delectable mustard tahini dressing (vegan)

Mustard tahini dressing - 8-ingredients and a whisk away from your new, delectable vegan, oil-free salad dressing!

Overhead shot of mustard tahini dressing in bowl and in small ladle.

This is a savory dressing that highlights the sharp, umami flavors of Dijon mustard. It isn’t intended as a ‘honey’ mustard dressing. Think of mustard tahini when you want a change from Caesar dressing or when you’re dreaming of leafy salads on the salty side.

You’ll need 8 ingredients for this salad with the addition of water if you want to thin it out. It will thicken as it sits. That’s no problem, just give it a stir and add a bit of water or lemon juice.

A plate with minced shallots, mustard, black pepper, tahini, lemons, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Ingredients

Shallot – Shallots are a bit mellower than onions with garlic undertones. When minced small and blended raw, they provide an onion flavor without being too strong.

Dijon mustard – It’s mustard tahini dressing, friends. Dijon has a bit of a kick, so you may want to start with 2 tablespoons and then add more if you like things a little mellower.

Tahini – Sesame paste should be nothing but ground sesame seeds. There are differences with tahini. If you look at the store shelves, you’ll discover that right away. Some brands add salt. Some brands are made from roasted sesame seeds. Some brands (the less expensive ones, usually) are processed with additional oil.

Confused? Make your own tahini. It’s super simple and, in my opinion, better than anything you can buy. Plus, it’s the ultimate quality control.

Lemon juice – Some dressings use vinegar for the acid. Lemon juice isn't as sharp and adds just the right about of brightness for this dressing.

Nutritional yeast – ‘Nooch' adds just a bit of salty-cheesy flavor to compliment the Dijon mustard. It’s also got the added nutritional benefit of being high in B vitamins and, in particular, B12.

Garlic powder – Take note if you use garlic salt or if your garlic granules have salt added.

Onion powder – Use the same consideration. Watch for added salt.

Black pepper – Freshly ground preferred.

Mustard tahini dressing is shaken in a bottle.

FAQ's

What is the difference between Dijon and regular mustard?

Dijon mustard is spicier than regular mustard. Unlike yellow mustard, made with white and yellow mustard seeds, Dijon is made from black mustard seeds and contains less vinegar. Dijon is pale yellow in color, while regular mustard is bright yellow.

What can I substitute for shallots?

Shallots don’t have the same ‘bite’ that other raw onions do. However, if you need a substitute, consider scallions (green onions). You can also use red onions in an equal amount that you would use for the shallots in a recipe.

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is made from dried, deactivated yeast cultures and has a savory, fermented, 'cheesy' flavor. Nutritional yeast is used by plant-based eaters as a good source of B vitamins (B12).

A red bowl with mustard tahini dressing in a ladle.

Quick tips

If you want a super smooth dressing, add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Otherwise, you and just whisk all the ingredients or put them in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously.
If you want a more mellow flavor, consider a mix of Dijon mustard and regular yellow mustard.
Store unused dressing in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or container. This dressing will keep 3-4 days. This out with a bit of water or lemon juice if it’s too thick.