Creamy, nutty, tangy, and just the right touch of sweetness—this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is about to become your new go-to sauce. Whether you’re jazzing up roasted vegetables, tossing it over greens, or using it as a dip for your favorite snacks, this dressing brings flavor that makes everything taste better. The magic lies in the balance: rich tahini melds seamlessly with the mellow tang of Dijon mustard and a kiss of maple syrup for natural sweetness.
What sets this dressing apart is its ability to elevate both warm and cold dishes. It’s plant-based, dairy-free, and comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it stores well, so you can make a batch and keep your meals vibrant all week long.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing
- Versatile & Flavorful: Works great as a salad dressing, sauce, dip, or sandwich spread.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 5 minutes with no cooking required.
- Healthy Ingredients: Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh for days and enhances everything from roasted veggies to grain bowls.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you get started, round up these essential tools to make the process smooth:
- Small Mixing Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking or shaking the ingredients together.
- Whisk or Fork: Helps emulsify the dressing for a creamy, uniform texture.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: Ensures the perfect ratio of tahini, maple syrup, Dijon, and acid.
- Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping every last bit of tahini out of the jar (because none of that creamy goodness should go to waste).
- Glass Storage Jar (optional): For storing leftovers and shaking it up before use.
Each tool helps maintain the dressing’s consistency and ease of prep—you’ll be surprised at how professional this homemade dressing feels.

Ingredients for the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing
- Tahini: The creamy sesame paste that forms the base of this dressing. It brings richness and a nutty depth that sets it apart from other vinaigrettes.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and smooths out the sharpness of the mustard and lemon. It also balances the earthy tahini.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers a gentle tang and emulsifies the dressing. It creates a silky texture while adding savory zing.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor profile with acidity and keeps the dressing light and fresh.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a mild garlicky kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential. These seasonings round everything out and enhance the other ingredients.
- Water: Adjusts the consistency to your liking—thin it out for salad dressings or keep it thicker for dipping.
How To Make the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl or jar, add tahini, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. These are your flavor foundations.
Step 2: Season and Stir
Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to blend until the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 3: Adjust the Texture
Add water one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until your desired consistency is reached. For salads, aim for a pourable texture. For dips, keep it creamy and thick.
Step 4: Taste and Tweak
Give it a taste. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more maple syrup. Need more tang? Another squeeze of lemon juice will do.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Use immediately or pour into a sealed jar and refrigerate. Shake before each use as natural separation may occur.
Serving and Storing Your Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing
This dressing is as flexible as it is flavorful. Drizzle it over kale, spinach, or arugula for an instant salad upgrade. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets. Try it as a dip for falafel or fresh-cut veggies, or spread it in wraps and sandwiches in place of mayo for a healthy twist.
To store, transfer it to an airtight glass jar or container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week. If it thickens in the fridge, just stir in a splash of water or lemon juice to bring it back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing last in the fridge?
It will keep well for up to 7 days in a sealed container. Stir or shake before each use as natural separation may occur.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture of tahini tends to change after freezing and thawing, leading to a grainy or broken consistency.
Is this dressing vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are plant-based and naturally free of gluten. Just ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely. If you prefer a stronger garlic kick, swap in one small minced garlic clove. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after mixing to mellow the raw garlic taste.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey (for non-vegans) or agave nectar work well. Start with the same amount and adjust to taste.
How do I prevent it from getting too thick?
The key is to add water gradually and whisk thoroughly. If it thickens after chilling, just stir in a little extra water before using.
Want More Dressing and Sauce Ideas?
If you love this Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing, here are more delicious and creative ways to dress your meals:
- Louisiana Remoulade Sauce for a bold, Southern-style dip or spread.
- Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip when you’re craving something creamy and tangy.
- Spicy Ranch Taco Dip for a zesty flavor bomb at parties.
- Rotel Chicken Salad Dip to add a twist to your snacking.
- Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with a sweet-heat drizzle you’ll want to use on everything.
These recipes will help you keep mealtime fresh, exciting, and full of flavor.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this dressing recipe to your Pinterest salad or sauce board so you can return to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how you used it! Did you go savory or sweet? Any add-ins you loved?
For more fresh, wholesome ideas like this one, follow me on Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.
Let’s keep creating magic in the kitchen together!

Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup
Description
This creamy Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Made with tahini, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and ready in minutes. A healthy salad dressing or dip for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/4 cup tahini
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 to 4 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
1. In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine tahini, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir until the mixture thickens.
3. Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking to reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust: add more maple syrup for sweetness or lemon juice for tang.
5. Use immediately or store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before each use.
Notes
Use a whisk or small blender to fully emulsify the dressing and prevent separation.
For a bolder garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with 1 small clove of minced fresh garlic.
If the dressing thickens in the fridge, thin it out with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dressings & Sauces
- Method: Whisked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

