25 Best Tahini Recipes (Sauces, Cakes, and More)

Did you buy some tahini for hummus and are not sure what to do with the rest? I have 25 tasty tahini recipes for you right here. 

From sauces to sweets, tahini adds a nutty, creamy layer to everything you put it on.

This Middle Eastern sesame paste has so many applications, it’ll be your new favorite condiment by the time you’re done with this list.

I’m addicted to tahini hot chocolate and like to smother the green tahini sauce on everything. But that’s just me! 

There’s a wide range of tahini recipes here to use up that bottle while catering to your tastes. Don’t be surprised if you put tahini on everything!

Easy Recipes to Make With Tahini

1. Best Tahini Sauce 

My go-to sauce for just about everything that needs a plant-based creamy element is this concoction. 

It’s a six-ingredient recipe that’s nutty, garlicky, and lemon-flavored. It’s killer in salads, sandwiches, pasta, and so much more.

Try it on an easy Middle Eastern recipe like chicken shawarma or fattoush salad, and you’ll see what I mean.

2. Hummus

If you want the best, creamiest hummus you’ve ever had, you’ll need tahini, and here’s how you’ll use it. 

You’ll blend tahini, chickpeas, lemon, and spices in a food processor. 

You can also use a high-speed blender, but don’t use anything with pitiful power. Otherwise, it’ll struggle with creaming the thick ingredients.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip. Save some of the aquafaba, which is the chickpea juice from the can. Use this instead of water, and you’ll have even more flavor.

3. Green Tahini

Green tahini is a magical sauce that’s a true gem.

This zesty delight has some fresh cilantro in the mix to make the flavors pop. 

It has a similar flavor to hummus, minus the chickpeas. It’s also not as thick. 

That means it’s even better for dressing up salads, slathering on chicken skewers, or smothering on quinoa bowls.

4. Marinated Tahini Chicken

Speaking of chicken, here’s an excellent way to make it with tahini. 

Juicy chicken is dressed up with a garlicky, citrus tahini marinade before it gets tossed on the grill. 

This Mediterranean-inspired chicken is one you’ll want to add to your cookout menu the next time you gather with friends.

5. Whole Roasted Lemon Tahini Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a spectacular main course for anyone who likes good food. 

After roasting and basting, you’ll have a tender head of cauliflower infused with a spicy, garlicky, and nutty sauce. 

What’s even better is this vegan recipe requires minimal ingredients and you won’t have to worry about it turning out dry. 

6. Tahini-Stuffed Dates (aka Tahini Bombs) 

These stuffed dates are an addicting delicacy. They’re chocolatey, nutty, and have caramel and coconut flavors.

In other words, they’re the bomb!

I can gobble these up as a snack. They’re also a fun appetizer or dessert for special occasions.

7. Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Tahini Dip 

Move over regular fries and ketchup, sweet potato fries and tahini dip are in the house! 

When you’re craving fries, this healthy take is the ultimate choice. The sweet potato slices are crispy on the outside and tender on the insides. 

And the tahini dip? It’s the perfect match. 

8. Flourless Brownie Pie

All I can say is, yes! 

It’s bonkers how indulgent a gluten-free dessert can be.

This pie is fudgy and chocolatey like you’ll want from your brownies.

What takes it up another notch is the sprinkle of espresso powder and tahini spread to top it off. 

It’s got a hint of maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt that’s overflowing with decadence. 

9. Tahini Cake

Another special way to utilize tahini in baking is with this recipe. Unlike the last one, this one features tahini as the star of the show. 

This dense cake is rich in tahini with some cognac, orange juice, and warming spices to spruce it up.

10. Creamy Tahini Date Banana Shake 

This date shake is a supreme breakfast drink to power you for the day. It’s creamy, sweet, and indulgent without a hint of guilt. 

It’s also dairy-free and completely vegan.

11. Maple Tahini Overnight Oats

The beauty of overnight oats is that you can quickly grab your breakfast and be out the door. That means no extra mess or fuss in the morning. 

And this is how you do them the grown-up way. They’re an indulgent creation featuring tahini, chia seeds, and syrup as the main fixings. 

If you’re feeling fancy, top these off with some figs.

12. Best Buddha Bowl

There are a lot of recipes that claim to be the best. But this one seriously is the best when it comes to tahini.

It’s got brown rice, chickpeas, and kale as the base. For additional veggies, there are some watermelon radishes, sauerkraut, and more. 

My favorite part, though, is the drizzle of glowing turmeric tahini sauce!

13. Roasted Za’atar Chicken with Broccolini and Spring Green Tahini Sauce

Clean eating is so easy when you’ve got this toothsome plate. 

The chicken is seasoned with za’atar, which is a Middle Eastern seasoning packed with flavor.

Bake it with some broccolini, then drizzle on the herby, spicy tahini sauce.

You can also easily swap out the chicken for tofu to make this plant-based to the max!

14. Grilled Lamb Burgers with Herbed Lemon Tahini Sauce

Guys, if you’re a meat-eater, I suggest you get the grill going immediately. These juicy lamb burgers nail it!

You’ll love the tang of pickled onions and the fresh herb and lemon tahini sauce. 

As for the lamb patties, they’re brimming with flavor thanks to the Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and spices.

15. Baba Ganoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip) 

Baba ganoush is an authentic Lebanese recipe that’s incredibly popular for a reason — it’s simply amazing!

It’s excellent with a simple side of veggies or pita chips. You can even serve it as a traditional spread and go with a mezze platter. 

16. Tahini Hot Chocolate

Who said hot chocolate is only for kids? This grown-up version is overflowing with decadence. 

It’s rich in chocolate, spiced with cinnamon, and extra creamy thanks to the tahini. 

If you’re serving with whipped cream, take the extra step and whip it up from scratch. These hot chocolates deserve it.

17. Tahini Milkshake

Peanut butter is no match for tahini in this shake. 

These vegan treats are super creamy and sweet. And all you need are four ingredients! 

This is a healthy dessert if you’re looking for something sweet without gorging yourself on sugar. 

18. Israeli Sabich Sandwich

Think outside of the box and take a break from your usual sandwich with this recipe. 

The pita bread is full of flavors and textures. There’s some fresh Middle Eastern salad, roasted eggplant, pickled mango, hard-boiled eggs, and more.

And the lemony tahini sauce is the perfect touch!

19. Fall Farro Salad

Come fall, this farro salad will be your new obsession. 

It’s a fresh and healthy grain-based salad. It’s also filling enough on its own and perfect for a dinner side.

Crisp apples, crunchy radicchio, tender butternut, and creamy tahini sauce infuse it with a whirl of flavors and textures. 

To top it off, there’s even roasted garlic in the mix!

20. Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Another phenomenal way to do lamb is with these kofta kebabs.

Prepping the meat is easier than you may think. And the turmeric tahini sauce is on point!

Pass out kebabs like these at your backyard barbecues and you may find yourself dubbed the official grill master of the summer. 

21. Crispy Broccoli Sweet and Spicy Sesame Tahini Noodles 

Next time you get a hankering for some Asian noodles, bust out this 30-minute dinner. 

Tahini coats the noodles in a creamy sauce that’s sweet, umami, and perfectly spicy. 

If you want to add protein, I think chicken or tofu both go well.

22. Sun-dried Tomato Tahini Pasta

This vegan tahini pasta is one that both plant eaters and meat eaters will both fall in love with.

Nutritional yeast makes it a little cheesy while sun-dried tomatoes add depth.

And it only takes 25 minutes to make! 

23. Vegan Tahini Alfredo Pasta 

Now that I’m craving creamy pasta, here’s another vegan favorite to throw in the weekly rotation.

Tahini and spicy pine nut parmesan create an incredible alfredo sauce that’s cheesy and creamy. I’m also a big fan of the extra drizzle of chili oil! 

The one thing I might add is a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or dukkah for more texture. 

24. Tahini Halva

And for dessert? Go with halva. 

This vegan confection has a fudge-like consistency and a sweet, nutty taste. 

It only takes 15 minutes, and I have a good hunch you’ll have all the ingredients on hand. 

25. Avocado Hummus 

Do you ever come across a recipe that makes you feel like someone was reading your mind? That’s how I feel about this hummus. 

Avocado hummus is pure genius, and if you’re an avocado lover, I think you’ll agree. 

It’s so creamy and fresh, you’ll want this on everything. I like to keep some chopped veggies on hand just for dipping when hunger strikes.