This creamy Italian preserved lemon tahini dressing is bright, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs. Oil-free and dairy-free, it's perfect for salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and more.
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice or balsamic lemon vinegar
2tablespoonswhite balsamic or white wine vinegar
1tablespoonpreserved lemon or 1 teaspoon lemon zest if not using preserved lemons
2teaspoonswhite miso
1teaspoon nutritional yeast
½teaspoononion powder
¼teaspoon fennel seedoptional
¼teaspoon garlic powder
¼teaspoonsea saltonly if needed (taste first because the preserved lemons and miso already provide salt)
¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
¼–⅓cup cold wateras needed
2tablespoonsfresh Italian parsleyoptional
1tablespoonfresh basil leavesoptional
Instructions
Add the tahini, lemon juice, preserved lemon (or zest), nutritional yeast, white miso, white balsamic, garlic, onion powder, fennel seed if using, and black pepper to a blender.
Blend until smooth.
With the blender running, slowly add the water until the dressing reaches a silky, pourable consistency. For salads, I would aim for the texture of heavy cream.
If using, stir in finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley and fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsely and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
Taste and adjust: More lemon juice for brightness. More preserved lemon for deeper citrus flavor. A little more white balsamic if you'd like slightly more sweetness.
Salt only if needed.
Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.