Southwest Tahini Lime Salad Dressing

This super simple Southwest-style tahini lime dressing uses just 5 simple ingredients, yet adds major flavor to literally any dish - grain bowls, your favorite salads, roasted veggies, and much more. The combination of nutty tahini, fresh lime, and cilantro is bold and refreshing in all the right ways. Best of all, you just toss everything in a blender and you're good to go!

This is one of my favorite salad dressings, and it's honestly shocking just how much flavor you can get from such a short list of ingredients. That's what happens when you're working with flavor bombs - a little goes a long way and you don't need much!

This gorgeous tahini lime sauce is the star of my Mexican-Inspired Black Bean Corn Salad, adding flavor to every single bite. But don't stop there - it's just as good drizzled over kale salads (like my Kale and Bean Salad), roasted sweet potatoes, burrito bowls, and more.

It's my go-to anytime I want to add tons of flavor - and gorgeous, vibrant color - right away!

Why you’ll love this Easy Tahini Lime Dressing

• Super easy dressing recipe - just blend and go!
• Naturally oil-free dressing yet still super creamy thanks to tahini
• Bursting with flavor from the nutty tahini, zesty citrus, and fresh herbs
• Adds a Southwest-inspired flair to any recipe
• Great source of healthy fats and plant-based flavor

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Tahini Dressing

We're keeping it super simple here! When the ingredient list is this short, the quality of the individual ingredients really matters. Make sure to use fresh lime juice (not the stuff from a bottle) and the freshest herbs you can find. It makes all the difference.

• Sesame tahini - Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, which are blended into a paste similar to peanut butter. It's a popular ingredient in the Middle East and adds a nutty flavor and a natural creaminess to any dressing recipe.
• Fresh lime juice - Fresh is non-negotiable here. You'll get so much more flavor using fresh citrus. You can also try using lemon juice, which tastes great too, but lime really adds that Southwestern flair. 
• Water - Adjust the amount of water until you reach your desired thickness.
• Fresh cilantro - Cilantro is key in many Southwestern and Mexican-inspired dishes and adds a cleansing, aromatic freshness. It also gives this creamy dressing its gorgeous green color. 
• Salt - Add just a little salt to bring out the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Tahini Lime Dressing

This recipe truly could not be easier! A blender works great, but a food processor can also get the job done.

• In a high speed blender, add tahini, lime juice, water, cilantro, and salt.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

Storing Suggestions

Transfer any leftover dressing to an airtight container, like a mason jar. It'll keep in the fridge for 5-7 days. Just give it a shake or stir it before serving!

Tips for Making the Best Tahini Lime Salad Dressing

• Adjust the thickness. Want it thinner? Add more water. Want a thick dressing or dipping sauce? Use less.
• Sweeten to taste. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweeter taste.
• Add some heat. Add a shake or two of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or even a little fresh garlic for a little kick.
• Add the zest. If you're already squeezing some limes, you may as well grate some fresh lime zest for an even brighter citrus flavor. So good!

Serving Suggestions

This lime tahini salad dressing pairs beautifully in recipes that lean Southwestern - think black beans, corn, grilled veggies, and smoky chiles. It's a crucial component in my Black Bean Corn Salad, but is also delicious drizzled over a bowl of roasted potatoes or drizzled onto tacos. 

Thicken it up to serve as a dip for tortilla chips or fresh veggies, or add it as a finishing touch over nachos or burrito bowls. Basically, anytime you want a punch of flavor and freshness, add some of this tahini sauce. It works like a charm!