If you are craving a dish that feels both vibrant and comforting, the Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe is your new best friend for weeknight dinners. This recipe perfectly balances a rich, nutty tahini sauce with the fresh brightness of spinach and basil, all tossed together with wholesome whole wheat noodles. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a creamy pasta without the heaviness, offering layers of texture and flavor that satisfy with every bite. Whether you need a quick meal or a nourishing dish that feels special, these noodles deliver on all fronts in the most delectable way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making the Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe sing. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy texture of the tahini to the herbal brightness of basil and the hearty bite of whole wheat noodles.
- Whole Wheat Noodles: Provides a hearty and nutritious base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Tahini: Brings a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth creaminess that is central to the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a healthy dose of nutrients, brightening the overall plate.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Contributes a fragrant and aromatic element, elevating the flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and adds a necessary touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a robust, savory depth.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and a delicate fruity undertone that brings everything together.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavors and provide balance.
How to Make Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the whole wheat noodles according to the package instructions. Boiling them in salted water until al dente—usually around 8 to 10 minutes—ensures they have the perfect bite without being mushy. This step lays the foundation for the entire dish, as the noodles absorb the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Tahini Sauce
While the noodles cook, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Mixing these until smooth and creamy is essential because it creates the luscious sauce that defines the Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe. If the mixture feels too thick, adding a bit of warm water will help achieve the silky consistency you want.
Step 3: Rinse the Noodles
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. This also prevents the noodles from sticking together and helps them hold their shape and texture when tossed with the sauce and greens.
Step 4: Combine Greens with Noodles
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the drained noodles with fresh spinach and basil leaves. These leafy greens introduce a burst of freshness and vibrant color, turning the dish into a wholesome, garden-fresh delight.
Step 5: Toss with Tahini Sauce
Pour the creamy tahini sauce over the noodle and greens mixture, then toss until everything is evenly coated with the luscious dressing. This is where the magic happens—each strand of noodle becomes beautifully enveloped in the rich, nutty sauce. Taste at this stage, then adjust with salt and black pepper to suit your preference.
Step 6: Serve or Store
For the best flavor and texture, serve the dish right away, garnished with extra fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Alternatively, you can refrigerate this dish and enjoy it chilled later, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
How to Serve Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance both the visual appeal and the aroma of your Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe by topping it with extra fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also make excellent additions for added texture and a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with crisp, refreshing sides creates a balanced meal. A simple cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar or a crunchy carrot slaw complements the creamy noodles perfectly. For more substance, roasted vegetables or a light miso soup can round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your serving style shine by presenting the noodles in shallow bowls with a scattering of vibrant greens on top for color contrast. You could also twirl the noodles into elegant nests on each plate for a bit of restaurant flair right at your dinner table. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can surprise and delight guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe stores nicely in the refrigerator. Place leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 to 3 days. The flavors may deepen overnight, and you can enjoy this dish cold or gently reheated without losing its charm.
Freezing
Because of the fresh basil and spinach, freezing this dish is not recommended as it may cause the greens to wilt and the sauce to separate. For best results, enjoy the noodles fresh or store refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Adding a splash of water or olive oil during reheating helps maintain the creamy consistency of the tahini sauce and prevents drying out. Stir carefully to revive the dish’s fresh, vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat noodles?
Absolutely! While whole wheat noodles add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, regular pasta works perfectly well and will still complement the tahini sauce beautifully.
Is tahini sauce vegan?
Yes! This dish is naturally vegan, making it a fantastic plant-based option for those seeking a creamy and satisfying meal without dairy or animal products.
How can I make the sauce less thick?
If your tahini sauce feels too thick or pasty, simply whisk in warm water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. This helps the sauce coat the noodles evenly.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled tofu, chickpeas, or roasted chicken are great add-ins that pair wonderfully with the creamy tahini flavor and fresh herbs.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then enjoy cold or gently reheated. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about the Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe that makes it a true weeknight hero. It blends wholesome ingredients with fresh herbs and a silky tahini dressing in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite quick meal that you come back to again and again. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Green Tahini Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Green Tahini Noodles recipe is a delicious and fresh weeknight meal featuring whole wheat noodles tossed in a luscious tahini sauce blended with fresh spinach, basil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Whole Wheat Noodles
- 1/2 cup Tahini
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add warm water little by little to reach a creamy consistency.
- Drain and Cool Noodles: Drain the cooked noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking.
- Combine Noodles and Greens: In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained noodles with fresh spinach and basil leaves gently until evenly distributed.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the tahini sauce over the noodle and greens mixture, tossing well to evenly coat everything. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve or Store: Serve the noodles immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate for later. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use warm water to thin the tahini sauce for a smooth texture.
- Rinsing noodles with cold water stops cooking and keeps noodles from clumping.
- Add additional lemon juice for more acidity if preferred.
- Serve with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for meal prep.
