18 Tasty Recipes Starring Tahini

Hummus

The most common use for tahini is perhaps the best. This traditional hummus blends the tahini with chickpeas, lemon, olive oil, and garlic until super smooth. "I don't think I'll ever buy store-bought again," says reviewer SLJ6.

Tahini Dressing

You just might forget the bottled stuff with this one-step yogurt and tahini dressing. It's delicious drizzled over falafel, fresh salads, and roasted vegetables, or served as a dip for carrots and celery.

• 11 Best Falafel Recipes from Classic Sandwiches to Falafel Waffles and Pizza

Baba Ghanoush

If hummus is your go-to dip but you're looking for something different, give baba ghanoush (gah-NOO-sh) a try. This blend of slow-roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon, and garlic is perfect with pita or fresh veggies.

Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Just like peanut butter and chocolate, tahini and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Add them both to a cookie and you've got a treat that'll have everyone sneaking an extra from the plate.

• 20 Ways to Upgrade Your Chocolate Chip Cookies

Roasted Carrot and Tahini Soup

Nutty, toasty tahini balances the naturally sweet carrots in this soup and gives it fantastic body. For vegans, creator Fran C suggests a simple swap of coconut milk for the heavy cream. Yum!

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce

Roasted cauliflower? Delicious. Roasted cauliflower that's coated with a creamy tahini sauce and toasted spices? Totally addictive. Follow user Barbara's lead and garnish with chopped herbs.

Chocolate Tahini Spread

Recipe creator Diana Moutsopoulos calls this spread "tahini-tella," a better-for-you version of the chocolate hazelnut spread. Try it slathered over toasted sourdough or as a dip for fresh apple slices.

Bliss Balls

Tahini, sticky dates, and almond butter bind these adorable bites together. Keep them in the fridge for a mid-morning or afternoon energy boost that won't give you a sugar crash later.

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Garlic, Spinach, and Chickpea Soup

"We made this one night for a vegetarian friend and were addicted at the first bite," says reviewer Joleen. Here, the broth is thickened with an unexpected yet genius combination of heavy cream, cornmeal, and tahini.

Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Tahini

The lemon vinaigrette in this hearty salad uses tahini instead of mustard as the base — a perfect match for the chickpeas here. "This tastes amazing! So much flavor!" says reviewer mama-to-3.

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Sriracha

So simple. You'll roast cauliflower with cumin and then combine the hot cauliflower with a mixture of tahini and Sriracha sauce (thinned with a little water) and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. "Tahini and Sriracha are both delicious, and work surprisingly well together," says LauraF, the recipe submitter. "This is a savory side dish or appetizer with a kick!"

Tahini Brownies

You've heard of cheesecake and peanut butter swirled brownies, right? This recipe borrows a little from both, adding nutty tahini to a yogurt mixture that's swirled through the chocolate brownie batter.

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Vegan Eggplant with Tahini

Think of this vegetable side as deconstructed baba ghanoush, with the tahini sauce drizzled over roasted eggplant instead of blending the two together. Tangy, syrupy pomegranate molasses shines in the sauce and as a drizzle on top.

Tahini Chicken

Those with nut allergies will love this version of chicken satay that uses tahini in place of peanut butter. It's perfectly balanced with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey. "Very tasty and easy!" says user Sharon M.

• Nut-Free Snack Ideas

Spiced Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Once you have the chickpeas and tahini, the hummus possibilities are endless. Jarred roasted red peppers give this top-rated hummus variation a vibrant red pop. Cumin and cayenne add earthiness and heat.

Chocolate Tahini Pudding

A final swirl of tahini gives this chocolate pudding a nutty, toasty edge that balances the sweetness and makes this dessert different and delicious. "Thick and creamy and chocolatey. Yum!" says reviewer Buckwheat Queen.

Vegan Tahini Cookies

"These amazing tahini cookies are chewy and delightful without any dairy or eggs," according to recipe creator Diana Moutsopoulos. "Using spelt flour, sesame seeds, and no refined sugar makes them a virtuous treat with a cup of coffee or tea."

Tahini Chicken Skewers

Here's a marinated and grilled recipe everyone at your table will love. "Super delicious and also what a beautiful dish the skewers make," raves five-star reviewer Diana71. "I loved the spicy flavor."

More Inspiration

Learn more about this powerhouse ingredient here: How to Buy, Store, and Eat Tahini