Easy Orange Tahini Dressing (Vegan and Healthy)
This Easy Orange Tahini Dressing is a healthy, vegan salad dressing made with simple ingredients and fresh orange flavor. It’s smooth, easy to make, and perfect for drizzling over kale salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and meal prep recipes.
It’s that time of year when oranges seem to take over every tree here in California. Bowls of fresh citrus line the kitchen counters, and suddenly I’m looking for simple, nourishing ways to actually use them all instead of letting them go to waste.
This creamy orange tahini dressing is my favorite solution. It’s bright, fresh, and exactly what makes my Kale and Sweet Potato Salad shine. If you’ve got a few oranges hanging out on your counter, this is the perfect way to turn them into something truly special.
Spotlight on This Easy Orange Tahini Dressing
- It’s dairy-free: This creamy orange tahini dressing is completely dairy-free while still delivering a rich, smooth texture. Perfect for anyone following a vegan or plant-based lifestyle.
- It’s super healthy: Made with fresh orange juice, tahini, and simple ingredients, this wholesome dressing is packed with nourishing fats and bright flavor.
- It’s hearty: The tahini creates a thick, satisfying dressing that helps transform any salad into a more filling meal.
- It’s citrusy: Fresh orange juice adds a naturally sweet, vibrant flavor that makes every bite taste fresh and elevated.
- It’s easy to make: Simply whisk or blend the ingredients in minutes for a quick homemade dressing you will use on repeat.
The Ingredients
Tahini: This creamy sesame paste is the rich base of the dressing, creating a smooth texture while adding healthy fats and a subtle nutty flavor. Use a well-stirred, high-quality tahini for the best consistency.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the dressing and balances the natural sweetness of the orange and maple syrup.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds just the right touch of natural sweetness without relying on refined sugar.
Dijon mustard: Dijon helps emulsify the dressing while bringing a gentle tang that deepens the overall flavor.
Orange juice and zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice delivers vibrant citrus flavor, while the zest intensifies the brightness and makes this dressing truly stand out.
Garlic: One fresh clove adds a savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy tahini and sweet citrus notes.
Water: You’ll use water to thin out the dressing to the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is creamy, nutty, and slightly citrusy with a natural sweetness from the orange juice. It balances the earthy kale and roasted sweet potatoes perfectly.
Yes! This dressing is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Store the dressing in a sealed glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, since natural separation may occur.
Simply whisk in a tablespoon of warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Definitely this Kale and Sweet Potato Salad! It’s absolutely delicious!
The Instructions
Step one: Place all of the ingredients into a small bowl. This includes tahini, Dijon, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, and salt. Use a whisk to mix the dressing and then slowly add filtered water until you have a nice creamy and runny consistency. *For me, it took about 1/4 cup of water or so.
Storage
Place leftover dressing into a mason jar or an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. *The dressing will thicken in the fridge. Simply whisk in a little water to thin it back out.
Tips and Modifications
Use freshly squeezed orange juice whenever possible. Fresh juice gives this orange tahini dressing a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that bottled juice simply cannot replicate.
If your tahini is thick or dry, stir it well before measuring. Natural separation is normal, and properly mixed tahini creates a much smoother, creamier dressing.
Love garlic? Add another clove for a bolder, savory dressing that stands up well to hearty greens like kale.
Try it as more than just a salad dressing. This citrus tahini sauce doubles as a delicious dip for roasted vegetables, a drizzle for grain bowls, or a spread for wraps.
Prep it ahead for easy meals. This dressing keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.
If the dressing thickens after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and whisk in a splash of water until smooth again.
More Vegan Dressing Recipes
Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing
Chipotle and Roasted Bell Pepper Vinaigrette
Easy Orange Tahini Dressing (Vegan and Healthy)
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup runny tahini
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- zest from 1/2 an orange *about 1 teaspoon
- juice from 1/2 an orange *about 3-4 tablespoons
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- about 1/4 cup water *to thin dressing to desired consistency
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a small bowl. This includes tahini, Dijon, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, and salt. Use a whisk to mix the dressing and then slowly add filtered water until you have a nice, creamy and runny consistency. *For me, it took about 1/4 cup of water or so.
