This flavorful Creamy Harissa Dressing is vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and so delicious you'll want to keep it in regular rotation! Made with rich tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, spicy harissa seasoning, and a touch of maple sweetness. Just whisk everything together in a bowl, and you're ready to drizzle, slather and dip.
I first shared this creamy harissa dressing as part of my Kale Slaw recipe. But I've had such great feedback on it, I wanted to give the dressing its own post.
It's so quick and easy to throw together and goes well with pretty much everything!
Depending on how you plan to use this versatile sauce, you can adjust the consistency by including or omitting the water listed in the recipe.
Leave the dressing a bit on the thicker side for spreading on sandwiches, or thin it out just a touch for dressing salads.
Try it on potato wedges and fries, sandwiches, wraps, and as a dip for raw or steamed veggies (I dipped steamed broccoli florets in it today for lunch - so good!). It's also perfect in this Couscous Kale Salad With Chickpeas.
If you prefer less heat simply decrease the amount of harissa. This dressing is completely versatile and delicious no matter how much harissa you decide to add!
See the milder color of the dressing in the photo below? I used about ⅔ of amount of harissa that day, as compared to the dressing in the other photos.
The smoky, unique flavor of harissa was still present, but the heat was more subtle. And it was irresistibly delicious with the oil-free roasted baby potatoes!
As always, I would love to hear from you! If you try this creamy harissa dressing comment below and let us know your favorite ways to enjoy it.
You might like:
- 5-Minute Miso Sauce
- Nut-Free Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Ginger-Turmeric Dressing (Trader Joe's Copycat)
- Tahini Dressing 5 Ways
- Roasted Broccoli Bowl with Sunbutter Sauce
- Yogurt-Balsamic Dressing
- Oil-Free Zhoug Sauce
📖 Recipe
Creamy Harissa Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup - or agave
- 1 medium clove garlic, grated or minced
- 3 to 4 teaspoons dried harissa blend
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Combine the tahini, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a bowl, and whisk until smooth.
- Add the garlic, 3 teaspoons harissa seasoning, 1 tablespoon water, and salt, and whisk again. For a thinner consistency add another tablespoon or two of water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more harissa or sweetness if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used. We calculate this information using the online calculator cronometer.com.
Judi
I made this today, substituting baharat for the harissa, and using less maple syrup. It was absolutely delicious!
Melissa
This dressing is all that and more. So delicious!!! This will be a staple in my house from now on. I love it!!!!!
John
This sounds delicious can't wait to try it. I live in the far north central part of Montana and a lot of products aren't readily available locally. For the maple syrup are you using real maple or just pancake syrup?
Lori
Hi John, yes real maple syrup. A good substitute is agave nectar, if you have access to that. Are you able to order things online for delivery? Hope you can get harissa, too!
John
Yes I can order online, and will be looking for some of the items not found in our tiny store. Thanks for the recipes, I've loved the ones I've tried so far..
Jill
II live in Costa Rica and can’t find Harissa seasoning Any suggestions for a substitute?
Lori
Hi Jill, you could try chili powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of garlic powder.
Lilyw
Terrific! I stirred in some plain Greek yoghurt for an extra creamy sauce. Piled it lavishly onto roasted delicata stuffed with lentils and farro. Super yummy.