Zesty Manuka Honey Tahini Dressing
A silky, tangy dressing sweetened with New Zealand Manuka honey — perfect for green salads, roasted veg and grain bowls
Bright lemon and tahini form the base while Manuka honey adds distinctive floral sweetness and depth. This versatile dressing is inspired by recent trends for nutty tahini dressings and uses high-quality Manuka honey to elevate simple salads and roasted vegetables.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT15M
Rest Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT15M
Ingredients
3
tbsp
tahini
(Notes: well stirred)
2
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: MGO-rich, room temperature)
2
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
(Notes: about 1 lemon)
1
tbsp
Dijon mustard
(Notes: adds tang and emulsification)
3
tbsp
extra virgin olive oil
(Notes: or light olive oil for milder flavour)
1
tbsp
apple cider vinegar
(Notes: or white wine vinegar)
1
tsp
tamari or light soy sauce
(Notes: use tamari for gluten-free)
1
small
garlic clove
(Notes: finely grated or minced)
2-4
tbsp
water
(Notes: to thin to desired consistency)
to taste
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk the tahini and lemon juice together until smooth and slightly loosened — the mixture may seize initially, keep whisking until creamy.
Tip: If tahini is very thick, warm for 5–10 seconds in the microwave or stir vigorously to loosen.
Step 2
Add the Manuka honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic and tamari to the tahini-lemon base and whisk until fully combined.
Tip: Use good-quality Manuka honey for a floral, slightly herbal note; it blends beautifully with tahini.
Step 3
Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and then add 2 tablespoons of water; adjust with more water until you reach a pourable dressing consistency.
Tip: For a creamier, lighter dressing use a hand blender for 10–15 seconds.
Step 4
Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, then transfer the dressing to a jar and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
Tip: Resting helps the tahini mellow and the Manuka honey aroma to come through. Shake well before serving.
Timing: PT10M
Step 5
Serve over mixed greens, roasted cauliflower, grain bowls or use as a dip for crudités. Store refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days; whisk or shake before use as the dressing may thicken when cold.
Tip: If dressing thickens in the fridge, bring to room temperature for 10 minutes or whisk with a teaspoon of warm water.