Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

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I’ve made a lot of dressings over the years, but this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is one I find myself returning to again and again. It’s creamy, tangy, a touch sweet, and just bold enough to elevate any salad or roasted vegetable dish into something crave-worthy. The combination of tahini with maple syrup and Dijon mustard is surprisingly addictive—one of those flavor blends that keeps you dipping your spoon back in for just one more taste.

What I love most about this dressing is how versatile it is. I originally whipped it up to drizzle over a warm grain bowl, but it quickly became my go-to for everything from wraps to simple steamed greens. It’s entirely plant-based, takes just five minutes to make, and stores beautifully in the fridge. It’s a small-batch, big-flavor addition to any kitchen routine.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

It’s the kind of dressing that makes healthy eating feel exciting. Whether you’re tossing it with a crunchy kale salad or using it as a spread in your sandwich, it brings richness without being heavy. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and made from real ingredients. No thickeners, no preservatives—just pure, nourishing flavor. You’ll also love how easy it is to adjust: make it thicker as a dip, or thin it out with water or lemon juice for a salad drizzle.

What Kind of Tahini Should I Use?

A good, runny tahini is key. The kind that pours easily, without a dense or chalky texture, works best in this dressing. I usually go for a light-colored tahini made from hulled sesame seeds—it has a more mellow, creamy taste. If your tahini is on the thicker side, don’t worry—you can still use it, just add a bit of warm water during blending to get the consistency just right.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of maple syrup? You can use agave or honey (if you’re not vegan). Dijon mustard can be swapped for whole grain mustard for extra texture or yellow mustard for a milder flavor. Lemon juice can step in for vinegar, and if you’re out of garlic powder, a small clove of fresh garlic minced finely works well. Even the tahini can be replaced with cashew butter or sunflower seed butter in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift a bit.

Ingredients for Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

• Tahini – This creamy sesame paste forms the rich base of the dressing. Its nutty flavor is what makes the dressing uniquely smooth and velvety.
• Maple Syrup – Adds a natural sweetness that balances out the tang of the mustard and acidity of the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard – Brings sharpness and depth, giving the dressing a zesty bite that cuts through the richness of the tahini.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Introduces brightness and acidity, helping to round out the flavors.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a savory, subtle kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning, enhancing the overall taste.
• Warm Water – Helps thin out the dressing to your desired consistency.

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Step 1: Choose the Right Tahini

Make sure your tahini is well-stirred and smooth. If it’s thick or separated, give it a good stir or pulse in a food processor to loosen it up before using.

Step 2: Whisk the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. It might seize up at first, but keep whisking.

Step 3: Add the Acid and Seasoning

Pour in the apple cider vinegar and sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly—this will thin it out slightly and brighten the flavor.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

Gradually whisk in warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your preferred texture. For a drizzle, use more water. For a spread or dip, keep it thicker.

Step 5: Taste and Fine-Tune

Give it a final taste and adjust—add more maple syrup for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more mustard for spice. This is where you can customize it to suit your dish.

Step 6: Store or Serve Immediately

Use the dressing right away over salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies. Or, transfer it to a sealed jar and refrigerate—it will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before each use as natural separation may occur.

How Long to Prepare Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

Making this dressing is incredibly fast and easy, which makes it perfect for last-minute meals or meal prep sessions.

Prep Time: It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to gather and measure your ingredients and mix everything together. No cooking required, just a bowl and a whisk (or small blender if you prefer).

Storage Time: If you’re prepping ahead, budget another minute to pour it into a storage jar and label it. Stored properly, it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

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Tips for Perfect Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

• Always use room temperature or warm water when thinning the dressing. Cold water can cause the tahini to stiffen.
• For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality tahini with no bitterness.
• Whisk slowly when adding water to control the texture. Add a splash of water at a time until you hit your desired consistency.
• If using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, let the dressing sit for 10 minutes so the garlic flavor mellows out.
• Taste as you go—each tahini brand is slightly different, so adjusting for sweetness, salt, or acidity is totally normal.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-thinning: It’s easy to add too much water. Stop and stir frequently to avoid turning it into a watery mess.
• Using bitter tahini: Some tahini can be overly bitter or past its prime. Taste it first!
• Not mixing well: This dressing thickens when liquids are added, so under-mixing can leave you with a lumpy texture.
• Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper really brings the flavors together—don’t leave it out.
• Wrong storage container: Always use an airtight jar or container to keep it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

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What to Serve With Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing?

1. Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle it over warm roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a creamy, tangy upgrade.

2. Grain Bowls

Use it as a finishing sauce for grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or brown rice, plus veggies and proteins.

3. Salads

Perfect for kale, spinach, or arugula-based salads. It clings nicely and adds bold flavor without overpowering.

4. Wraps and Sandwiches

Use it as a spread inside pita pockets or wraps—especially great with falafel or grilled veggies.

5. Buddha Bowls

It pairs beautifully with bowls full of legumes, greens, seeds, and roasted roots for a satisfying meal.

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Storage Instructions

In the Refrigerator: Store the dressing in a sealed glass jar or container for up to 7 days. It may thicken over time, so stir in a splash of water to loosen before using.

Freezing: This dressing isn’t ideal for freezing due to the nature of tahini and vinegar, which can separate after thawing. It’s best to make it fresh weekly.

Separation: Natural separation may occur. Just shake or stir vigorously before each use.

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Estimated Nutrition (per 2 tablespoon serving):

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does tahini taste like?

Tahini has a rich, slightly nutty flavor similar to sunflower seed butter but earthier. It’s creamy and slightly bitter, which makes it perfect for savory sauces.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen over time. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good shake before serving.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard and tahini labels to be sure.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, if you’re not vegan, honey is a great substitute and adds a deeper sweetness.

What if my dressing is too thick?

Add a teaspoon of warm water at a time and whisk well until it loosens to your liking.

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Conclusion

This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand all week. Whether you’re eating clean, prepping meals ahead, or just looking for something quick and delicious to pour over your salad, this dressing delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, bold, balanced, and endlessly customizable—a small batch staple you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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