13 Sweet and Savory Recipes with Tahini

From cookies and flatbreads, to noodles and casseroles, there's a tahini recipe here for everyone to enjoy.

Tahini, Grain, and Veggie Bowl
Photo: Carson Downing

Tahini deserves a round of applause for its creamy texture, nutty and toasty flavor, and its epic versatility. It’s that friend that fits in with any group with ease and charisma, as it brings a little extra something to the table (literally). While tahini has been used for centuries in many classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, this beautiful ingredient is now the recipient of worldwide attention and admiration. From sweet baked goods to nutritious and delicious comfort meals, these recipes give creative justice to an ingredient that has fast become a staple in kitchens everywhere.

01 of 13

Tahini-Ginger Noodle Sauce

Jar of Tahini-Ginger Noodle Sauce on bed of brown noodles
Adam Albright

This make ahead tahini sauce is perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, and weeknight meals. Top your favorite noodle bowls with this thick, creamy, and slightly tangy sauce and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

02 of 13

Pumpkin-Tahini Dip

jar of Pumpkin-Tahini Dip with wood spoon and pita triangles on the side
Jacob Fox

This unexpected flavor combination will be a showstopper at your next party! When creamy pumpkin, nutty tahini, and tangy Greek yogurt come together with spicy garlic and fresh herbs, your taste buds are going to do cartwheels when you taste this pumpkin hummus!

03 of 13

Tahini Spritz

Tahini Spritz cookies arranged in circle
Carson Downing

You may have assumed this would be a cocktail recipe at first glance, but rest assured these spritz cookies (cookies molded by pressing through a cookie press) are just as magical and delicious! With nutty tahini, earthy turmeric and cardamom, and classic butter and sugar, these spritz treatss are the ultimate in comfort cookies.

04 of 13

Crispy Tahini Chocolate Chippers

Crispy Tahini Chocolate Chip cookies on baking sheet with parchment
Brie Passano

If you haven't incorporated tahini into your chocolate chip cookies, you are seriously missing out! The addition of sesame paste to chocolate chip cookies adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture to a classic. A sweet and creamy tahini drizzle is quite literally the icing on top of these beauties.

05 of 13

Tahini-Ginger Noodles and Veggies

Tahini-Ginger Noodles & Veggies
Andy Lyons

Tahini and ginger are a match made in foodie heaven. This slightly spicy, slightly sweet sauce mixed with noodles and chopped vegetables results in the most delicious dinner bowl. Crunchy chopped nuts and fresh mint leaves intensify the flavor and textures even more!

06 of 13

Three-Bean Salad with Tahini-Lime Dressing

Three-Bean Salad with Tahini-Lime Dressing
Blaine Moats

This fresh, crisp salad gives tradition bean salad recipes a run for their money! This version incorporates the pop of edamame, plump corn, and fresh earthy cilantro. The topper? A creamy, tangy dressing with made with tahini and lime juice.

07 of 13

Tahini Blossoms

Tahini Blossoms
Adam Albright

The secret to these delicious cookies is tahini! The rich oil in sesame paste adds a chewy, velvety texture and subtle nutty flavor and keeps them moist for longer, extending your time to enjoy them. A chocolate candy is a kiss on top of this easy cookie recipe.

08 of 13

Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Lemon-Tahini Sauce
Blaine Moats

This is a nutritious and delicious protein-packed dish. As if juicy, golden tender chicken cooked to perfection in the piping hot skillet isn't already delicious enough, it's topped with a creamy, slightly tangy tahini sauce. Save the rest for tomorrow, because the recipe is just as delicious for leftovers!

09 of 13

Tahini, Grain, and Veggie Bowl

Tahini, Grain, and Veggie Bowl
Carson Downing

You can't go wrong with a grain and veggie bowl, especially when toasty, hearty farro is the base. You also can't go wrong with an umami flavor boost from tahini in, well, pretty much anything! Prepare the creamy tahini sauce with fresh herbs and garlic to enjoy over an entire week's worth of meals.

10 of 13

Shawarma Casserole

Shawarma Casserole
Carson Downing

Did someone say comfort food? This Middle-Eastern inspired Shawarma Casserole has it all. A crunchy top, hearty rice, and vegetables, herbs, canned tomatoes, and spices. As if this isn't already mouth-watering enough, this casserole is served with a nutty tahini topping.

11 of 13

Chickpea-Herb Flatbreads

Chickpea-Herb Flatbreads pizza recipe
Jason Donnelly

This recipe is a bit like a Mediterranean pizza, with a chunky hummus base, tons of fresh and flavorful herbs, and crisp vegetables like cucumbers and onions. Enjoy a slice, and then enjoy one more!

12 of 13

Falafel Fattoush

Falafel Fattoush
Aubrie Pick

This dish brings together two delicious Middle Eastern dishes: falafel and fattoush. Fattoush, a Middle Eastern dish, is essentially a bread salad. With all of the flavors of a classic falafel wrap, spiced chickpeas, fresh herbs, and nutty tahini sauce, you can skip the frying and enjoy this dish.

13 of 13

Green Pea Hummus Roasted Veggie Flatbreads

overhead view Green Pea Hummus Roasted Veggie Flatbreads
Jason Donnelly

Green pea hummus is a bright and even more nutritious twist on the tahini-based classic. Here, we're spreading, not scooping. Gorgeous green pea hummus is spread as a base for vegetable-loaded flatbreads that are packed with the fresh flavors of red onion, zucchini, eggplant, and more.

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