This lemon herb tahini sauce is bright, creamy, and ready in about five minutes. Smooth tahini, fresh basil, lemon, and a touch of avocado create a versatile condiment that works as a dip, spread, salad dressing, or pasta sauce.
I created this at home after tasting the lemon herb tahini at Cava and wanted to recreate a similar fresh, herb-forward flavor. It’s an easy way to upgrade simple meals and makes a great make-ahead addition to your weekly meal prep.
This tahini sauce is adaptable — use it to enliven roasted vegetables, slather on sandwiches, toss with pasta, or serve as a party-ready dip for crudités.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Spicy Cashew Dressing next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly creamy: Tahini and a bit of avocado create a silky texture that coats food beautifully.
- Vegan & gluten-free: No animal products or gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for many diets.
- Fresh flavors: Fresh basil, lemon, and garlic give the sauce a bright, savory profile.
- Versatile: Use it as a pasta sauce, dip, salad dressing, or sandwich spread.
Ingredient Notes
Basil: Fresh basil is best here — it brightens the sauce and keeps the color vibrant.
Tahini: Stir tahini well before measuring to reincorporate the oils. It provides a nutty depth and creamy base.
Agave nectar: A small amount balances the lemon’s acidity; you can substitute another liquid sweetener if needed.
Avocado: Optional, but adds richness and healthy fats for an even silkier finish.
See the recipe card below for a complete ingredient list and exact quantities.
Substitutions & Additions
Make it spicy: Add ½–1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before blending.
Extra creamy: Add another half avocado for a richer texture.
Replace tahini: Try cashew butter or almond butter if you don’t have tahini — the flavor will change but the texture remains creamy.
Cheesy note: Stir in 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy undertone.
Step by Step Instructions
Image 1: Prep ingredients: wash basil and lemon, peel the garlic, and stir the tahini to combine the oils.
Image 2: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Image 3: Taste and adjust seasoning. Thin with 1 tablespoon of water at a time if you want a looser consistency.
Image 4: Serve with pasta, as a dip, over roasted vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
Top Tip: The avocado can darken slightly if stored. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce before refrigerating to limit browning.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
Use the sauce in many ways — here are a few favorites:
- Pasta: Toss with hot pasta for a quick, creamy green sauce.
- Salad: Thin with a little water and use as a vibrant salad dressing.
- Dip: Serve with fresh vegetables, pita, or crackers for an easy appetizer.
- Sandwich spread: Spread on bread to elevate sandwiches and wraps.
Expert Tips
- Use a blender: A blender gives the smoothest texture, but a food processor also works. If mixing by hand, finely mince the herbs and garlic.
- Fresh is best: Fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice provide the brightest flavor compared with jarred or pre-squeezed alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
This version blends tahini with fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, a touch of agave, and optional avocado for extra creaminess.
Tahini is a paste made from ground toasted sesame seeds, prized for its nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Cashew or almond butter can replace tahini; expect a slightly different flavor but a similar creamy result.
More Plant-Based Recipes You’ll Love
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Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie
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Mason Jar Caesar Salads
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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 — I appreciate your feedback!
Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
Kelsey Riley
Pin Recipe
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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Wash the basil, squeeze the lemon, and peel the garlic.
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Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
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Serve as a dip, spread, salad dressing, or toss with pasta.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to four days. Press plastic wrap onto the surface to help prevent discoloration from the avocado.