I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach, gluten-free recipe creator, and home detoxification expert with a focus on gut health. I show burned-out women with digestive issues how to take a proactive, holistic approach to healing by sharing nutrient-dense recipes, and sustainable lifestyle tips that are easy to implement in everyday life.
Confession: I really dislike plain tahini, it’s just too bitter for my taste. However, sesame seeds are a great source of plant-based nutrition, so I was determined to make it palatable. Enter: Maple Tahini Dressing—a quick, 5-ingredient recipe that’s rich, creamy, and subtly sweet. Whether you’re dressing up Cauliflower Steaks, spooning it over baked salmon, tossing with Sautéed Carrots or snacking with some fresh fruit, this recipe might just change your mind about tahini, too.
Thyroid health – sesame seeds are high in selenium, which supports the thyroid gland.
Plant-based protein – Pair them with legumes for a complete protein source.
Ingredients
TAHINI – The only ingredient on the label should be ground sesame seeds. Oil separation is natural—just give it a good stir. If possible, choose tahini in a glass jar (to avoid plastic degradation and exposure). Artisana Organics is a great brand.
COCONUT AMINOS – Adds earthy sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing, giving it that rich, dark color without needing extra water or oil.
PURE MAPLE SYRUP – Skip the fake maple flavored corn syrup. I’m partial to Pure Vermont Maple Syrup Grade A Dark Robust. The darker the grade, the stronger the flavor. (Vermont’s is the best 😉.)
TOASTED SESAME SEEDS – Optional but highly encouraged. Toasting deepens the nutty flavor and balances the sweetness. I use a 50/50 mix of white and black sesame seeds to make a pretty garnish. (You can find both types at Savory Spice).
SALT – Use your favorite. I love Redmond Real Salt for its trace minerals without microplastics. See my guide to The Best Salts for Cooking.
How to Make Maple Tahini Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and salt until smooth and creamy. 💡If your ingredients are cold from the fridge, let the dressing sit for 5 minutes before whisking again—it helps it blend beautifully.
Stir in half the toasted sesame seeds (instructions below). Add crushed red pepper flakes to taste, if desired.
How to Toast Sesame Seeds
In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Gently shake the pan frequently to avoid burning (it happens fast!).
🔥 PRO TIP: As soon as they’re done, transfer the seeds to a small dish to stop the cooking process.
Tips & Storage
Serve at room temperature or warm gently in a 170ºF oven (or warming drawer) while prepping your meal.
Garnish your plate with the remaining toasted sesame seeds—or store them in a glass spice jar for next time.
Refrigerate leftover maple tahini dressing in a glass jar for up to 2 weeks. If it separates or thickens, let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes, then stir to reincorporate.
What to Eat with Maple Tahini Dressing
This dressing is incredibly versatile—sweet, savory and creamy with a satisfying nuttiness. It’s great on salads, veggies and proteins alike. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy it:
Poured over a Millet Bowl with roasted Brussels sprouts
Smeared on a rice cake for a crunchy-sweet snack
Served as a fruit dip—especially with sliced pears or apples
FAQs
What does tahini sauce taste like?
Plain tahini sauce tastes earthy and bitter, which is why it’s commonly mixed with other ingredients to make it more appetizing. The flavor will depend on the sesame seeds themselves, the processing method and age of the tahini.
Is tahini sauce vegan?
Yes. Tahini is made from sesame seeds and contains no animal products.
Does tahini sauce have dairy?
No, despite the creamy appearance, tahini does not contain dairy.
If you love this Maple Tahini Dressing as much as I do, please leave a rating below—it helps other sesame seed lovers find it and I really appreciate the support. ♡
This easy vegan maple tahini dressing recipe blends maple syrup, coconut aminos, and toasted sesame seeds for an earthy sweetness with a nutty undertone. Toss with salads or roasted veggies, spoon it over salmon, or enjoy with sliced pears for a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoonscoconut aminos
2 teaspoonspure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon mineral salt
2 teaspoonssesame seeds(optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Whisk the tahini, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. TIP: If your ingredients are cold from the refrigerator, let the dressing sit for 5 minutes before whisking again—it helps everything blend beautifully.
Toast the sesame seeds in a small dry pan over medium heat. until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Gently shake the pan frequently to avoid burning (it happens fast!). As soon as they’re done, transfer the seeds to a small dish to stop the cooking process.
Season with crushed red pepper flakes to taste if desired.
Notes
Serve at room temperature or warm gently in a 170ºF oven (or warming drawer) while prepping your meal.
Store extra toasted sesame seeds in a glass spice jar for later use.
Refrigerate leftover maple tahini dressing in a glass jar for up to 2 weeks. If it separates or thickens, let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes, then stir to reincorporate.
