Deliciously the best Tahini Salad, it's packed with fresh diced tomato, radish, cucumber, and parsley swimming in a creamy and tangy tahini dressing.

a brown ceramic bowl filled with chopped salad swimming in a whiteish sauce — Trust me, this tahini salad might be simple, but boy is it punching above its weight

What is Tahini Salad?

Tahini salad originates from the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

It is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients which can include tomatoes, cucumber, radish, and herbs in a creamy tahini dressing.

It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Seasonal produce used in this salad can vary depending on the region.

Pairings can also dictate what fresh produce is used.

For example, if you are serving this salad with falafel, you may wish to have a variation of only tomatoes, radishes, parsley, and mint.

The tahini salad dressing is referred to as tarator which is based off this Middle Eastern shawarma sauce, which has many dressing/dip uses, the perfect example is this recipe for Lebanese cauliflower with tahini.

This is an underrated salad that is a must-try, I've eaten and made so many variations since forever and will never tire of it, it is the best! Oh and this is the Lebanese version.

Ingredients Notes

tomato, cucumber, radish, parsley, tahini, lemon, salt and sumac laid out on a white bench

The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

Tahini is a creamy sesame paste, it should be good quality and not hardened. I like to use a good quality Lebanese tahini. This is the main ingredient of the dressing, hence the name of the salad.

Sumac (derived from the sumac berry) has a tangy, lemony flavor with a slightly salty and sour taste. It is a commonly used spice in Lebanese cooking (it features quite a bit throughout my recipes).

I highly recommend it. It can be found at your local Mediterranean grocer, and most major supermarkets or you can purchase sumac here.

a male hand dipping a zaatar pita chip into a salad

Janelle's Tips

Prepare this salad in advance by whisking the dressing and storing it in a jar in the fridge (it keeps well for several days). If it thickens, simply whisk in a spoonful of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Prepare and store the vegetables and herbs in an airtight container in the fridge (up to 3 days). Toss the salad together when you are ready to serve.

a tahini drenched salad with a side of pita chips

More Lebanese Salad Recipes

If you like this recipe, you will also like balela, made with chickpeas and freshly chopped vegetables, or this Lebanese potato salad made without any cream.

Otherwise, you may have never heard of this (but must try) fresh oregano in salad.

Or for something a bit more famous, try either taboulle or fatoush.

a brown ceramic bowl with white dressed salad in it

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe