Few things are better than tahini. Once difficult to track down in most grocery stories, the sesame seed paste is best known as the base for hummus and baba ganoush. But why should it just be restricted to those? It’s smooth, creamy and has a distinct flavor that adds a nuttiness to both savory and sweet dishes. This collection of unique summer recipes is your go-to for having tahini with any meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner and, of course, dessert!

Zucchini Tahini Breakfast Cookies

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(Photo: Flora & Vino)

ICYMI, breakfast cookies are in. Healthy, delicious and fun, this version puts your summer zucchinis to work. Stash these breakfast treats in the fridge or freezer for an on-the-go bite.

Date Tahini Banana Milkshake

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Date tahini banana milkshake from “A Sweet Year: Jewish Celebrations and Festive Recipes for Kids and Their Families” by Joan Nathan (Photo: Penguin Random House)

Dates are probably the most underrated smoothie ingredient. Pair with a banana and the nuttiness of tahini and you’ve got yourself a slam dunk in a glass.

Summer Veggie Pasta Salad With Feta & Lemon-Tahini Dressing

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(Photo: Camille Styles)

This fresh pasta salad has a wonderful umami flavor from the tahini and miso dressing. Just toss and go—picnic, beach, Shabbat lunch on the deck, you name it.

Cold Chickpea-Tahini Soup

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(Photo: Even Sung/The New York Times)

The 500-plus glowing reviews speak for themselves!

Grilled Asparagus With Tahini Lemon Sauce

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(Photo: The Lemon Bowl)

Real talk: Grilled is the best way to eat asparagus. Why not give it a little extra flavor when you want something new?

Spring Rolls With Spicy Tahini Dipping Sauce

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(Photo: Rise Shine Cook)

Fresh, flavorful, healthy and filling! These spring rolls are great for a snack or a light and refreshing meal.

Tahini-Smothered Charred Cabbage

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(Photo: Emma Fishman/Bon Appétit)

Grilled cabbage gets all caramelized like your favorite roasted veggies! Douse it in this lemony tahini sauce and top with dill and sesame seeds for a perfect appetizer.

Smoky Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries With Maple Tahini Sauce

Wandering Chickpea
(Photo: Wandering Chickpea)

Perfectly roasted sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika and served alongside a creamy, sweet-tangy maple tahini dipping sauce. It’s vegan-friendly, simple to make, and richly flavorful.

Middle Eastern-Inspired Chicken With Tahini Sauce

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(Photo: Tina Rupp)

This chicken is marinated in a cardamom-yogurt sauce before grilling, then served with a tahini garlic sauce. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Tahini-Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Wedges

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(Photo: Jar of Lemons)

Ever been in the mood for something chocolatey that’s also healthy and light? Us too. This is the ultimate solution for summer.

Summer Peach and Tahini Tart

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(Photo: The Kitchn)

As if fresh, juicy peaches on a bed of sweetened tahini and baked on a puff pastry weren’t enough, this summer tart is finished with peach syrup, honey yogurt and a little nutmeg and hand-torn basil.

Chocolate and Tahini Dipped Frozen Bananas

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(Photo: Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post)

A dip in honey-sweetened tahini and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds turn frozen bananas into a rich, nutty treat that’s ready to enjoy instantly or stash for later.

S’mores Tahini Cookie Bars

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(Photo: olives+thyme)

This brown butter, tahini chocolate chip cookie dough with all the s’mores fixings will have you coming back for s’more.

Easy Tahini Recipe

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(Photo: Inspired Taste)

Want to try making your own tahini? It’s easier than you think! (Make sure you toast the sesame seeds first for a richer flavor.)

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