Creamy, nutty, and incredibly versatile, tahini deserves a spot in so much more than hummus. This sesame paste can add richness to savory dips, sauces, dressings, and satisfying meals, but it’s just as delicious paired with chocolate and fruit. These tahini recipes showcase both sides of this pantry staple, with plenty of inspiration for putting that jar of tahini to good use.
This post covers: 12 delicious tahini recipes, from savory salads, dips and breakfast ideas to sweet desserts and baked goods. There’s something for everyone!
Why you’ll love this
Sweet and savory options: There’s something here for every craving, from hearty dishes and creamy sauces to irresistible treats.
A versatile pantry staple: These recipes will help you use tahini in creative ways beyond the usual hummus.
Big flavor with simple ingredients: Tahini adds richness, nuttiness, and a wonderfully creamy texture without much effort.
Plenty of inspiration: Whether you have a brand-new jar or one that’s been sitting in the fridge, you’ll find a delicious way to use it.
Luay Ghafari
Luay is the creator, recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Urban Farm and Kitchen, a blog dedicated to fresh garden-to-table, Levantine and Mediterranean recipes.
Tahini is a natural fit for salads, adding a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor to dressings without overpowering fresh vegetables, grains, and herbs. These tahini salad recipes are fresh, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
5 from 5 votes
Tahini Salad (Levantine Salata with Cucumber and Tomato)
This tahini salad recipe is so incredibly easy to make it comes together in under 15 minutes. Pair it with a hearty main dish or grilled and fried seafood. It’s also very adaptable and you can modify it to suit your tastes.
This Steak Caesar Salad with Tahini Dressing is my Middle Eastern spin on a classic salad. Juicy seared steak meets caramelized sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, all tossed with a creamy, tangy tahini Caesar dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner or even brunch.
This Kale Chickpea Salad is one of those back-pocket recipes that is delicious and adaptable. The creamy lemon, tahini and honey dressing balances out some of the bitterness from the kale. But keep reading, I have a trick to make the kale less bitter! Best of all, it comes together in under 20 minutes.
Tahini isn’t just for savory recipes! Its earthy, nutty flavor works beautifully in desserts and baked goods, where it balances sweetness and adds extra richness. These recipes are a delicious excuse to bring that jar of tahini into your baking routine.
5 from 2 votes
Tahini Brownies (with Nutty Tahini Swirl)
These Tahini Brownies take a classic American dessert and give it a Middle Eastern spin that’s both surprising and irresistible. They come together with minimal effort and standard pantry ingredients.
I love a classic old-fashioned crisp just like anyone else, but my recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Tahini Sesame Topping levels up the classic recipe in a truly unique way. It’s basically a combination of my North American upbringing and my Middle Eastern Roots. Incredibly easy to put together, and the oven does the rest. Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream.
Tahini Banana Bread (with Spices and Sesame Topping)
This Tahini Banana Bread recipe takes a classic American recipe and gives it a Middle Eastern twist for more depth, flavor and character. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and comes together with a few pantry staples, ripe bananas and tahini.
Creamy tahini is right at home in dips, spreads, sauces, and flavorful side dishes. These easy recipes are perfect for rounding out a meal, adding to a mezze spread, or serving alongside warm pita and fresh vegetables.
A Middle Eastern staple, this delicious, unctuous and smoky eggplant dip is a must-try. Serve it with pita with vegetables. A perfect summer appetizer when eggplants are in season.
Roasted Cabbage Wedges (with Tahini and Chili Crisp)
My Roasted Cabbage Wedges are crispy around the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with incredible flavor. They are a little savory, a little sweet, a little spicy and definitely delicious. Finished with a creamy tahini sauce and spicy chili crisp, this easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you're looking for a new way to enjoy cabbage.
A classic hummus base topped with caramelized eggplant, this eggplant hummus has a great rich flavor without losing the traditional hummus taste. Serve this with pita or flatbread, crackers, or crudité for a tasty snack or fun main.
Start the day with something a little different. Tahini adds creamy texture, satisfying richness, and plenty of sesame flavor to breakfast recipes, pairing especially well with fruit, grains, honey, and other naturally sweet ingredients.
5 from 7 votes
Musabaha (Creamy Warm Chickpeas with Tahini)
Musabaha is a popular Levantine breakfast dish of creamy warm chickpeas with tahini. It’s an affordable, comforting and hearty dish that will start your day off just right. My version is drizzled with a spiced Aleppo pepper oil and toasted pine nuts.
Fattet hummus is a warm and comforting breakfast dish of toasted pita chips, chickpeas, hummus, yogurt and other toppings. Serve with other Levantine breakfast classics. This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes!
