This creamy lemon herb tahini sauce comes together in about five minutes. Smooth and savory, it’s perfect as a dip, a spread, a salad dressing, or tossed with your favorite pasta.
I created this version after enjoying Cava’s lemon herb tahini and wanted an easy home recipe with bright herb and citrus notes. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and a great way to elevate simple meals throughout the week.
Make a batch early in the week to add creaminess and fresh flavor to bowls, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, salads, and pasta.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Spicy Cashew Dressing next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly creamy: Tahini and avocado create a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Vegan & gluten-free: No animal products or wheat—suitable for many diets.
- Fresh flavors: Basil, lemon, and garlic make the sauce bright and aromatic.
- Versatile: Use as a pasta sauce, dip, spread, or salad dressing.
Ingredient Notes
Basil: Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor; dried herbs won’t give the same vibrant green color or aroma.
Tahini: Stir tahini well before measuring—some brands separate in the jar. Its nutty richness is key to the sauce’s texture.
Agave nectar: A plant-based sweetener that balances the lemon and garlic; you can substitute maple syrup if preferred.
Avocado: Adds extra creaminess and healthy fats—use half an avocado for a richer result.
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts.
Substitutions & Additions
Make it spicy: Add ½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before blending.
Extra creamy: Add another half avocado for an even silkier texture.
Swap the tahini: Try cashew butter or blended soaked almonds; the flavor will be milder and slightly different.
Cheesy flavor: Stir in 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a savory, cheese-like note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep: Wash the basil and lemon, peel the garlic, and stir the tahini so it’s smooth before measuring.
Blend: Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Adjust: Season with extra salt or lemon to taste. Thin with 1 tablespoon water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Use immediately or refrigerate for later. If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning if avocado is used.
Top Tip: To keep the sauce from browning, press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing and refrigerating.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
Here are some favorite ways to enjoy this sauce:
- Pasta: Toss warm pasta with the sauce for a quick, creamy herb pasta.
- Salad: Thin with a tablespoon or two of water and use as a bright, herb-forward dressing.
- Dip: Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, pita, or toasted bread for snacking or entertaining.
- Sandwich spread: Use as a flavorful spread to elevate sandwiches and wraps.
Expert Tips
- Use a blender: A high-speed blender yields the creamiest texture, though a food processor works too.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
This version blends tahini with fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, a touch of agave, water, and optional avocado for extra creaminess.
Tahini is a paste made from ground toasted sesame seeds.
Almond butter or cashew butter are reasonable substitutes, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
More Plant-Based Recipes You’ll Love
Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie-
Mason Jar Caesar Salads
-
Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
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Sheet Pan Gnocchi
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating or a comment below—I love hearing feedback!
Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
Kelsey Riley
Equipment
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Blender
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 cups basil
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- ½ avocado
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar
Instructions
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Prep the ingredients by washing the basil, juicing the lemon, and peeling the garlic.
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Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
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Serve as a dip, spread, dressing, or toss with pasta.
Notes
If you want a thinner sauce, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to four days.