The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (2024)

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Lovetahinibut not sure how to use it? I’m sharing my favorite easy tahini recipes to help you get started! Enjoy these recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and even dessert!

Move over nut butter, tahini is the new star in town!

Tahini is one of my favorite ingredients because it’ssuperversatile, transitioning from savory to sweet recipes with ease. You can also be thicken or thin the consistency, depending on how you're using it.

Before I share this collection of easy tahini recipes, let’s cover the basics about tahini.

What Is Tahini Made Out Of?

Tahini is made from roasted and ground sesame seeds—that’s it! These tiny seeds are flavorful and nutritious, making tahini a great ingredient to add to your meals.

What Does Tahini Taste Like?

Tahini has a unique flavor that's nutty and slightly bitter. Don't let the bitterness scare you away though, it's not overpowering (in fact, I think it’s good!) and it blends well with other ingredients.

Should You Refrigerate Tahini?

Yes, you should refrigerate tahini after opening it. Since it contains ground sesame seeds, which are high in oil, it can go rancid when you store it at room temperature for too long. It will also separate, so you'll need to stir it each time you use it if you keep tahini in the pantry. To extend the shelf life of your tahini, store it in the fridge and use within 6 months.

What Cuts the Bitterness of Tahini?

You can balance bitterness of tahini by using other ingredients with complementary flavors. Some popular options include lemon juice, garlic, honey, and maple syrup.

My Favorite Easy Tahini Recipes

Ready to put your tahini to use? Let’s get started!

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (3)

Homemade Tahini Recipe

When we talk about easy tahini recipes, we have to start with tahini itself! This homemade tahini recipe is quick and easy to make, requiring just one ingredient. The result is a deliciously creamy tahini that will elevate your dressings, sauces, and even baked goods.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (4)

Maple Tahini Dressing

This delicious maple tahini dressing is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. It adds so many layers of flavor to any salad and you can whip it up in just 2 minutes!

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (5)

Everyday Tahini Sauce

Whether drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a dip for crispy falafel, or spread onto warm pita bread, the creamy texture and nutty flavor of this classic tahini sauce are sure to satisfy. A multi-tasker you’ll want to always have on hand in the fridge!

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (6)

Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

These might just be the best chocolate chip cookies ever! Made with a brilliant combination of tahini, quinoa flour, coconut flour, and rich dark chocolate chips, these cookies have a perfect balance of flavors.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (7)

Quinoa Flour Tahini Brownies

Fudgy, chocolatey vegan brownies are upgraded with the surprising addition of tahini. It adds depth and complexity, transforming one-note chocolate brownies into a treat that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (8)

Chili Lime Tahini Sauce

This creamy and drizzle-able chili-lime tahini sauce takes just 5 minutes to whip up, making it one of my favorite easy tahini recipes! It's the perfect accompaniment for tacos, salads, and a wide variety of Tex-Mex dishes. Who needs sour cream?!

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (9)

Tahini Banana Breakfast Cookies

Tahini banana breakfast cookies will help you start your day off right! Made with a delicious blend of wholesome oats, protein-packed quinoa, ripe bananas, and rich tahini, they’re a satisfying and nourishing breakfast that tastes like a treat.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (10)

Chopped Quinoa Salad with Chive-Tahini Dressing

This flavorful chopped quinoa salad is a hearty combination of fresh vegetables, briny olives, nutrient-packed quinoa, and protein-rich chickpeas. It all comes together with a savory chive-tahini dressing!

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (11)

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Herbed Tahini Dressing

This refreshing Mediterranean quinoa salad combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and protein-rich quinoa with a zippy tahini dressing. I love having this salad for lunch because it manages to be both light and satisfying.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (12)

5-Ingredient Chocolate + Tahini Quinoa Energy Bites

For an easy tahini recipe perfect for a midday snack or post-workout pick-me-up, you will love these rich, fudgy energy bites! The addition of tahini keeps the flavor from being cloying because it adds the perfect amount of balance.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (13)

Mayo-Free Vegan Coleslaw

Crispy-crunchy vegan coleslaw swaps the usual mayo for tahini, giving it the creaminess you crave, with a much richer flavor. Pile this onto veggie burgers, baked sweet potatoes, and more!

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (14)

Flourless Pumpkin Tahini Blondies

These gluten-free pumpkin tahini blondies will become your new favorite treat for fall! Tahini adds protein and balances the natural sweetness of the recipe.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (15)

Autumn Chopped Quinoa Salad with Apple Cider + Tahini-Sage Dressing

A delicious salad that is quick to prepare, filling enough to satisfy, and above all, incredibly tasty! It’s everything delicious about fall in a single bowl.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (16)

Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Mediterranean Quinoa

Sweet potatoes and tahini are one of my favorite pairings! Bright, zippy tahini sauce is amazing with tender, oven-baked sweet potatoes—and this recipe adds chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, quinoa, and Kalamata olives for even more flavor.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (17)

Glowing Winter Quinoa Bowls

Nourishing winter quinoa Buddha bowls are packed with a colorful medley of roasted veggies, then each bowl is generously drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce, adding a nutty, tangy flavor to every bite.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (18)

Red Quinoa Salad with Roasted Squash, Brussel Sprouts + Maple-Tahini Dressing

Fall veggies are some of my favorites for serving with tahini, and this final easy tahini recipe features two standouts: roasted squash and Brussels sprouts. I make variations of this recipe for lunch all throughout the fall months!

Check out this recipe

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The BEST Easy Tahini Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can you do with tahini? ›

Some common uses of tahini include making dips and hummus, adding a nutty flavor to desserts, using it in vegetarian dinner recipes, or as a base for salad dressings. In this collection, you'll discover a whole gamut of delicious recipes, spanning from classic hummus to irresistible dessert recipes with tahini.

How long does tahini last in the fridge? ›

“Once the tahini is mixed with water, you're supposed to refrigerate it,” Zitelman says, “but it doesn't last for more than five to seven days in the fridge.”

Does lemon juice thicken tahini? ›

Tahini Paste: Add the tahini, lemon juice, salt, and any additional add-ins to a medium bowl. Whisk together; the tahini will become very thick and lighter in color.

What happens when you add water to tahini? ›

As the amount of water is increased, more clumps develop, causing the tahini to thicken overall. If you keep adding water, eventually you'll cross over the threshold of thickening it; enough water in the system will cause the tahini to loosen and thin out. This is similar to what happens when chocolate seizes.

What is tahini most commonly used for? ›

This savory condiment is a staple across the globe, originating in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It's also found in Asian dishes and Greek fare. Tahini can be used as a spread, a dip, a dressing, and serves as a key ingredient in many dishes, including hummus and baba ghanoush.

What food pairs well with tahini? ›

Tahini is a staple in North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean (Greek, Turkish, Israeli) cuisines, and it pairs well with eggplant, cilantro and yogurt (all popular in those cuisines, as well).

How can you tell if tahini has gone bad? ›

The taste will be sour, kind of metallic, and just plain weird. Utilizing a trusty sniff test is another way of finding out if it's time for your tahini to take a one-way trip to the bin. But something that's important to remember is that ground sesame seeds do naturally have a slightly earthy, bitter aftertaste.

Can I freeze tahini? ›

Or you can also freeze tahini for 3-4 months, which is a great way to extend its shelf life. To freeze tahini, be sure to first give the tahini a thorough stir. Then transfer it to an airtight jar or container, leaving some headspace as the tahini may expand slightly as it freezes.

When should you throw out tahini? ›

The shelf-life is 2+ years (fridge or pantry), but please reference the “best by” date for the freshest, most delectable flavor. How long does Soom Tahini last after opening? Soom Tahini can last for a year after opening. The only thing that will make tahini “turn” is contamination with moisture.

Why is tahini so hard to stir? ›

Because tahini is made purely from sesame seeds, which have a high oil content, even the highest quality brands will separate over time.

Why did my tahini seize? ›

Tahini sometimes seizes (or becomes clumpy) when a small amount of juice (or any water-containing liquid) is added, as a portion of each carbohydrate molecule is drawn to the water. As a result, clumps of carbohydrates appear. If you keep adding water, eventually you'll cross over the threshold of thickening.

How much tahini should I eat per day? ›

According to the scientific journal Nutrition Research, consuming 40 grams of tahini a day helps to reduce the average total and LDL (“bad cholesterol”) by 6.4% and 9.5% after 4 weeks, respectively. The good fats in tahini limit the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Can you eat too much tahini? ›

Most nuts and seeds, including sesame seeds, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are described as “pro-inflammatory” because they can contribute to certain problems when they're consumed in high amounts. For that reason, nuts and seeds, including tahini, are best when eaten in moderation.

What thickens tahini? ›

Adding a small amount of water to tahini causes it to thicken into a paste because of carbohydrate binding.

Is it okay to eat tahini by itself? ›

ingredient in hummus, but it can also be used by itself as a dip or spread.

Is tahini better for you than peanut butter? ›

Is Tahini healthier than peanut butter? They're about the same. Tahini is a little less calorie-dense than peanut butter. But that doesn't mean it's healthier, just that you can eat a little more of it.

What does tahini taste like? ›

How Does Tahini Taste? Tahini has a very earthy flavor and is slightly bitter, but not overpowering. Although the spread resembles peanut butter and other nut butters, it does not have a similarly sweet flavor profile. The toasted sesame seed flavor shines through in this creamy, rich ingredient.

Can you freeze tahini? ›

Or you can also freeze tahini for 3-4 months, which is a great way to extend its shelf life. To freeze tahini, be sure to first give the tahini a thorough stir. Then transfer it to an airtight jar or container, leaving some headspace as the tahini may expand slightly as it freezes.

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