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.

Tahini Date Shake

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(Photo: Cookie+Kate)

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 Pineapple Tahini Dip

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(Photo: Lauren Jun)

These fresh bites are as delicious as they are pretty.

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.

Sweet Potato Fries With Tahini BBQ Sauce

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(Photo: The Cutting Veg)

Sweet, spicy and creamy, this tahini barbecue sauce is the ideal accompaniment to sweet potato fries. Enjoy it any time of day, even topped with runny eggs for breakfast.

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 Banana Tahini Popsicles

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(Photo: Snixy Kitchen)

These healthy popsicles masquerade as dessert with a cloak of dark chocolate and toasted sesame seeds.

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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