This tahini salad is a refreshing Levantine-style salata made with crisp vegetables and a creamy lemon tahini dressing. Light, vibrant, and full of Mediterranean flavor, it’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, wraps, or mezze spreads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, crunchy vegetables with creamy tahini dressing
- Simple ingredients and quick preparation
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and halal-friendly
- Perfect as a side dish or light meal
- Easily customizable with herbs and spice level
Ingredients
Lemon Tahini Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cold water, as needed
Salad
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 3 Persian cucumbers, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Sumac or chili flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well until a thick paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in a few tablespoons of cold water until the dressing loosens to a creamy, pourable consistency similar to ranch or Caesar dressing.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
- Mix gently until everything is evenly coated with the tahini dressing.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cold water is key to smoothing tahini dressing
- Add water slowly to avoid thinning too much
- Taste and adjust lemon and salt before serving
- Chill for 10 minutes for extra freshness
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Levantine / Middle Eastern
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal-friendly
Notes
- Add chickpeas for extra protein
- Swap parsley with mint or a mix of herbs
- Serve as a dip with pita or as a salad
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 14g
FAQ
What is tahini salad made of?
Tahini salad is made with fresh vegetables tossed in a lemony tahini dressing.
Is tahini salad healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based nutrients.
Can I make tahini salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed within a few hours for maximum freshness.
Why does tahini thicken when lemon juice is added?
Tahini reacts with acid and thickens before loosening again with water.
Is this salad spicy?
No, but chili flakes or sumac can add gentle heat.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 24 hours in an airtight container
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Serving Tip: Stir before serving if dressing thickens
Similar Recipes
Tahini Salad (Levantine Salata with Cucumber and Tomato)
Ingredients
Lemon Tahini Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cold water as needed
Salad
- 3 medium tomatoes chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 3 Persian cucumbers chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into ½-inch cubes
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- Sumac or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well until a thick paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in a few tablespoons of cold water until the dressing loosens to a creamy, pourable consistency similar to ranch or Caesar dressing.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
- Mix gently until everything is evenly coated with the tahini dressing.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes before serving.
Notes
- Add chickpeas for extra protein
Conclusion
This tahini salad is fresh, creamy, and incredibly satisfying despite its simplicity. With crunchy vegetables and a bright lemon tahini dressing, it’s a versatile Levantine dish you’ll want to make again and again.