5 Delicious and Easy Ways to Use Tahini (That Aren't Hummus)

The first thing you think of when you think of tahini is most likely its supporting role in hummus, where it adds depth and creaminess to everyone's favorite healthy dip.

But there's a lot more to love about this ground sesame seed paste. It's made from seeds, not nuts, and is both dairy- and gluten-free while still providing fiber and protein.

The same creamy texture and nutty flavor it brings to hummus makes it a versatile player in so many other dishes—far beyond its traditional use as a condiment in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

What else can you do with that jar of tahini? Almost anything, as it turns out.

Ways to Use Tahini in Recipes

In salad dressing

If you're used to seeing tahini sauce alongside falafel or pita sandwiches, then you already know how tasty it is with fresh vegetables. So why not take it further?

Whisk tahini with oil and lemon juice for a simple vinaigrette, or try this honey-tahini dressing on greens or in a grain bowl.

As a breakfast topping

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.

As a dairy substitute

Instead of sour cream or yogurt, use a spoonful of tahini when making twice-baked potatoes or nsweet potatoes or in potato salad.

Mix with ingredients like sautéed greens, beans, or roasted vegetables for a quick and filling meal.

In a marinade

Blend tahini with complementary ingredients like miso, soy sauce and sesame oil to make an easy marinade and basting sauce for your favorite lean proteins like chicken, shrimp or tofu.

Give it a try with this this salty-sweet sesame-maple roasted tofu recipe.

In dessert

Swirl tahini into caramel sauce (either homemade or store-bought) to make an even more decadent topping for ice cream, angel food cake or chocolate tarts. You may not even need whipped cream.

Or try tahini in cookies for a new twist, like in these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Replacing some of the butter in the recipe with tahini keeps the richness while adding a nuttier flavor to each bite.

Browse all of EatingWell's recipes using tahini for more great ideas.