Smoothies / 7 min
Tahini date smoothie
Creamy tahini, dates, banana and cinnamon make a Levantine-inspired smoothie with a toasted sesame finish.
- Prep
- 7 min
- Total
- 7 min
- Serves
- 2 small glasses
Tahini and dates are a naturally good match: nutty, caramel-like and substantial without needing much else. Banana makes the blend creamy, while cinnamon and a pinch of salt keep the flavors clear.
Ingredients
- 5 soft Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 1½ cups unsweetened oat milk
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch flaky salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, to serve
Method
- 1. Add the dates, banana, oat milk, tahini, cinnamon and salt to a blender.
- 2. Blend until completely smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides if the tahini gathers at the bottom.
- 3. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Estimated nutrition
- calories
- 275 calories
- fat
- 11 g fat
- carbohydrate
- 43 g carbohydrates
- protein
- 7 g protein
- fiber
- 7 g fiber
Approximate values per serving. Nutrition varies with ingredients, brands and portion sizes.
Substitutions
- Use sunflower seed butter for a sesame-free option.
- Almond milk or dairy milk can replace oat milk.
- A pear can replace the banana for a lighter, less creamy texture.
Good to know
Stir tahini in its jar before measuring so the natural sesame oils and solids are evenly mixed.
Cultural context
Levant / Middle East / Tahini and date pairings
Sesame tahini and dates are everyday ingredients with many uses across the Middle East and the wider region. This smoothie turns their familiar pairing into a breakfast drink without assigning it to one country or household.
Traditional use: Tahini is used in sauces, sweets and savory dishes, while dates are eaten fresh or dried and paired with sesame in many regional foods.
What research suggests: Sesame contributes unsaturated fat and minerals, while dates contribute carbohydrate and fiber; this is a nourishing food combination, not a treatment.
Safety note: Tahini is made from sesame, a major allergen. Check labels and avoid serving it to anyone with a sesame allergy.
Questions, answered.
Can I use regular dates?
Yes. If they are dry or firm, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes and drain before blending.
How do I make tahini taste less bitter?
Use a fresh, well-stirred tahini and balance it with ripe dates, cinnamon and the small pinch of salt.