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The Greenest Tahini Sauce

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant green tahini sauce is a spectacular way to elevate your everyday cooking. By blanching a fresh combination of watercress, mint and flat-leaf parsley, you lock in an intense emerald colour and a bright, peppery flavour that traditional raw sauces often lack. The creamy sesame base provides a rich, nutty undertone that balances the zing of fresh lemon and the mellow bite of softened garlic for a truly versatile condiment.

As a naturally vegan dish, this sauce is a nutrient-dense addition to any plant-based diet. It works beautifully drizzled over roasted cauliflower, served alongside grilled halloumi or used as a bold dressing for a simple grain bowl. You can easily prepare a batch up to three days in advance, making it a brilliant time-saving hack for healthy mid-week lunches.

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Ingredients for The Greenest Tahini Sauce

  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more

  • 1 bunch watercress, thick stems trimmed

  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

  • 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)

  • 2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice

How to make The Greenest Tahini Sauce

Cook garlic in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water until slightly softened, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic to a bowl of ice water; let cool.

Return water in saucepan to a boil. Cook watercress, mint, and parsley just until wilted, about 15 seconds; drain. Transfer watercress and herbs to ice water; let cool. Drain watercress, herbs, and garlic and squeeze between paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible; coarsely chop.

Purée watercress, herbs, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 180ml water in a blender until smooth, thinning with more water as needed to reach desired consistency; season with salt and more lemon juice, if desired.

DO AHEAD: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Shake before using.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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