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Cucumber Tomato Tahini Salad

Category: Fresh & Vibrant Salads

This vibrant blend features crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes paired with a silky tahini sauce enhanced by lime and fresh parsley. Chopped jalapeno adds a pleasant bite, while Aleppo pepper lends gentle warmth. The salad balances creamy and crunchy textures, making it an ideal companion for falafel, grilled kabobs, or as a refreshing starter with pita. With just a few minutes of prep, each bite delivers aromatic herbs and a citrusy boost, embracing classic flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Store leftovers chilled for up to four days to keep it crisp and flavorful.

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Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 23:19:45 GMT
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A bowl of food with tomatoes, cucumbers, and meat. | easydiyrecipes.com

This quick and vibrant cucumber tomato tahini salad comes together in just fifteen minutes and has been a go to side at my table whenever falafel or kabobs are on the menu. The creamy homemade tahini dressing brings all the fresh elements together and adds a nutty depth that brightens up even the simplest meal.

The first time I made this for my family I tossed everything together just minutes before dinner and it completely stole the show. Now everyone expects this salad on the table for any Middle Eastern spread.

Ingredients

  • English cucumber: Seedless and super crisp The smaller dice helps each bite stay fresh and crunchy Use firm fruit with tight skin
  • Vine ripe tomatoes: Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and give slightly to the touch Sweet juicy ones add the best pop
  • Jalapeno pepper: Adds a gentle heat Chop finely and remove seeds for a milder salad Only use bright green firm peppers
  • Aleppo pepper: Beautiful subtle warmth without overpowering The flakes are milder than standard chili Prepare to taste or swap for sweet paprika
  • Kosher salt: Brings out flavor and balances the tahini Use flaky salt for a bit of crunch if you like
  • Lime juice: Extra squeeze will brighten the dressing and tie all the flavors together Roll the lime on your counter for the juiciest squeeze
  • Lime tahini sauce: This sings the most important note Just fresh tahini paste blended with lime juice water salt and loads of parsley Go for a good quality tahini with only sesame seeds listed on the label

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Tahini Dressing:
Blend tahini paste fresh lime juice and cold water with a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy The sauce may thicken as it sits so adjust with more water or lime juice as needed before using Add a huge handful of chopped parsley and stir gently
Prepare the Vegetables:
Dice cucumber and tomatoes evenly For best results remove any excess seeds and liquid from tomatoes so the salad stays crisp Chop jalapeno finely and remove seeds if desired
Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl toss together the tahini dressing with cucumbers tomatoes and jalapeno Use a spatula or large spoon to fold everything until the vegetables are well coated and glossy
Season and Adjust:
Sprinkle in Aleppo pepper and kosher salt to taste Stir gently Taste and squeeze in more lime juice if the salad needs a bit more brightness
Chill or Serve:
You can serve immediately but letting it sit in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes lets the flavors mingle beautifully If you make ahead just give it a fresh stir before serving
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A bowl of food with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. | easydiyrecipes.com

Storage Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge It keeps crisp and flavorful for up to four days If the dressing thickens just stir in a splash of water or lime juice before enjoying If preparing ahead keep the dressing separate and stir it in near serving time

Ingredient Substitutions

If Aleppo pepper is hard to find use sweet smoked paprika or even a dash of regular chili flakes For the best results always use a rich smooth tahini from Middle Eastern or Mediterranean stores Lemon juice works in place of lime for a tangier twist

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines alongside falafel or grilled chicken It is also amazing scooped with warm pita or added to grain bowls For parties try spooning it onto crostini or serving in lettuce cups for a fresh appetizer

A bowl of food with tomatoes, cucumbers, and meat. Pin
A bowl of food with tomatoes, cucumbers, and meat. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural Context

Tahini salads like this are staples on Middle Eastern tables You will see variations depending on family tradition Some add mint or scallions while others use only tomatoes and cucumbers The beauty of this dish is in its flexibility and how it welcomes creative tweaks

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the tahini dressing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the tahini dressing a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Stir in extra lime juice or water if it thickens.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

To reduce heat, remove jalapeno seeds or omit entirely. For extra warmth, add more Aleppo pepper.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate in a tightly sealed container and enjoy within four days for best freshness and texture.

→ Can other herbs replace parsley?

Yes, you can try fresh cilantro or mint for a different flair, adjusting amounts to suit your taste.

→ What dishes pair well with this salad?

Enjoy alongside falafel, grilled meats like kabobs, or scoop with warm pita as an appetizer or side.

Cucumber Tomato Tahini Salad

Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and creamy tahini come together with herbs for a zesty Mediterranean delight.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 6 Servings (Serves 6 as a side or appetizer)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Dressing

01 120 ml tahini paste
02 60 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
03 60 ml cold water, plus more as needed
04 2 g kosher salt
05 30 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

→ Salad

06 1/2 large English cucumber, seeded and diced into 1 cm cubes
07 1 to 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, diced into 1 cm cubes
08 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed for less heat, finely chopped
09 0.5 g Aleppo pepper, optional
10 1 g kosher salt, or to taste
11 Additional lime juice, as needed

Steps

Step 01

In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini paste, lime juice, water, and kosher salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped parsley until well incorporated. Refrigerate if preparing ahead; thin with extra lime juice or water if the dressing thickens.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, add the diced cucumber, tomatoes, and chopped jalapeño. Pour in the tahini dressing and mix until all vegetables are coated evenly.

Step 03

Sprinkle Aleppo pepper over the salad, if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and more lime juice as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tools Required

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk or spoon

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains sesame (tahini).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 135
  • Fats: 2.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
  • Proteins: 5.6 g