The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (2024)

by Erin

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This creamy Tahini Yogurt Sauce will quickly become your new favorite quick & easy go to. Drizzle it over grilled salmon, serve it with lamb kebabs or shawarma, or use it as a yogurt dip for veggies.

The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (1)

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Ingredients needed

How to make it

Topping ideas

How to use it

More appetizer recipes

More Middle Eastern-inspired recipes

More yogurt recipes

More tahini recipes

Tahini Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

A Middle Eastern Yogurt Sauce that comes together in 5-minutes, is super versatile, and can be dressed up with your favorite herbs & spices? Yes, please!

When I came up with this recipe, I literally just started pulling out all my favorite ingredients from my spice drawer and cupboards. I knew that the base would be a mixture of greek yogurt and tahini, that I’d give a bit of a tang with either vinegar or lemon juice.

And then I knew that I wanted to incorporate my favorite spice, cumin, with a bit of heat (coming from some chipotle chili powder), and a pop of color, which came from those pomegranate seeds and a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley.

What I didn’t realize was how obsessed I would be with it.

The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (2)

It was salty, tangy, creamy, smoky. I instantly wanted it on everything.

That first day, I used it as a dip served with radishes, cucumber and a bit of torn pita bread.

And then I used a bit of restraint.

I set it aside so that I could test it out the next day, drizzled over some grilled salmon. Amazing.

Now I’ve been dreaming up in my head all the ways I want to use this Tahini Yogurt Sauce…

And today, I’m going to show you just how easy this Middle Eastern Yogurt Sauce is to prepare, and how flexible this recipe can be.

The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (3)

Ingredients needed

  • Plain Greek Yogurt – I prefer to use whole fat, but you can also use low-fat, non-fat, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  • Tahini Sauce – Tahini is a sesame seed paste that’s nutty and delicious! Look for it near the peanut butter in your grocery store. Or, order it online. This is my favorite brand since it pours so easily.
  • Lemon Juice – For a nice tang. You can also use vinegar or lime juice.
  • Salt & Pepper

How to make it

  • Combine greek yogurt with tahini and lemon juice, stir until smooth.
  • Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to add extra richness and flavor.
  • Sprinkle on your favorite herbs, seeds, nuts, etc. I’ve got loads of topping ideas below ↓↓↓
  • To dress up my Yogurt Dip in these photos, I sprinkled on some toasted cumin seeds, chipotle chili powder, pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh parsley.

Here are some other great topping ideas and mix-ins for your sauce:

Topping ideas

  • Sesame Seeds
  • Toasted Pine Nuts
  • Spices – Coriander, Cayenne, Za’atar, Sumac, Mustard Seeds
  • Fresh Herbs – Dill, Mint, Cilantro
  • Grated Garlic
  • Chickpeas
  • Calabrian Chiles
  • Harissa
  • Grated Cucumber
The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (4)

How to make ahead & store

  • This yogurt sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead of time. Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

Recipe FAQs

Is tahini sauce the same as tzatziki?

Tahini sauce is a creamy sauce, similar to peanut butter, that is made with ground sesame seeds. Tzatziki sauces is a creamy, yogurt-based cucumber sauce.

What is the flavor of tahini sauce?

Tahini is rich, nutty, and creamy. It’s most similar to peanut butter in flavor, but the flavor is lighter.

How long does homemade tahini sauce last in the fridge?

This homemade tahini sauce will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

How do you store tahini once opened?

Tahini sauce should be stored in a cool, dry location, like a pantry or cupboard. It can also be stored in the fridge, but the consistency will become thicker.

How to use it

  • Greek Yogurt Dip for Fresh Vegetable Sticks
  • Yogurt Sauce for Lamb Chops
  • Tossed with Cooked Rice
  • Middle Eastern Yoghurt Sauce for Shawarma
  • As a Spread on Sandwiches
  • Whisk with some Extra Olive Oil and Use as a Salad Dressing
  • Combined with Warm Pasta
  • As a Sauce for Falafel
The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (5)

More appetizer recipes

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Short Rib Crostini with Cambozola Cheese and Cherry Jam


Filet Mignon Bites with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

More Middle Eastern-inspired recipes

  • Lebanese Cabbage Salad
  • Fattoush Salad
  • Lebanese Garlic Sauce
  • Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
  • Israeli Couscous with Tomatoes

More yogurt recipes

  • Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing
  • Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake
  • Greek Yogurt Onion Dip
  • Greek Yogurt Bowls
  • Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
  • Salted Caramel Yogurt Popsicles
  • More → 45+ ways to use Greek yogurt!

More tahini recipes

  • Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Tahini
  • Roasted Squash Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing
  • Farro Salad Recipe with Basil Lemon Tahini
  • Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush
  • Cauliflower Chickpea Salad with Quinoa
  • MORE → 35+ Recipes that Use Tahini

Did you try this yogurt tahini sauce?

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The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (6)

Tahini Yogurt Sauce

This creamyMiddle Eastern Yogurt Saucewill quickly become your new favorite quick & easy go to. Drizzle it over grilled salmon, serve it with lamb kebabs or shawarma, or use it as a yogurt dip for veggies.

5 from 11 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

To Garnish:

Instructions

  • Combine yogurt, tahini and lemon juice in a large bowl.

  • Drizzle with olive oil and top with pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, cumin seeds and chili powder. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve.

Notes

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 to add new photographs and information. The tahini yogurt sauce recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

The BEST Tahini Yogurt Sauce (2024)

FAQs

How do you make tahini sauce not bitter? ›

If it is too bitter, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey. And if the flavor is too sharp, mellow it with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon olive oil.

What's healthier, tzatziki or tahini? ›

Tzatziki is lower in fat compared to tahini but still offers a creamy texture and satisfying taste. It is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Why is my tahini sauce not smooth? ›

Knowing that tahini seizes, and how to fix it, is the key to how to make a great sauce with the desired consistency: smooth! Fix the seized mixture with the addition of ice cold water. ​You may only need a little water to smooth out the mixture; it's best to start with less water and add more as needed.

What's the difference between tahini and tahini sauce? ›

Tahini paste is just ground sesame seeds. Period. In comparison, tahini sauce is made by thinning the paste to a consistency similar to a thick cream, typically by adding other ingredients. My family's recipe adds lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to our tahini sauce.

Why is my tahini sauce so bitter? ›

Bitterness is generally part and parcel of tahini - it's how ground sesame seeds taste. What you will find, however, is that some tahini can taste more bitter than others. This is down to a few things; like how that particular tahini is processed, or the levels of something called oxalic acid in the hulls of the seeds.

What is the least bitter tahini? ›

#1: Baron's Organic Tahini

Naturally mild sweetness and not too bitter. Texture: 5 – About as creamy and smooth as it gets. Overall thoughts: 4.25 – We love how easy it is to stir and how creamy it is, and the flavor was pretty delicious.

Is tahini more fattening than peanut butter? ›

They're both healthy, dietitians say. Tahini is lower in carbohydrates and sugars than peanut butter is making it a better choice for people who follow low-carb diets, Politi notes. Both foods are predominantly fat, though peanut butter has a little more protein, Young adds.

Which tahini is better for you? ›

The darker sort, made from unhulled sesame, is stronger-tasting and slightly bitter, but arguably healthier, because many of the nutrients are in the husk. An alternative view is that the fibre in the husk impairs mineral absorption. Either way, tahini is nutrient-dense.

Are tajin and tahini the same thing? ›

Though its name sounds similar to the Middle Eastern condiment tahini, Tajín has little in common with the sesame paste, and in fact was named after an archeological site where its founder learned the Nahuatl word for chile, Aji.

What does bad tahini taste like? ›

It should be slightly thinner than peanut butter, but still have a creamy texture, and the flavor should be predominantly of toasted sesame. It should feel velvety, smooth and rich. The flavor should be savory and nutty. If it tastes bitter and chalky, it's not good tahini.

Should tahini have oil on top? ›

Because tahini contains no extra ingredients or emulsifiers, it can—and usually will—separate into oil (on the top) and solids (at the bottom), just like an all-natural peanut butter. A quick stir or shake should be enough to return it to a cohesive pourable or spoonable state.

Should you stir tahini? ›

Once you get your jar of tahini home, you want to open it up and give it a stir to make sure it's incorporated. (If the oil has fully separated, such as in the photo above, Food editor Joe Yonan uses an immersion blender to reincorporate it, after which he says it stays emulsified.)

Why is tahini so expensive? ›

At the heart of every tahini jar lies the sesame seed. The quality of these seeds significantly influences the price. High-quality, ethically sourced sesame seeds can be pricier, contributing to the overall cost of the final product.

Is it better to buy or make tahini? ›

Making tahini at home is easy and cheaper than buying it from the store. I also think it tastes better! For the best deals, look for sesame seeds in bulk bins or at International, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets. While you can make tahini from unhulled, sprouted, or hulled sesame seeds, we prefer hulled seeds.

What flavors go well with tahini? ›

Tahini can be made into a wonderful tahini sauce that can be used to add flavor to bowls of roasted vegetables and grains. Try mixing it with miso, yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice as we do in our Miso-Tahini Couscous Bowl, or make up your own tahini sauce recipe.

How to remove bitterness from sesame seeds? ›

According to the method of the present invention, the bitterness can be substantially removed from the refined sesame oil by reducing the content of sesaminol that has been formed from sesamolin that is relatively rich in the seeds having a high lignan content via transfer reaction in one of the following bleaching ...

How do you tone down tahini? ›

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It's a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, often used as a key ingredient in dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and halva.

How do you make bitter sauce less bitter? ›

Mix in a little bit of sugar to hide the bitterness. Add a pinch of salt to a bitter dish. Sprinkle in a pinch of baking soda. Add acidic flavors to the dish, like lemon juice or vinegar.

How do you make sesame paste less bitter? ›

I usually pretreat sesame seeds and sunflower seeds by soaking them overnight in lightly-salted water (which encourages sprouting). Drain and dehydrate. Now there isn't as much bitterness. You can toast the dehydrated seeds if you like the toasted flavor better than the raw flavor.

References

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