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 is the best way to use 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.

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.

Do you have to refrigerate tahini? ›

Do you need to refrigerate tahini? We recommend storing your tahini in a cool and dry area, away from heat and moisture. Ideally, a pantry a cabinet would be ideal. Like peanut butter, you can also store tahini in the refrigerator if you like it thicker.

What 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).

Is it OK to eat tahini everyday? ›

Tahini offers multiple health benefits as evidenced by scientific studies and research. Its enormous nutritional value makes it an essential component of our daily diet.

How long does tahini last in 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.”

Why is tahini so healthy? ›

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. It's rich in important nutrients like fiber, protein, copper, phosphorus, and selenium and may reduce heart disease risk and inflammation. What's more, test-tube and animal studies suggest that sesame seeds may have anticancer properties.

What is tahini good for besides hummus? ›

Love almond butter or other nut butters? Swap them out for tahini as a toast topper tomorrow morning. Or drizzle it over pancakes or yogurt along with a sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Add sliced fruit or a sprinkle of chia seeds for a finishing touch.

How do you know if tahini has gone bad? ›

How do you know if tahini has gone bad? Signs of spoilage for tahini include a bitter, rancid smell, mold growth, or separation. Separation is not always the case as tahini sitting on the shelf for a prolonged period unused can also cause separation. It will also have a bitter taste.

What is the shelf life of homemade tahini? ›

The tahini is done when it's smooth, with a runny or drippy texture. There will still be a slight graininess when you taste it, but ultimately it will be pretty creamy looking. Transfer the tahini to a clean 16 ounce jar, and seal it with an airtight lid. Tahini can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months.

What does tahini taste like? ›

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.

How long does a jar of tahini last once opened? ›

And of course your tahini is also going to last longer if you store it well (more tips on storing tahini coming up). All SoCo tahini is non-GMO and 100% natural, so we recommend you use it within 6 months after opening. This just ensures maximum freshness and best taste.

Does Trader Joe's sell tahini? ›

Trader Joe's Organic Tahini provides the perfect balance in this recipe, and allows it to transcend seasons-drizzle it atop roasted broccoli salad in the winter, or on grilled chicken & spinach salad during the warm summer months.

Can you eat tahini straight from the jar? ›

Besides eating it straight out of the jar, spreading it on a sandwich or mixing it with chickpeas, garlic and lemon juice to make hummus, there's a laundry list of ways to use tahini.

Can I use tahini straight from the jar? ›

Spread it Like Butter: Spreadable and rich, tahini straight from the jar is a delightful alternative to traditional spreads. Whether on a slice of warm toast or a rice cake, the nutty goodness of tahini can be enjoyed with minimal effort.

What is the point of tahini? ›

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. It's rich in important nutrients like fiber, protein, copper, phosphorus, and selenium and may reduce heart disease risk and inflammation.

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.”

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