Salads are a classic and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. They are not only healthy, but also easy to prepare and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. One ingredient that can elevate the taste of a salad is tahini. Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds that adds a unique nutty and creamy flavor to any dish. If you are looking to add a Middle Eastern twist to your salads, here are some tips for incorporating tahini into your salad recipes. 
 
1. Use it as a dressing: 
 
Instead of using the usual oil and vinegar dressing, try using tahini as the base for your dressing. Simply mix tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and some water to create a creamy and tangy dressing. You can also add in some herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. This dressing is not only delicious, but also adds a healthy dose of protein and healthy fats to your salad. 
 
2. Make a tahini drizzle: 
 
Tahini can also be used as a drizzle over your salad. Mix it with some olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt to create a sweet and savory drizzle. This works particularly well with fruit salads or salads with a sweet element like roasted sweet potatoes or beets. The tahini drizzle adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the salad and makes it more filling. 
 
3. Use it as a marinade: 
 
Tahini can also be used as a marinade for proteins like chicken, tofu, or even fish. Mix tahini with some lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Marinate your protein in this mixture for a few hours before grilling or baking it. The tahini adds a creamy and flavorful coating to the protein, making it a great addition to any salad

 
4. Mix it with grains: 
 
Grain-based salads are a great way to add some heartiness to your meal and tahini can be a great addition to these salads. Mix cooked grains like quinoa, bulgur, or farro with some chopped vegetables, herbs, and a simple tahini dressing. This not only adds flavor, but also makes the salad more filling and satisfying. 
 
5. Add it to your hummus: 
 
Hummus is a popular dip made from chickpeas and tahini. Instead of using plain hummus, try adding some extra tahini to it for a creamier and nuttier flavor. You can also use this tahini hummus as a spread on your toast or as a dip for your veggies. It’s a great way to add some extra protein and healthy fats to your salad. 
 
6. Experiment with different flavors: 
 
Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be combined with a variety of flavors to create different dressings and dips for your salads. Mix it with some soy sauce and ginger for an Asian-inspired dressing, or add some cumin and chili powder for a Mexican twist. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite tahini salad recipe. 
 
In conclusion, tahini is a delicious and healthy addition to any salad. It adds a unique flavor and texture to your dish, while also providing a good amount of protein and healthy fats. So next time you make a salad, consider incorporating tahini in one of these ways and take your salad game to the next level