Manuka Tahini Lemon Dressing
A creamy umami-rich dressing sweetened with Manuka honey — perfect for salads, roasted veg and grain bowls
A versatile, quick-to-make dressing that balances the floral sweetness of Manuka honey with nutty tahini, bright lemon and savoury tamari. Trending flavours make it ideal for salads, roasted vegetables or as a drizzle over grain bowls and avocado toast.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT10M
Ingredients
2
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: UMF 10+ recommended (see Manuka details))
3
tbsp
tahini (sesame paste)
(Notes: smooth tahini gives a creamier dressing)
60
ml
extra virgin olive oil
(Notes: or light olive oil for a milder flavour)
2
tbsp
apple cider vinegar
(Notes: or white wine vinegar)
1
tbsp
tamari
(Notes: gluten-free soy sauce; use soy sauce if preferred)
1
tbsp
Dijon mustard
(Notes: helps emulsify and adds tang)
1
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
(Notes: about half a lemon)
1
clove
garlic
(Notes: finely minced or grated)
2-4
tbsp
warm water
(Notes: to thin to desired consistency)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
(Notes: to taste)
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl whisk together tahini, Manuka honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, tamari and lemon juice until smooth.
Tip: If tahini is very thick, warm it slightly or stir well before measuring.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic and whisk to incorporate. The combination should be glossy and slightly thick.
Tip: Grating the garlic on a microplane gives a smoother texture and mellows the bite.
Step 3
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing. If it separates, a vigorous whisk or blender pulse will bring it back together.
Tip: Using a small jar with a tight lid you can shake the dressing vigorously instead of whisking.
Step 4
Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach a pourable consistency. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Tip: Warm water helps loosen tahini without changing the flavour.
Step 5
Let the dressing rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavours to meld and for the Manuka honey to integrate fully.
Tip: Resting rounds out the acidity and softens the raw garlic edge.
Timing: PT15M
Step 6
Give the dressing a final whisk or shake, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls or as a dip for crudités. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature and re-whisk before using.
Tip: If refrigerated the dressing will thicken; thin with a splash of warm water or lemon juice when ready to use.