Zesty Manuka Honey Tahini Dressing
A creamy, tangy dressing sweetened with New Zealand Manuka honey — perfect for salads, roasted vegetables and grain bowls
This quick no-cook dressing combines tahini’s creaminess with bright lemon and Comvita Manuka honey for a balanced sweet-tangy flavour. It’s trending as a versatile pantry dressing for salads, roasted veg and grain bowls.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Active Time: PT10M
Ingredients
3
tbsp
tahini
(Notes: well stirred)
2
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: Comvita UMF 12 recommended)
2
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
(Notes: about 1 small lemon)
1
tbsp
apple cider vinegar
(Notes: for brightness)
1
clove
garlic
(Notes: finely minced or grated)
3
tbsp
extra virgin olive oil
(Notes: cold-pressed)
2
tbsp
warm water
(Notes: to loosen to desired consistency)
0.5
tsp
sea salt
(Notes: adjust to taste)
0.25
tsp
smoked paprika
(Notes: optional, adds depth)
1
tsp
Dijon mustard
(Notes: optional, helps emulsify)
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, Manuka honey and apple cider vinegar until smooth and slightly thick.
Tip: If your tahini is stiff, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water first to loosen it.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika and sea salt. Whisk while slowly streaming in the olive oil to create an emulsion.
Tip: Pour the oil very slowly at first to encourage a creamy emulsion.
Step 3
Stir in warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired pourable consistency. Taste and adjust lemon, salt or honey.
Tip: For a silkier texture, briefly blitz in a small blender or use an immersion blender for 10–15 seconds.
Step 4
Transfer to a jar, seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavours meld and the tahini mellow with the Manuka honey.
Tip: Resting improves balance — the dressing will thicken on chilling; stir in a splash of water before serving if needed.
Timing: PT30M
Step 5
Serve as a dressing or drizzle over mixed salads, roasted cauliflower, pumpkin, or grain bowls. Keeps in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Tip: Shake or stir well before each use. Pair with roasted beetroot, feta and toasted seeds for a popular social-feed flavour combo.