If you like bold, savory dressings with a hint of sweetness, this creamy sesame dressing is for you. It’s made from scratch with tahini, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk it together in five minutes and pour it over salads, noodles, or grain bowls.
This is one of those recipes that’s ridiculously simple but makes everything taste better.
It has the creamy base of mayo, the nutty depth of tahini, and the bold umami of soy sauce. Add in a splash of rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil, and you’ve got a balanced, made-from-scratch dressing that adds tons of flavor with hardly any effort.
It’s thick enough to cling to crisp salads but smooths out nicely with water for drizzling over grain bowls or noodles.
If you love dressings like my herby tahini dressing, this dressing brings a richer, creamier spin with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and a bit of crunch from sesame seeds.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, it’s the base that gives this dressing its smooth, spoonable texture.
- Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami flavor.
- Tahini: Nutty and slightly bitter, tahini gives depth and body.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of tang that brightens the whole recipe.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is key here. It makes the dressing taste rich and nutty. A little goes a long way.
- Maple Syrup: Just a touch for balance.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: They add a little texture and more sesame flavor. Toasted ones are best for extra nuttiness. Toast them yourself in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes, until golden, fragrant, and toasty.
Substitutions
- Soy Sauce: You can use tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option. They’ll still bring that umami flavor but might be slightly sweeter.
- Tahini: If you don’t have tahini, try smooth natural peanut butter or almond butter. The flavor will shift, but it’ll still be rich and nutty.
- Rice Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, though they’re a bit sharper than rice vinegar.
- Maple Syrup: Honey works well if you’re not vegan. Agave syrup is a good plant-based option, too.
Instructions
Prep Tips
This creamy sesame dressing comes together fast with just a bowl and a whisk. It’s great to make ahead since the flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Store the dressing in the fridge. It will thicken over time. Add a splash of cold water and whisk again if you want to thin it before using.
- Add the mayonnaise, soy sauce, tahini, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and sesame seeds to a medium bowl or a jar with a lid.
- Whisk everything together until smooth. If you’re using a jar, just close the lid and shake it until the dressing is fully combined.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Tips for Making Creamy Sesame Dressing
- Stir your tahini first: Tahini separates in the jar, with oil on top. Stir it well before measuring so you get a smooth, even consistency.
- Taste before adding salt: Soy sauce is already salty. Add the salt last so you don’t overdo it.
- Thin it to match your meal: For a thicker dip-style sauce, leave it as-is. For a pourable dressing, whisk in a teaspoon or two of water until it reaches the texture you like.
- Let it chill before serving: If you can, let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps the flavors blend and settle.
- Make a double batch: It keeps well for about a week in the fridge and works on everything from roasted sweet potatoes to cold noodle salads.
What to Serve With Sesame Dressing
This creamy sesame dressing goes really well with cold noodle salads or rice bowls. Try it over soba noodles with shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions for a quick lunch.
If you’re grilling chicken, tofu, or salmon, this dressing works great as a dipping sauce or drizzle. It also pairs nicely with roasted sweet potatoes.
More Homemade Condiment Recipes
Storage
Store leftover sesame dressing in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 7 days.
The dressing thickens as it chills, so give it a good stir before serving. You can also add a small amount of water to thin it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Yes, if you don’t have tahini, you can use peanut butter or almond butter instead. It changes the flavor slightly but still works well.
Store leftover sesame dressing in the fridge.
Creamy Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl or a jar with a lid.
- Whisk the dressing smooth in the bowl, or add the lid and shake until smooth.
- Store in the fridge. Add water to thin as needed. The dressing will thicken in the fridge.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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