If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and nourishing dish, the Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad is a delightful harmony of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and tender chickpeas, all brought together by a luscious, tangy lemon tahini dressing that elevates every bite. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavors, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner that feels anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for a salad that is colorful, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Each element plays a role—whether it’s the crunch of fresh greens, the sweet pop of tomatoes, or the creamy richness of tahini in the dressing—you’ll see how straightforward ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.
- Spring salad mix: A fresh blend of baby greens that provide vibrant color and a variety of textures.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness in every forkful.
- Shallot: Thinly sliced to add a mild, aromatic bite that complements the dressing.
- Micro greens (optional): These delicate greens bring an extra layer of freshness and a gourmet touch.
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 oz): Drained and rinsed for a hearty, protein-rich addition that makes the salad more satisfying.
- Mineral salt & pepper: To season perfectly and enhance the salad’s natural flavors.
- Tahini (4 tablespoons): The creamy sesame paste that is key to the dressing’s rich texture and nutty flavor.
- Juice of one large lemon: Provides a zesty brightness that brightens the entire dish.
- Garlic salt (dash): Adds subtle savory notes that deepen the dressing’s complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (dash): For a gentle kick of heat that balances the citrus and creaminess.
- Water or lemon juice (2–3 tablespoons): Used to thin the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency.
How to Make Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tahini Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic salt, mineral salt, and red pepper flakes until smooth. This dressing is wonderfully creamy with a zesty punch, and you’ll want to taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference before moving on.
Step 2: Thin the Dressing
Slowly add water or extra lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, whisking as you go. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency — smooth, pourable, but still thick enough to cling to your greens beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Lay out your spring salad mix in a large bowl or plate. Add the halved tomatoes, sliced shallots, and, if you like, a sprinkle of microgreens. Scatter half of the chickpeas over the salad for an initial layer of wholesome texture.
Step 4: Dress and Finish
Drizzle the lovingly prepared lemon tahini dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, allowing every ingredient to soak in the creamy dressing. Then sprinkle the remaining chickpeas on top for a delightful contrast.
How to Serve Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, try garnishing your salad with toasted sesame seeds or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These additions bring extra aroma and crunch that enhance the overall eating experience.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or baked falafel to add protein, or serve it alongside warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also makes a refreshing side to richer dishes, balancing heavier flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the salad in crisp lettuce cups for a fun finger-food style or layer the ingredients in a clear glass jar for an eye-catching lunch on the go. These creative presentations make the Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe both practical and visually delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the salad components crisp by adding the dressing only when you are ready to eat.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended because the greens will lose their texture. If you want to keep the dressing, feel free to freeze it in an ice cube tray for small portions that thaw quickly.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary. If you add protein or grains to accompany it, warm those parts separately and toss with the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides spring mix?
Absolutely! You can swap in baby spinach, arugula, or mixed field greens depending on your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Each will add its own flavor profile to the Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe.
How long does the tahini dressing keep?
The tahini dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good whisk before each use as natural separation may occur.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad and dressing are naturally vegan, making it perfect for plant-based diets. Just be sure that any additional toppings you use align with your dietary preferences.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled tofu can boost the protein and keep you full longer while complementing the flavors of the Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe perfectly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! Keep the dressing separate until serving and store salad ingredients in portioned containers. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, quick meal throughout the week without any sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough trying out this Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe. It’s a bright, tasty, and wholesome dish that’s quick to make yet feels special enough to impress. Whether you’re eating it solo or sharing with friends, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to favorites—fresh, fulfilling, and utterly delicious!
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Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious green salad featuring a vibrant lemon tahini dressing, packed with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and a flavorful mix of spices. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this salad combines creamy tahini with zesty lemon for a deliciously tangy dressing that complements the crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Spring salad mix, or any salad mix you prefer – enough for 2 servings
- Handful of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- Micro greens (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- Mineral salt & pepper, to taste
Lemon Tahini Dressing
- 4 tablespoons tahini
- Juice of one large lemon
- Dash of mineral salt
- Dash of garlic salt
- Dash of red pepper flakes
- 2 – 3 tablespoons water or lemon juice, as needed to thin
Instructions
- Prepare the Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, mineral salt, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or extra lemon juice until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: On a serving plate or bowl, arrange the spring mix salad greens, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced shallot, and micro greens if using. Add half of the rinsed chickpeas over the salad.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared lemon tahini dressing evenly over the salad. Optionally, garnish with the remaining chickpeas on top. Season with additional mineral salt and pepper if desired, then serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute any salad greens you have on hand including romaine, arugula, or mixed lettuces.
- Adjust the consistency of the tahini dressing by adding more water or lemon juice for a thinner dressing or less for a thicker coating.
- For added protein, consider roasting the chickpeas with spices before adding them to the salad.
- Micro greens are optional but add a nice fresh and delicate texture.
- Store leftover dressing separately in the refrigerator and use within 3 days.
