savory-meets-sweet flavor, try slices of sharp apple dipped in tahini. It’s a mouthwatering treat you can enjoy at any time.
Tahini Dip for Various Diets
My tahini dip recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and suitable for a range of diets. Tahini is considered paleo because of its use of sesame which has been eaten by humans for thousands of years. It’s also keto-friendly thanks to its high-fat, low-carb content.
Avoid crackers and breadsticks if you’re on a keto or paleo-style diet. Fresh, raw veggies are the best partners for tahini in these instances, particularly low-carb options like cucumber.
Homemade Tahini Dip FAQ
Is tahini sauce dairy-free?
Yes, tahini is completely dairy-free making it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone exploring a plant-based diet.
Can I make garlicky tahini dip?
Plain, Greek tahini out of a jar tends to be just sesame seeds, salt, and oil blended into a thick sauce. I love garlic, and my tahini dip recipe includes it. I think that garlic goes really well with the flavor of tahini, and additionally, it has so many health benefits. You can make your tahini dip with or without garlic – the choice is yours. And, if you really want garlic to come through, you can add more garlic to make an extra garlicky tahini dip.
Is tahini spicy?
If you’re looking for spice, tahini seasoning doesn’t have any heat as standard. However, the benefit of making homemade tahini dip is that you can add other ingredients —including chili or pepper.
Perfect Homemade Tahini Dip Recipe
Satisfy your cravings for something creamy — even on a plant-based diet. This homemade tahini dip with just a few ingredients is so simple and versatile that you’ll be whipping some up every week.
Homemade Tahini Dip
Equipment
- Food processor or high-powered blender
Ingredients
Tahini Paste
- 1 cup sesame seeds hulled, toasted
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/4 tsp salt
Homemade Tahini Dip
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Tahini Paste Recipe Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for a couple of minutes or until they turn light golden.
- Leave the seeds to cool down.
- Transfer the seeds to a food processor and then pulse until they form a coarse paste.
- Add olive oil and salt and continue to process for about 40 seconds, or until the paste becomes smooth. If needed, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Now that you have your homemade tahini, it's time to turn it into a dip!
Homemade Tahini Dip Recipe Instructions
- Combine tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and a bit of water in a food processor and then pulse until you have a smooth paste.
- Add a bit more water to thin the dressing and then pulse. Keep adding water until you're happy with the consistency of your dip.
Notes
- Add more (or less) water depending on the consistency you prefer.
- If your diet allows it, you can substitute water for yogurt.
- If you prefer a more garlicky tahini dip, add an extra garlic clove.
- For extra freshness and flavor, add 2-3 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley.
- Store your tahini dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- If you have any leftover tahini paste, you can also store it in an airtight container (e.g., glass mason jar) in the fridge for a couple of months.