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Home » Recipes » Condiment & Sauce Recipes » Creamy Vegan Buddha Bowl Dressing

Creamy Vegan Buddha Bowl Dressing

January 30, 2020 By Elena Szeliga 69 Comments Last updated April 24, 2020

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This vegan tahini dressing is the sauce you’ve been waiting for to drizzle over your vegan bowl to make it even more delicious. You can also use it on falafel, salads, or anything else you want a delightfully sweet and tart creamy vegan dressing for; this Buddha bowl dressing will make any plate more delicious.

Tahini Dressing Dripping from a Spoon into a Jar

Buddha bowls are a filling and satisfying vegan meal loaded with protein, healthy grains, fresh and roasted vegetables, and flavorful spices topped with the perfect Buddha bowl dressing.

This Buddha bowl sauce is going to take your favorite vegan meal to the next level. While many fresh vegetables and spices have a standout flavor all on their own, sometimes you encounter the perfect dressing that coaxes out even more flavor and enjoyment from a meal. 

This Buddha bowl dressing hits that creamy goodness that marks an ideal salad dressing. And when you build that flavor with rich healthy fats, hints of sweetness, and slight tartness it’s going to work well with such a variety of dishes. Plus, it’s easy to make, and who doesn’t love that?

Tahini Dressing Being Poured in a Jar

What’s In A Tasty Vegan Tahini Buddha Bowl Sauce?

The secret to this tangy Buddha bowl dressing is the layers of flavor created by lemon, maple, and sesame. When you merge the slightly nutty creaminess of tahini with sour lemon and sweet maple, the magic starts to happen.

To start, you can make your own homemade vegan tahini paste or buy your favorite already made. Add in lemon juice and maple syrup, sesame oil, and some salt and you’ve got the best Buddha bowl dressing around.

Just mix it up in a blender or use your favorite stick blender to mix it up right in your jar. It emulsifies beautifully and the various tastes combine to be the ideal topping for your favorite vegan bowl, along with another awesome sauce, vegan cashew mayo.

Buddha Bowl Dressing in a Food Processor

Why This Recipe Works

  • This recipe uses easy to find ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • This tahini dressing is an easy way to bring up some extra flavor to your food.
  • Tahini dressing goes with a wide variety of dishes.

What Goes With Buddha Bowl Dressing?

This maple tahini lemon sauce is great with more than just your ultimate Buddha bowl, too. Once you taste its refreshingly tangy flavor, you’ll be looking for more ways to use it.

Tahini Dressing Being Poured Over a Bowl of Roasted Vegetables

Fresh Veggies

Consider using it to dip your favorite bell peppers, carrot sticks, celery stalks, or broccoli into. The creamy lemon sauce will pair lovely with any summer vegetables you’d like.

Roasted or Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Savory grilled eggplant, acorn squash or zucchini, baked cauliflower, cabbage steaks, or veggie kabobs…this Buddha bowl sauce will work amazing with any of them.

Grain Salads

Quinoa salads, millet and broccoli, or brown rice and black beans will be enhanced by the bold and creamy flavors of this Buddha bowl dressing.

Appetizers

When you make up some vegan appetizers the next time you have friends over or you want a light, snack-like dinner, be sure to whip up this homemade vegan tahini dressing to go on the side. Imagine serving it with fresh vegan spring rolls or pita chips and veggies. Mmm.

A Jar of Tahini Dressing with a Teaspoon in It

Cook’s Tips

  • This tahini dressing can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for about 7 days.
  • Depending on how thick your tahini paste is, you will need different amount of water to adjust the consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon and keep adding water until you like the consistency.
  • Use it for my Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl for maximum taste.

Recipe Variations

  • You can use any other sweetener of your choice instead of maple syrup: agave juice, honey or molasses.
  • You can use lime juice in place of lemon juice for this tahini dressing. It’ll taste just as good.
  • Olive oil can be substituted for sesame oil.

A Hand Holding a Spoon Dipped into a Jar of Tahini Dressing

What is your favorite way to use tahini dressing? Leave a comment below! Don’t forget to give a star rating to the recipe if you like it!

Make sure to check 82 best tahini recipes for other delicious ways to use tahini.

Here is the recipe video and recipe instructions for this yummy vegan buddha bowl dressing. If you can’t see the video, disable your AdBlock by clicking on the AdBlock button and selecting Don’t run on this page.

 

Print
4.6 from 99 votes

Creamy Vegan Buddha Bowl Dressing

This vegan tahini dressing is the sauce you've been waiting for to drizzle over your vegan bowl, falafel or salads to make them even more delicious.
Course Condiment
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Keyword Buddha Bowl Dressing, buddha bowl sauce, Tahini Dressing, Vegan Dressing
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 74kcal
Author Elena Szeliga
$3

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup tahini paste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup water

Instructions

  • Add tahini paste, lemon juice, maple syrup, sesame oil and salt in a cup of a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, gradually adding water. Use the sauce for Buddha bowls, salads, falafel and more. Enjoy!

Notes

Cook's Tips
  • This tahini dressing can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for about 7 days.
  • Depending on how thick your tahini paste is, you will need different amount of water to adjust the consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon and keep adding water until you like the consistency.
  • Use it for my Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl for maximum taste.
  • Make sure to try my vegan mayo and avocado dressing to mix things up!
Recipe Variations
  • You can use any other sweetener of your choice instead of maple syrup: agave juice, honey or molasses.
  • You can use lime juice in place of lemon juice for this tahini dressing. It'll taste just as good.
  • Olive oil can be substituted for sesame oil.

Equipment

food processor
rubber spatula
glass jar

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 45mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Follow @happykitchen.rocks on Instagram and show me the recipes you are making from my blog using the hashtag #happykitchenrocks!

Other Vegan Sauce Recipes You’ll Love

  • Roasted Garlic Dressing
  • The Best Vegan Pesto
  • Avocado Dressing
  • Vegan Mac and Cheese Sauce
  • Vegan Alfredo Pasta Sauce
A Jar of Tahini Dressing with a Teaspoon in It Collage with Text Overlay
Tahini Dressing Being Poured Over a Bowl of Roasted Vegetables Collage with Text Overlay
Tahini Dressing Dripping from a Spoon into a Jar Collage with Text Overlay

Filed Under: Condiment & Sauce Recipes, Gluten-free Recipes, Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes Tagged With: 5min recipe, all-season

About Elena Szeliga

Elena Szeliga is the founder of Happy Kitchen.Rocks, where she shares delicious and healthy vegetarian and vegan food, from weeknight dinners to veganized classics and gourmet appetizers. Her recipes have been featured at Better Homes & Gardens, BuzzFeed, Country Living, The Kitchn and Reader’s Digest. Her mission is to help cook easy vegetarian and vegan meals with simple and fresh ingredients. Read more about Elena.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Suzanne says

    January 20, 2021 at 8:58 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so good! Do you use this dressing in any other recipes?

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      January 21, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Suzanne, glad you like the dressing! You can use it in a buddha bowls or pther bowl like this rice bowl with tempeh, as a dip for fresh and roasted veggies, in burgers, salads, and even casseroles. Everywhere where you need a creamy sauce, warm or cold. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  2. Janet Quintero says

    September 23, 2020 at 3:08 am

    5 stars
    Best tahini sauce recipe ever! Just made it and tried it. Can’t wait to have it with my dinner !

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      September 23, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      That makes me so happy! Thank you for your kind feedback, Janet!

      Reply
  3. cheg says

    June 15, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    5 stars
    turned out absolutely amazing loved it

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 15, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it, Cheg!

      Reply
  4. judy says

    May 28, 2020 at 3:39 am

    5 stars
    Loved this dressing. We used it on our rice/veggie bowls with out the water for diluting. Sooo good! Thanks for posting.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 28, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      SO glad you enjoyed the sauce, Judy! I love it on bowls like this rice bowls with tempeh.

      Reply
  5. Vanessa says

    April 24, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:32 pm

      7 to 10 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!

      Reply
  6. Suzanne says

    April 24, 2020 at 9:27 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so good! What a healthy and versatile dressing to have ready in the fridge to spice up the good food!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:29 pm

      So glad you like it Suzanne! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Red Steele says

    March 18, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    5 stars
    This is really good. I added a pinch of garlic and red pepper for spice. 🙂

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 15, 2020 at 12:39 pm

      Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Ann says

    January 21, 2020 at 5:25 am

    5 stars
    Lovely recipe, thanks. Do you think this would freeze? I was thinking of making a big batch then popping little pots in the freezer for grab and go with salads.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      January 21, 2020 at 7:09 pm

      Absolutely! That’s a great idea! It freezes beautifully. I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  9. Lori Kane says

    January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am

    5 stars
    Is it wrong that I just want to eat it all with a spoon?!? So delicious, and perfect on a Buddha bowl. This is now my go-to sauce! Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      January 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Hi Lori, I won’t judge you because I did the same 😀 Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  10. Your mom says

    January 13, 2020 at 9:56 pm

    Just enough to be stuck in the bottom of my vitamix :/ Maybe increase the recipe x 5

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      January 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Good idea! 🙂

      Reply
  11. francalig says

    January 2, 2020 at 4:03 am

    5 stars
    delicious!!! what is the serving size for the nutritional information.?

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      January 2, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      Hey, I’m happy you like the dressing! This recipe makes about 2/3 cup (8 serving). The nutritional information is calculated for 1 serving which is roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  12. Katie says

    December 23, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    Should I use refined sesame oil or unrefined?

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      December 24, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Katie, I usually use refined sesame oil for this dressing but unrefined would work perfectly fine as well. Hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
      • Katie says

        December 25, 2019 at 6:19 pm

        Thanks! I used refined as well as honey and it is delicious! Using it as a dressing on a Christmas super foods salad. When tossed with the beets it turns a beautiful festive pink!

      • Elena Szeliga says

        December 26, 2019 at 12:14 pm

        What a lovely idea! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Katie 🙂

  13. Gayla says

    December 6, 2019 at 7:56 am

    No Pinterest button? Then I will never use this page.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      December 6, 2019 at 11:49 am

      Hey Gayla, there is a Pinterest button both on PC and mobile. Hope you can find it

      Reply
  14. Ctorh says

    October 26, 2019 at 3:36 am

    Good recipe, thank you. But by the time I got to the ingredients I was sick of scrolling. Do I really need to get THAT educated on all the details before I see what the actual recipe is?

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      October 27, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      There is a “jump to recipe” button on top that brings you down to the recipe ingredients and instructions.

      Reply
  15. Sofia says

    August 8, 2019 at 5:11 am

    5 stars
    I just made this! It was delicious however I found it a bit too ‘nutty’ for how I usually prefer my dressings – i like them lighter. So I have added a tablespoon of miso paste, a tablespoon of water and a teaspoon of nutritional yeast. Yum!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      August 8, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Sofia, glad you like the dressing and good job tweaking the recipe to your liking!

      Reply
  16. Erica G says

    August 3, 2019 at 10:33 pm

    5 stars
    I just made this & of course tried it immediately and YUM! So good,, so simple & exactly what I needed. Having a women’s fellowship potluck tomorrow & creating a Buddha Bowl Bar & this is the perfect finishing touch. Thank you! Definitely a recipe to keep.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      August 3, 2019 at 11:05 pm

      Hi Erica, thank you for your feedback! I’m so happy you like the recipe, Buddha Bowl Bar sounds like a great idea! Hope the ladies enjoy it tomorrow 😉

      Reply
  17. Nicole says

    June 6, 2019 at 2:56 pm

    5 stars
    Tahini is one of my favorite ingredients, and I’ve been on a Buddha bowl kick lately. So now I can’t wait to try this out. Looks delicious!

    Reply
  18. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    June 6, 2019 at 12:36 pm

    5 stars
    That could be used on so many dishes. What a handy recipe. Sharing this now.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 6, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      Glad you like it, Jacqueline!

      Reply
  19. debi at Life Currents says

    June 6, 2019 at 12:21 am

    5 stars
    Buddha bowls rock, and tahini is always a favorite of mine for dressings. I love how creamy and delicious your dressing looks. I look forward to making it soon.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 6, 2019 at 11:28 am

      Thank you Debi! If you like tahini based dressings, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one!

      Reply
  20. Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest says

    June 6, 2019 at 12:19 am

    5 stars
    I love everything with sesame seeds, tahini included. I can already tell I will definitely love this dressing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 6, 2019 at 11:25 am

      Awesome, Anita! Hope you give this sauce a try!

      Reply
  21. Sophie says

    June 5, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    When I saw creamy, I was expecting peanut butter. But tahini was a nice little surprise. Awesome recipe!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 6, 2019 at 11:25 am

      I love peanut butter dressing, too! But tahini is also good for a change!

      Reply
  22. Sherri says

    June 5, 2019 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    Every vegan kitchen needs a “put in on everything” sauce like this! Love how versatile it is and that it can be made in just a matter of minutes! 🙂

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 6, 2019 at 11:20 am

      I second this! It is such a universal dressing. Thank you Sherri!

      Reply
  23. Saima says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:22 am

    5 stars
    I love tahini and this recipe is very attractive because it is vegan. Making a buddha bowl just so that I can drizzle some of this amazing dressing on top! Your pictures absolutely clinched it for me!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      Thank you, Saima! I hope you give this dressing a try! It’s worth making, believe me 😉

      Reply
  24. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:18 am

    5 stars
    This dressing looks so delicious! You can never have too many sauce recipes, right? Definitely filing this away for later. I bet it would be perfect with some freshly grilled veggies!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      Absolutely! This dressing is perfect for the grilling season! Thank you, Claire!

      Reply
  25. Analida Braeger says

    June 3, 2019 at 3:28 am

    5 stars
    This sounds amazing, I have never heard of a buddha bowl before this, but now I know I really need one !

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      Oh you should really try it then! Thank you, Analida!

      Reply
  26. Karyl Henry says

    June 3, 2019 at 3:26 am

    5 stars
    I’m always on the lookout for new and easy homemade dressings, and this one definitely fits the bill! I love that you can use for a variety of things, rather than just one recipe. I’m not vegan, but I’m not letting it stop me from making some !

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you Karyl! Yes! Vegan or not, it DOES taste amazing!

      Reply
  27. Tammy says

    May 31, 2019 at 9:04 pm

    5 stars
    I’d drizzle this over everything and dip in it too! I love tahini and this dressing sounds fabulous 😀

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 31, 2019 at 9:18 pm

      Thank you, Tammy! So glad you like the sauce! I can’t get enough of it 😉

      Reply
  28. Danielle says

    May 31, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic dressing and a wonderful recipe. I would almost make a lot of it beforehand and have it ready to use any time I need it – it can make so many dishes taste like culinary heaven!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 31, 2019 at 8:36 pm

      That’s true, this dressing is so universal! Great way to elevate any meal 😉 Thank you, Danielle!

      Reply
  29. Kylie | Midwest Foodie says

    May 31, 2019 at 6:27 pm

    5 stars
    I’m ALWAYS on the hunt for new dressing recipes and this one looks amazing. I love to have a few go-to dressings that I can throw on a bowl of roasted veggies and quinoa for a quick meal during the week.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 31, 2019 at 8:34 pm

      Thank you, Kylie! This dressing is perfect for roasted veggies and grain bowls, so I hope you give it a try 😉

      Reply
  30. Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says

    May 30, 2019 at 7:19 pm

    5 stars
    I love the dishes you make and this creamy vegan dressing is no exception. I am already envisioning pouring it over a wonderful nutritious bowl of goodness 🙂 . Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 30, 2019 at 9:33 pm

      Aww thanks so much Nicoletta! Hope you give it a try 😉

      Reply
  31. Veronika's Kitchen says

    May 30, 2019 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    I am a big fan of Buddha Bowls and make them at least once a week, using different leftovers from the meal prep. Your dressing will be perfect for and and I will definitely try it out!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 30, 2019 at 9:40 pm

      Awesome, Veronika! It’s perfect for any kind of grains, proteins and veggies. Let me know how it turned out 😉 Thanks so much!

      Reply
  32. Aleta says

    May 30, 2019 at 5:41 am

    5 stars
    I’ve never used tahini paste before, but you have me sold on this dressing! I love the sound of lemon, maple and sesame and would love to smother a buddha bowl with it!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 30, 2019 at 9:42 pm

      You will love it, I promise! Thank you Aleta!

      Reply
  33. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    May 29, 2019 at 10:52 pm

    5 stars
    I am a total sauce junkie and the fact that this has tahini in it just makes me Uber excited!! It looks just so luscious and begs to be on a salad … for dinner tonight!

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      May 30, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      Thank you so much, Lori! I’m glad you like the recipe! Please let me know how it turned out 😉

      Reply
  34. The Girl Next Door says

    March 15, 2019 at 8:36 am

    5 stars
    Oh, my! This dressing looks so creamy and gorgeous! I’m sure it tastes equally delightful. I’d love to try this out some time – bookmarked the recipe – to go with pan-grilled veggies.

    Reply
    • Elena Szeliga says

      March 15, 2019 at 1:56 pm

      Great idea! It would go so well with pan-grilled veggies, no doubts!

      Reply

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