This Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is a quick and delicious addition to your meals. In just 5 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, zesty sauce without needing a blender! It’s perfect for drizzling over tacos, adding to salads, or using as a dip. The unique combination of tahini with lime and chili powder gives it a standout flavor that elevates any dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can make this sauce in just 5 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as a dip, dressing, or drizzle on tacos and salads.
- Flavorful Profile: The combination of lime juice and chili powder creates a tangy and spicy taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made from wholesome ingredients like tahini and spices, it’s nutritious and delicious.
- No Special Equipment Needed: Mix everything in one bowl—no blender required!
Tools and Preparation
Making this sauce is simple and requires only basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk: Using a whisk ensures all ingredients blend smoothly for the perfect consistency.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance in your 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
How to Make Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding all the ingredients into a mixing bowl (except for water).
Step 2: Whisk Together
Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches your desired thickness—aiming for a consistency similar to thick salad dressing or crema.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your Chili Lime Tahini Sauce as a dip, dressing, or drizzled over your favorite tacos!
How to Serve Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Chili lime tahini sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re looking to spice up your salads or enhance your tacos, this sauce is sure to impress.
Tacos
- Use this sauce as a drizzle on your favorite tacos for a zesty kick that complements any filling.
Salads
- Drizzle over fresh greens or grain salads for an exciting flavor boost that enhances the overall taste.
Grain Bowls
- Add chili lime tahini sauce to quinoa or rice bowls for a creamy texture and tangy flavor that ties the dish together.
Veggie Dips
- Serve as a dip alongside fresh vegetables for a healthy snack that packs a flavorful punch.
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Spread onto sandwiches or wraps for added creaminess and zest, elevating your lunch experience.
Roasted Vegetables
- Pour over roasted veggies before serving to bring out their natural sweetness with a spicy twist.
How to Perfect Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
To get the most out of your chili lime tahini sauce, consider these helpful tips.
-
Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add water gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
-
Taste Balance: Adjust the lime juice and salt according to your taste preference for the perfect balance of flavors.
-
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Stir well before use.
-
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like cumin or cayenne pepper for an extra kick tailored to your palate.
-
Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled for the best flavor profile.
-
Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor release; cold sauces can dull the taste.
Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Chili lime tahini sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavor profile beautifully.
-
Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs creates a fresh base for the sauce.
-
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet and savory bites contrast perfectly with the tangy sauce, making them irresistible.
-
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with chili lime tahini sauce after grilling for an amazing flavor enhancement.
-
Crispy Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices offer crunch and protein, making them an excellent pairing.
-
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Tossed vegetables stir-fried in sesame oil are elevated by drizzling chili lime tahini over them before serving.
-
Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side dish balances out the richness of the sauce while enhancing its flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is quick, but small errors can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using stale tahini: Fresh tahini has a richer flavor. Always check the expiration date on the jar.
- Not adjusting consistency: If your sauce is too thick, it won’t drizzle well. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Overdoing the chili powder: Start with less chili powder if you’re unsure of your spice tolerance. You can always add more for heat later.
- Skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavor. Don’t forget to add a generous pinch for a well-rounded sauce.
- Ignoring ingredient ratios: Follow the ingredient measurements closely for optimal taste balance. Adjusting them might lead to unexpected flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- Keep it in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Freeze in ice cube trays or small containers for up to 3 months.
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring between each, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Chili Lime Tahini Sauce that can help you make the most of this delicious recipe.
What is Chili Lime Tahini Sauce used for?
Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is versatile and works great as a dip, dressing, or drizzle on tacos and salads.
How can I customize Chili Lime Tahini Sauce?
Feel free to add herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor, or adjust lime juice for more acidity.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days.
Is Chili Lime Tahini Sauce spicy?
The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is a creamy and zesty addition to many dishes. Its quick preparation makes it perfect for weeknight meals, while its versatility allows for endless customization options. Try adding different spices or herbs to make it your own!
Chili Lime Tahini Sauce
Chili Lime Tahini Sauce is a delightful and zesty condiment that can elevate any meal in just 5 minutes. This creamy, tangy sauce combines the rich flavor of tahini with the brightness of fresh lime juice and a kick of chili powder, making it perfect for tacos, salads, or as a dip for veggies. No need for special equipment—simply whisk together the ingredients in a bowl for a quick and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. The versatility of this sauce allows you to customize it easily by adjusting the spices or using it in various dishes, ensuring it complements your meals beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Whisking
- 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
- 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 smooth.
- Gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Leave a Comment