Creamy Orange Tahini Sauce

This creamy orange tahini sauce combines the nutty richness of tahini with fresh orange zest, citrus juice, and a subtle hint of cinnamon. Naturally sweet from the orange, yet balanced with lemon and salt, it can be served as a sauce for falafel and roasted vegetables, thinned into a salad dressing, or kept thicker for dipping and spreading.

A sweet-savory tahini sauce with fresh orange

The idea for this orange tahini sauce came from a conversation with another Dallas food blogger. He mentioned combining tahini and orange — and even claimed that it was better than Nutella. Naturally, that intrigued me. On a related note, here you can find my healthy sugar-free Nutella recipe.

The pairing turned out to be every bit as good as it sounded. Tahini is rich and slightly earthy, while orange zest brings freshness, fragrance, and a gentle natural sweetness. Lemon juice adds acidity, and cinnamon gives the sauce a warm flavor without turning it into a dessert.

Although orange and tahini can be combined with sweetener to make a sweet spread, this version sits somewhere between sweet and savory. It contains no added sweetener and works particularly well with falafel, roasted vegetables, salads, and vegetable bowls.

How to make orange tahini sauce

Start by combining the tahini with the lemon juice, orange juice, orange zest, and salt. The mixture may initially become thicker or appear to seize; this is a normal reaction when liquid is added to tahini.

Add cold water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. The tahini will eventually loosen and become smooth and creamy. I usually need somewhere between 7 and 10 tablespoons, but the exact amount depends on the tahini and the consistency you want.

Stir in the cinnamon, taste, and add more orange zest if you prefer a stronger citrus flavor.

How to serve it

I originally served this orange tahini sauce with my Cauliflower Falafel, and the combination works beautifully. You can also serve it:

• As a dip for raw or roasted vegetables
• Drizzled over roasted cauliflower, carrots, or sweet potatoes
• With falafel or vegetable fritters
• As a creamy element in a grain or vegetable bowl
• Spread inside wraps or sandwiches
• Thinned with additional water and used as a salad dressing

Use less water when you want a dip or spread and more when you need a pourable sauce or dressing.

For a more savory tahini sauce, try this Creamy Tahini Sauce with Lemon, Garlic, and Cumin.

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