16 Delicious Recipes Using Creamy Tahini

These creative tahini recipes showcase the nutty sesame seed paste in both sweet and savory dishes. From classic Middle Eastern favorites to modern twists on brownies and cookies.

Each recipe highlights tahini’s rich, creamy texture and toasty flavor that works beautifully in everything from soups to desserts.

01. Creamy Carrot Tahini Soup

This version uses roasted carrots, tahini, and coconut milk for a naturally sweet and nutty soup. The tahini adds incredible richness and body.

Roasting the carrots first brings out their sweetness. The tahini balances those sweet flavors with its toasty, earthy taste.

Perfect for vegans when made with coconut milk instead of cream. This method creates restaurant-quality results at home.

02. Classic Tahini Hummus

This traditional approach combines chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic until completely smooth. The tahini provides the signature nutty flavor.

Blending everything until super creamy makes all the difference. Good tahini creates the best texture and taste.

This method works great for beginners who want authentic results. Much better than store-bought versions with fresher ingredients.

03. Homemade Chocolate Tahini Spread

This healthier version uses tahini instead of hazelnuts for a nutty chocolate spread. Perfect on toast or as a fruit dip.

The tahini creates a creamy base while adding protein and healthy fats. Much more nutritious than traditional chocolate spreads.

Great for families wanting better-for-you alternatives. Takes less time than you’d expect with simple ingredients.

04. Swirled Tahini Brownies

These rich brownies use tahini mixed with yogurt that’s swirled through chocolate batter. Creates beautiful marbled patterns and nutty flavor.

The tahini mixture lightens the dense chocolate while adding complexity. Similar technique to cheesecake brownies but more unique.

This version takes standard brownies to the next level. Perfect for impressing guests with something they haven’t tried before.

05. No-Bake Energy Bliss Balls

This simple method combines tahini, dates, and almond butter into bite-sized energy balls. No baking required for these healthy treats.

The sticky dates bind everything together naturally. Tahini adds protein and keeps you satisfied longer than sugary snacks.

Perfect for meal prep or afternoon energy boosts. Keep them refrigerated for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week.

06. Creamy Chickpea Spinach Soup

This hearty soup uses tahini, cream, and cornmeal to create an incredibly thick, satisfying broth. Packed with chickpeas and fresh spinach.

The unusual combination of thickeners creates amazing texture. Tahini adds nutty depth while the cornmeal provides body.

Great for vegetarian friends but meat-eaters love it too. This method creates addictive results from the first spoonful.

07. Roasted Eggplant with Tahini Drizzle

This approach roasts eggplant until tender, then drizzles with tahini sauce and pomegranate molasses. Like deconstructed baba ghanoush as a side dish.

The tangy pomegranate molasses balances the rich tahini perfectly. Roasting brings out the eggplant’s natural sweetness.

Perfect for Mediterranean dinner parties or weeknight sides. Takes more time but the elegant presentation is worth it.

08. Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies combine tahini and chocolate chips for an irresistible flavor combination. The tahini replaces some butter for nutty richness.

Tahini and chocolate work as perfectly together as peanut butter and chocolate. Creates chewy cookies with complex flavor.

This version disappears fast from cookie plates. Great for bake sales or when you want something different from standard cookies.

09. Dairy-Free Tahini Cookies

This vegan version uses spelt flour, sesame seeds, and no refined sugar for healthier cookies. Tahini provides richness without any dairy.

The spelt flour creates tender texture while sesame seeds add crunch. Natural sweeteners keep these treats more wholesome.

Perfect for coffee or tea time treats. Great for anyone avoiding dairy or refined sugars but still wanting delicious cookies.

10. Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing

This protein-packed salad uses tahini instead of mustard in the lemon vinaigrette. Quinoa and chickpeas make it incredibly filling.

The tahini-based dressing complements the chickpeas naturally. Creates a creamy coating without heavy ingredients like mayo.

Perfect for meal prep lunches that stay fresh all week. This method creates satisfying salads that actually fill you up.

11. Spicy Red Pepper Hummus

This colorful variation adds roasted red peppers, cumin, and cayenne to classic hummus. The tahini base stays the same for consistency.

Jarred roasted peppers make this super convenient. The spices add warmth and depth to the sweet pepper flavor.

Great for parties when you want something more exciting than plain hummus. Takes minimal extra effort for impressive results.

12. Versatile Tahini Yogurt Dressing

This one-step dressing combines yogurt and tahini for a creamy, tangy sauce. Works on salads, falafel, or roasted vegetables.

The yogurt lightens the tahini while adding protein. Much more interesting than bottled dressings with fresher taste.

Perfect for keeping in the fridge for quick meals. This method creates restaurant-quality dressing in just minutes.

13. Spiced Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce

This version roasts cauliflower until golden, then coats with creamy tahini sauce and toasted spices. Fresh herbs make beautiful garnish.

Roasting the cauliflower first creates caramelized edges. The tahini sauce adds richness while spices provide warmth and complexity.

Great for converting vegetable skeptics into believers. This method makes cauliflower taste absolutely amazing and satisfying.

14. Rich Chocolate Tahini Pudding

This creamy dessert swirls tahini through chocolate pudding for nutty complexity. The tahini balances the sweetness with earthy flavor.

The final tahini swirl creates beautiful presentation and flavor bursts. Much more interesting than plain chocolate pudding.

Perfect for dinner party desserts that look elegant. This version creates thick, creamy results that taste absolutely decadent.

15. Tahini Glazed Chicken

This nut-free version uses tahini instead of peanut butter for chicken satay flavors. Soy sauce, ginger, and honey complete the glaze.

The tahini creates similar richness to peanut sauce without allergen concerns. Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors.

Great for families with nut allergies who miss satay dishes. This method delivers familiar flavors in a safer way.

16. Smoky Baba Ghanoush

This classic dip blends slow-roasted eggplant with tahini, lemon, and garlic until completely smooth. Perfect with pita or fresh vegetables.

Roasting the eggplant until very soft creates the best texture. The tahini adds richness while lemon keeps everything bright.

Perfect for anyone wanting alternatives to hummus. This method creates authentic Middle Eastern flavors at home.

Final Thoughts

These tahini recipes prove how versatile this nutty paste can be in both sweet and savory applications. From traditional Middle Eastern dishes to creative modern twists.

Start with classic hummus or baba ghanoush, then experiment with desserts and creative main dishes for delicious results.