Creamy Tahini Vegetable Salad
This Creamy Tahini Vegetable Salad is a vibrant and refreshing addition to any Middle Eastern meal, bursting with flavors and textures. The creamy tahini dressing beautifully complements the fresh cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, while the hint of garlic and the fragrant mint elevate this salad to another level. It’s an excellent side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, falafel, or as part of a mezze platter. Easily adaptable, you can kick up the heat with a dash of chopped hot peppers. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or simply to enjoy at home, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 (cut into small or medium cubes)
Cucumbers
2 (cut into small or medium cubes)
Garlic clove
1 (finely smashed)
Tahini
1 cup (none)
Lemon
1 (juice only)
Water
1 1/2 cups (adjust for consistency)
Dried mint
1 tablespoon (rubbed to minimize size)
Olive oil
to garnish (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Hot serrano peppers or jalapeno pepper
optional (chopped, if desired)
Instructions
1
Prepare the vegetables by dicing the tomatoes and cucumbers into small to medium cubes.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and cucumbers.
3
For the dressing, finely smash the garlic clove (and hot pepper, if using) in a mortar and pestle until fully mashed.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the tahini and water together, stirring until you achieve a creamy consistency; adjust with more tahini or water if necessary.
5
Gradually add the lemon juice into the tahini mixture, tasting as you go to reach the desired level of tartness.
6
Add the smashed garlic and hot pepper to the tahini dressing, along with a pinch of salt, and stir until smooth.
7
Sprinkle the dried mint into your hands and rub them together to break the leaves apart, then add the mint to the vegetable mixture.
8
Pour the tahini dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and gently combine, ensuring that everything is well-coated.
9
Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
10
Before serving, garnish with a swirl of olive oil on top.
11
Enjoy this flavorful salad as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Middle Eastern dishes!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tahini Vegetable Salad?
It is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring diced tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in a creamy tahini, lemon, and garlic dressing.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as it uses fresh vegetables and tahini.
What are the main vegetables used?
The primary vegetables in this salad are tomatoes and cucumbers.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 67 calories per serving.
What kind of dressing is used?
The salad uses a creamy dressing made from tahini, water, lemon juice, and garlic.
How do I prepare the tahini dressing?
Mix tahini and water until creamy, then gradually add lemon juice, smashed garlic, and salt.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add finely chopped hot serrano or jalapeno peppers to the dressing.
What is the role of dried mint in this recipe?
Dried mint adds a unique fragrance; rub it between your hands to break the leaves before adding to the vegetables.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely smashed, ideally using a mortar and pestle.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
The recipe does not require peeling, so you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.
What can I serve this salad with?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, falafel, or as part of a mezze platter.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to enhance.
Can I use fresh mint instead of dried?
While dried mint is called for, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh mint for a different flavor profile.
Why is water added to the tahini?
Water is used to thin the thick tahini paste into a smooth and creamy dressing consistency.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep, though it is best enjoyed within a day or two.
How do I adjust the tartness of the dressing?
Add the lemon juice gradually and taste as you go until you reach your desired level of tartness.
What is the final garnish for the salad?
Before serving, garnish the salad with a swirl of olive oil on top.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, the salad is easily adaptable if you wish to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers.
How much protein is in this salad?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this salad?
Each serving contains 6 grams of fat, primarily from the tahini and olive oil.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
How small should I dice the tomatoes?
You should dice them into small to medium-sized cubes.
What is a mezze platter?
A mezze platter is a selection of small dishes or appetizers common in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Can I use a food processor for the dressing?
While a mortar and pestle is traditional for the garlic, a small food processor can be used to blend the dressing until smooth.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, with only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it fits well into most low-carb diets.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 ingredients, including the optional hot peppers.
What type of hot peppers should I use?
The recipe suggests using chopped hot serrano peppers or jalapeno peppers if you want heat.
Does this salad contain sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.