This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Add a burst of umami and creamy goodness to your meals with this easy Miso Tahini Dressing. Perfect for topping salads and grain bowls, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip, this delicious dressing is a must-make kitchen staple!
This simple five-ingredient miso tahini recipe combines nutty, rich tahini with salty, savory miso and zesty lemon juice for a flavor-packed dressing you can add to almost anything! It adds umami creaminess to salads, vegan burgers, roasted veggies, or grain bowls.
All you need is a handful of pantry staples to quickly whip up the dressing and add mouthwatering flavor and nutrition to plant-based meals. If desired, add your own twist by taking any of my optional variations below, or make it a double batch to be meal prep ready!
For more salad dressing recipes, check out my Avocado Dressing, Vegan Caesar Dressing, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette.
What Is Tahini?
Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, such as hummus to baba ghanoush. It has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor that makes it perfect for savory and sweet recipes.
You can find tahini in most grocery stores in the international or health food aisle. For the best flavor, choose brands with 100% sesame seeds and no added oils.
What Is Miso?
Miso is a Japanese fermented paste typically made from soybeans (but you can also find soy-free varieties made with chickpeas), salt, and koji. It is beloved for its lightly sweet, rich umami flavor. It comes in varieties like mild white miso or darker, more robust red miso. White miso is great for this dressing due to its milder flavor; red is more commonly used in ramen, glazes, and marinades.
Look for miso paste in the refrigerated section of grocery stores, Asian markets, or online. Choose brands with minimal additives for a pure, clean taste.
Ingredients
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds bright acidity to the Asian tahini dressing that balances the creamy tahini and salty miso. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it does not have the same vibrant, fresh flavor.
Garlic. Grated or minced garlic adds a sharp bite to this silky sauce. Fresh garlic works best. But this ingredient can be omitted if needed.
Water: Filtered water helps achieve a perfectly creamy miso sauce. Add more or less depending on your thickness preference; reduce the water slightly for a thicker consistency, or add a bit more for a thinner dressing.
Salt (optional): Miso paste typically contains a good amount of salt, so adding extra salt is optional. If you prefer a saltier tahini miso dressing, start with a little salt and adjust to taste.
How to Make Miso Tahini Dressing
- Combine Ingredients (Except Water). Add the tahini, lemon juice, miso paste, and salt in a small mixing bowl or glass jar.
- Stir Well. Use a fork or whisk to stir the mixture well and break up the miso paste.
- Add Water. Add the water and continue to stir until the dressing is completely smooth. The texture should be similar to melted chocolate. If using a jar with a lid, shake the dressing to combine instead of stirring.
- Store & Serve. Store the miso tahini sauce in a glass jar with a lid or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, adding to your favorite dishes as you please!
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Stir the tahini well. If the tahini has separated, stir it thoroughly with a fork before measuring to ensure a creamy, even texture.
- Season to taste. Taste the miso tahini salad dressing before serving and adjust the salt, lemon juice, miso, or tahini as needed to suit your preferences.
- Adjust the water if desired. For a thinner dressing, add more water in small increments. For a thicker dip or spread, reduce the water slightly.
- Blend for extra smoothness. For an ultra-smooth and creamy texture, consider blending the ingredients in a blender or food processor instead of just stirring. This results in a velvety consistency that’s perfect for drizzling!
Recipe Variations
Switch things up with these tasty variations:
- Ginger Tahini Dressing: Add 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger or ¼-½ teaspoon of ground ginger to taste for a zesty kick.
- Sweet Miso Tahini Dressing: Stir in up to 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey for a touch of sweetness (that is extra delicious with veggie dishes).
- Spicy Miso Tahini Dressing: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) to add a kick of heat.
- Avocado Miso Tahini Dressing: Add half of a ripe avocado to a blender with the dressing for an extra luscious creaminess and complementary flavor.
Storage Directions
Refrigeration: Store the dressing in an airtight container or glass jar for up to one week in the refrigerator. Shake or stir well before using, as there may be some natural separation. This tahini dressing will thicken as it cools. Add more water to thin if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Miso paste is vegan. It is made from fermented soybeans, grains, and salt. However, always check the label of the brand you choose to make sure no animal-derived ingredients are included.
Absolutely! For those sensitive to sesame, substitute it 1:1 with unsweetened, unsalted sunflower seed butter for a similar consistency and taste.
As long as you choose a gluten-free miso paste (such as soy-based miso), this dressing is naturally gluten-free. If intolerant to gluten, check all ingredient labels to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully as a marinade for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables. The savory, tangy flavor will infuse the ingredients with delicious depth.
More Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes
- Orange Sesame Dressing
- Peach Miso Dressing
- Vegan Nicoise Salad Dressing
- Vegan Caesar Dressing
- Herbes de Provence Salad Dressing
Miso Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp mellow white miso paste
- 1 clove of garlic, minced, or finely grated
- ½ tsp salt, optional
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Combine the tahini, lemon juice, miso paste, garlic, and salt in a bowl or glass jar.
- Use a whisk or fork to stir it well and break up the miso paste.
- Add 1/2 cup of the water and continue to whisk. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of water as necessary to thin as you whisk. The texture should be similar to melted chocolate. If you are using a jar with a lid, you can shake the dressing to combine instead of stirring.
- Store the tahini dressing in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- If you like this recipe, please leave a rating and review!
Notes
- Stir the tahini well. If the tahini has separated, stir it thoroughly with a fork before measuring to ensure a creamy, even texture.
- Season to taste. Taste the miso tahini salad dressing before serving and adjust the salt, lemon juice, miso, or tahini as needed to suit your preferences.
- Adjust the water if desired. For a thinner dressing, add more water in small increments. For a thicker dip or spread, reduce the water slightly. Blend for extra smoothness. For an ultra-smooth and creamy texture, consider blending the ingredients in a blender or food processor instead of just stirring. This results in a velvety consistency that’s perfect for drizzling!
1 Comment