Tahini Will Transform Your Morning Smoothie into a Dreamy, Middle Eastern–Style Shake

The allure of smoothies is that you can create endless variations and they can be prepared quickly, using a blender or immersion blender, to quench your thirst or satisfy a flavor craving. Add powdered supplements to get your daily vitamins or ice for a cooling version after a workout. But many of us fall into the same smoothie routine day after day – so why not mix it up? This drink made with tahini and cocoa powder will shake up your smoothie routine so you feel like you’re having an indulgent treat.

Tahini changes the smoothie game

Nut butters, such as almond or peanut, are staples in the smoothie world – they add satiating fat and protein and great flavor. But few people consider using tahini in their smoothies. A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, this sesame butter brings in a whole new level of flavor to your smoothie, that almost makes this morning smoothie into a dessert. Tahini comes in various textures from thick to thin. For most tahini dip and sauce recipes, we prefer the thinner varieties but when it’s going into a blender, as in our tahini smoothie recipe, any variety works great.

This refreshingly original smoothie takes five minutes to whip up and includes an array of rich ingredients that add sweetness (dates), richness (cashew or almond butter) and a cool, smooth texture (ice and banana). A surprise ingredient in this shake that also brings a unique flavor is figs – like tahini, figs are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and brings in a sweet and distinct quality to this bevy. The recipe calls for unsweetened plain almond, cashew or oat milk and protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.

Once you start using tahini in your morning smoothie, we promise, you won’t turn back.

Chocolate Tahini Shake