This Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is a game-changer for your meals! In just 5 minutes, you can whip up this creamy and zesty sauce without needing a blender. It’s perfect for tacos, drizzled on salads, or as a dip for veggies. This sauce combines the nutty flavor of tahini with the brightness of lime and a kick of chili, making it an irresistible addition to various dishes!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Sauce
- For Garnish
- How to Make Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Step 2: Adjust Consistency
- Step 3: Serve
- How to Serve Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Tacos
- Salads
- Dips
- Grain Bowls
- How to Perfect Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Reheating Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use Chili Lime Tahini Sauce on?
- Can I customize the spices in my tahini sauce?
- How do I store leftover Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?
- Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With only a 5-minute prep time, you can have this sauce ready in no time.
- Versatile: Use it as a dressing, dip, or drizzle over your favorite meals like tacos and salads.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like tahini and lime, this sauce is both nutritious and delicious.
- No blender required: Simply whisk the ingredients together in a bowl for hassle-free preparation.
- Flavorful kick: The combination of chili powder and lime creates a unique taste that enhances any dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your chili lime tahini sauce, gather a few essential tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix your ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: This tool helps achieve a smooth consistency by thoroughly combining the ingredients.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your sauce.
- Measuring spoons: Great for getting precise amounts of spices and seasonings.
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 thick salad dressing or crema.
Step 3: Serve
Enjoy your chili lime tahini 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 can elevate many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this creamy sauce.
Tacos
- Drizzle on Tacos: Add a generous drizzle over your favorite tacos for a zesty kick.
- Taco Bowl: Use it as a dressing in taco bowls, pairing well with beans, rice, and veggies.
Salads
- Salad Dressing: Thin it with more water for a tangy salad dressing that complements greens beautifully.
- Grain Salad: Mix into quinoa or farro salads for extra creaminess and flavor.
Dips
- Veggie Dip: Serve as a dip alongside fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Pita Chips: Pair with pita chips for a quick and tasty snack.
Grain Bowls
- Drizzle on Grain Bowls: Use it to enhance grain bowls filled with roasted vegetables and proteins.
- Rice Dishes: It makes an excellent topping for rice bowls, adding a delightful taste.
How to Perfect Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Getting the perfect consistency and flavor for chili lime tahini sauce is simple. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Adjust Thickness: Add water gradually until you reach your desired thickness. A thicker consistency works well as a dip.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce after mixing. Adjust lime juice or salt according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Limes: Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled versions.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like cumin or cayenne for added depth of flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to a week.
- Shake Before Serving: If stored, give it a good shake or stir before serving to combine the ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Pairing side dishes with chili lime tahini sauce can create delightful meal combinations. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast them until golden. The sauce adds great flavor.
- Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole pairs well with the tangy tahini sauce for a unique twist.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Slathered corn on the cob topped with chili lime tahini creates an exciting fusion dish.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This flavorful rice complements the tanginess of the tahini sauce perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries dipped in this sauce make for an irresistible snack.
- Black Beans: Seasoned black beans served alongside bring earthy flavors that balance well with the zesty sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is quick and easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
- Incorrect ratio of lime juice: Using too much lime juice can make the sauce too tangy. Start with the juice of one lime, then taste and add more if needed.
- Skipping salt: A generous pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in your sauce. Don’t skip it; it makes a big difference!
- Not adjusting consistency: If your sauce is too thick, it won’t drizzle well. Always add water gradually to achieve the desired thickness.
- Overmixing ingredients: Whisk just until combined. Overmixing can make the tahini sauce grainy instead of smooth.
- Neglecting spices: The chili powder and smoked paprika are key for flavor. Don’t leave them out or skimp on these ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep the sauce fresh.
Freezing Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place sauce in an oven-safe dish and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use Chili Lime Tahini Sauce on?
You can use this versatile Chili Lime Tahini Sauce on tacos, salads, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Can I customize the spices in my tahini sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika according to your taste preferences or add herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor.
How do I store leftover Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is entirely plant-based and perfect for vegan diets!
Final Thoughts
This Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is a delicious and versatile addition to many dishes. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, it’s great for drizzling over tacos or mixing into salads. You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or herbs. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together!
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Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is an irresistible, creamy condiment that transforms any meal into a flavor-packed experience. In just 5 minutes and without the need for a blender, you can create this zesty sauce that perfectly balances the nutty richness of tahini with the bright tang of fresh lime and a spicy chili kick. Whether drizzled on tacos, tossed in salads, or served as a dip for fresh veggies, this versatile sauce will elevate your dishes to new heights. It’s not only delicious but also made with wholesome ingredients, making it a healthy addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the ease of preparation and discover countless ways to incorporate this delightful sauce into your meals.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Whisk together until well blended.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve immediately as a dip, dressing, or drizzle over your favorite dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg