Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Name: Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/4 cup tahini; Juice of 2 limes; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste; Water (as needed to thin); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Published: August 13, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This sauce takes only 5 minutes to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Usage: Great as a dip, dressing, or drizzled over your favorite dishes like tacos and salads.
Flavorful Kick: The combination of chili powder and lime juice delivers a vibrant flavor that’s hard to resist.
No Blender Required: Just whisk the ingredients together in a bowl—simple and easy cleanup!
Healthy Option: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this sauce is both nutritious and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing your Chili Lime Tahini Sauce. With just a few basic items, you’ll be ready to create this flavorful condiment in no time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
Whisk: This tool ensures that all components blend smoothly, achieving that creamy texture.
Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time you make this sauce.

Ingredients

This creamy and drizzle-able chili-lime tahini sauce takes 5 minutes and no blender to make. Perfect for tacos, salads, and so much more.

For the Sauce

1/4 cup tahini
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Generous pinch of salt
Water as needed to thin

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients into a bowl (minus water) and whisk together until well combined.

Step 2: Adjust Consistency

Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you’ve reached the consistency of a thick salad dressing or crema.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your sauce as a dip, dressing, or drizzled on top of tacos!

How to Serve Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Chili lime tahini sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a zesty kick to a variety of dishes. Whether you are looking to elevate your tacos or enhance your salads, this creamy sauce is perfect for many occasions.

Tacos

Drizzle on top – Add a generous drizzle over your favorite taco fillings for an extra burst of flavor.
Use as a dip – Serve it alongside tortilla chips for a refreshing, zesty dip that complements the crunch.

Salads

Salad dressing – Use the sauce as a dressing to give your green salads a creamy and tangy taste.
Grain bowls – Drizzle over quinoa or rice bowls packed with fresh veggies for added richness.

Grilled Vegetables

Topping for veggies – Pour the sauce over grilled vegetables for a delightful finishing touch.
Marinade option – Marinate veggies in the sauce before grilling for enhanced flavor infusion.

Wraps

Spread it – Use the sauce as a spread in wraps for an exciting twist on traditional fillings.
Layer with ingredients – Combine with proteins like chicken or beans for a well-rounded meal.

Dipping Sauce

Serve with appetizers – Pair with fresh veggies or spring rolls as a tasty dipping option.
Perfect for parties – Include it on your appetizer table for guests to enjoy.

How to Perfect Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Getting the ideal texture and flavor balance in your chili lime tahini sauce is key. Here are some helpful tips to make it just right.

Adjust consistency – Add water slowly until you reach your desired thickness; aim for a creamy consistency.
Taste before serving – Always taste and adjust seasoning; more lime juice can brighten the flavor.
Experiment with spices – Feel free to add other spices like cumin or cayenne pepper for additional depth and heat.
Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it stays fresh for up to one week.
Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lime juice will enhance the overall taste compared to bottled juice.
Shake before use – If stored, give it a good shake before serving as ingredients may separate.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

This zesty chili lime tahini sauce pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.

Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush corn with olive oil and grill until charred, then drizzle the chili lime tahini sauce over it.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Toss cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, roast until tender, and serve with a side of this tangy sauce.
Quinoa Salad – Mix cooked quinoa with diced vegetables and toss in chili lime tahini sauce for a nutritious side dish.
Crispy Potato Wedges – Bake potato wedges until crispy and enjoy them dipped in this flavorful tahini sauce.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley; dress with chili lime tahini for added zest.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – Spiralize zucchini and toss with this creamy sauce for a light, healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili lime tahini sauce is quick and easy, but there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little tahini or lime can change the flavor and texture. Always measure your ingredients precisely for the best results.
Skipping the whisking step: Failing to whisk the ingredients together properly can lead to an uneven mixture. Make sure to whisk thoroughly until everything is combined smoothly.
Adding water too quickly: Pouring in all the water at once can make the sauce too thin. Add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving! If it’s too tangy or bland, adjust with more salt, lime juice, or chili powder as needed for a balanced flavor.
Storing incorrectly: Keeping your sauce in the wrong container can affect its freshness. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Label your container with the date to track freshness.

Freezing Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
Best used within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave: Transfer sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each until warmed through.
Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat while stirring continuously to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?

Chili lime tahini sauce is a creamy condiment made from tahini, lime juice, and spices. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, tacos, and more.

Can I customize my Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?

Absolutely! You can add herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder if you prefer it spicier.

How do I use Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?

This versatile sauce works well as a dip, dressing, or drizzle over various dishes such as tacos, roasted veggies, or grain bowls.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! This chili lime tahini sauce is nutritious and rich in healthy fats from tahini. It’s a great addition to any meal without compromising on taste.

Final Thoughts

Chili lime tahini sauce is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip, dressing, or drizzle for your favorite meals. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences! Enjoy this delicious condiment that adds a zingy kick to any dish.

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