(Note: this post was originally published on November 27, 2022. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
If you're looking for a healthy sauce to use on salads, bowls, and even as a dip, this three-ingredient turmeric tahini sauce is for you. Made from just tahini, anti-inflammatory turmeric, and a dash of maple syrup (plus salt), it comes together in minutes. It's also vegan and oil-free, unlike most sauce and dressing recipes you'll find.
Once you start making this easy turmeric tahini sauce, I can guarantee that you'll come back to it again and again, just like I do. It works beautifully as a creamy salad dressing to bring decadence to raw veggies. At a slightly thicker texture, it's a showstopping sauce on a hearty nourish bowl. At its thickest, it's a fabulous dip for veggies or crackers. You can even tweak the flavors by adding some fresh citrus juice, allowing this anti-inflammatory sauce to match whatever else is on the menu.
In this post, I'll outline the basics of how to make this simple turmeric tahini sauce and will include ideas for how to customize its flavor and texture. I'll also show many different ways of using it, so make sure to check out the photos and their captions.
There are many reasons why you'll want to add this healthy, oil-free sauce into your regular rotation. Most importantly, it features two powerful ingredients. Tahini has healthy fats and protein, and it makes a fabulous base for creamy vegan sauces and dressings. Turmeric is widely touted for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often considered to be a superfood (more on this below).
It's also important to note what this multi-purpose turmeric tahini sauce doesn't have. Unlike many dressings, it's oil-free, plant-based, and refined sugar-free. It also skips the starches, gums, and preservatives that are found in store-bought sauces.
Finally, a key benefit of this sauce is its versatility. Because it can easily work on different types of dishes, you can make a big batch and then use it throughout the week. There's no need to make separate sauces, dressings, and dips when this easy turmeric tahini sauce can do it all.
Although turmeric has been enjoyed in some cultures for centuries, it has only recently become trendy in the western world. It has many health benefits but is most often touted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric generally comes in two forms: powdered (like any powdered spice) and fresh (as a root). I suggest using powdered turmeric in this sauce recipe so that it will dissolve into the creamy tahini base more easily.
Turmeric has a unique flavor that is hard to describe. It's earthy and has some tropical notes, and overall is somewhat similar to saffron. It's also a bit of an acquired taste. Therefore, if you're new to turmeric, I suggest starting with less than what the recipe calls for and working your way up.
Interested in trying more turmeric recipes? I actually have a whole series of anti-inflammatory turmeric recipes here on the blog. Check out this turmeric farro "risotto" for a nourishing comfort food recipe, this creamy vegan turmeric pasta for an easy weeknight meal, and this turmeric granola for a sweet, crunchy treat.
Want to explore another turmeric sauce? It's a bit more effort than this three-ingredient turmeric tahini sauce, but my caramelized lemon turmeric sauce is exploding with flavor.
This decadent-yet-healthy turmeric tahini sauce uses just a few simple ingredients: tahini, turmeric, a dash of liquid sweetener, salt, and some optional citrus juice (see the ideas below). Because of the short ingredient list, this multi-purpose sauce, dressing, and dip comes together in just a couple minutes and all in one bowl.
You'll see that the recipe is for a small batch; that's because this three-ingredient turmeric tahini sauce is quick to make and because you may want to use different citrus options depending on what else is on the menu. My personal preference is to mix up a small batch each time I want to use it, but you could make a larger batch and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for several days if you prefer.
Most importantly, don't worry if the sauce seizes up! Tahini is high in natural fat, which doesn't mix easily with water (including the water in the maple syrup and in the citrus juice, if using). Depending on the texture of the tahini and how much liquid you add, the sauce can seize as you start mixing. If that happens, just add a teaspoon of water and stir again. Keep adding water and stirring; eventually you'll get a smooth, creamy sauce.
Because there are so few ingredients in this oil-free sauce, the tahini is front and center in terms of both flavor and texture. Accordingly, this recipe (and any tahini sauce recipe) will work best with an artisan tahini that's delicate in flavor and has a very smooth texture. Refer to my comprehensive tahini guide if you want to learn more about this fabulous ingredient.
I'm a huge lover of Seeds of Collaboration tahini because it's rich, nutty, subtly sweet, and has no bitterness. Unlike most grocery store brands that are grainy or clumpy, this premium tahini has a creamy, velvety texture. If you want to get your hands on my favorite tahini, use the code ROGUE at check-out to save 20%.
One of the things I love most about this turmeric sauce is its versatility. Thanks to a few possible variations, this recipe can easily function as a sauce, dressing, or dip. There are four main ways you can vary it:
Here's what you'll need for this turmeric tahini sauce recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Tahini is a fabulous ingredient in dressings and sauces because it provides a creamy, rich texture and excellent flavor. Thanks to that decadent texture, tahini sauces can easily be oil-free without them feeling too thin. If you love this turmeric tahini sauce, then I think you'll also be excited to check out the other tahini sauces here on the blog.
Don't you just love everything about this easy, healthy, three-ingredient turmeric tahini sauce? As you can tell from the diversity of photos in this post, it's a recipe that I make very frequently at home; usually at least once a week! Thanks to its nourishing and pantry-friendly ingredients, plus the fact that it comes together in less than five minutes and can be tweaked to match whatever else you're serving, there's no reason not to enjoy this as a sauce, dressing, or dip whenever the craving strikes.
I'm so excited to see how you use my favorite sauce. Make sure you bookmark this page, since I bet you'll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Whether you drizzle it onto a salad, spoon it over a bowl meal, use it to jazz up roasted veggies, or serve it as a healthy dip alternative at a party, I bet you'll be as smitten with this turmeric tahini sauce as I am.
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Disclosure: Seeds of Collaboration is a long-term partner. I receive free product from Seeds of Collaboration and take a small commission on sales using the discount code. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
This creamy turmeric tahini sauce uses just three ingredients and is naturally plant-based and oil-free. Use it as a dressing, sauce, or dip for bowl meals, salads, veggies, and more.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
Leave a Comment