Variation
Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Dinner · Salad · Pasta · Mediterranean
Cold Pasta Recipe With Lemon Tahini Sauce
This vibrant cold pasta recipe features al dente noodles tossed in a silky lemon tahini dressing with crunchy seasonal vegetables.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Noodle Prep
- 1
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 1 minute longer than package directions for al dente, as cold pasta firms up when chilled.
Tip: Rinse the cooked pasta under cold running water immediately to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Dressing Construction
- 1
Whisk the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, sweetener, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Add ice cold water one tablespoon at a time and whisk vigorously until the sauce reaches a pourable, creamy consistency.
How to Make Cold Pasta Recipe With Lemon Tahini Sauce
Total time: 25 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Boil the Pasta
Cook 340 g of pasta in boiling salted water. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water until the noodles are completely cool to the touch. Drain well to ensure the sauce doesn't become watery.
- 2
Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the red onion. Place these in a large mixing bowl with the chopped parsley.
- 3
Emulsify the Tahini Sauce
Mix the tahini, lemon juice, oil, and aromatics in a small bowl. Whisk in cold water gradually. The tahini may seize at first, but keep whisking until it becomes smooth and pale.
- 4
Combine and Toss
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the lemon tahini sauce over the top and toss gently with tongs until every spiral is evenly coated.
- 5
Season and Chill
Taste the pasta and add more salt or lemon juice if needed. For the best flavor, let the dish sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously as it is the only chance to season the noodles themselves.
- If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, splash in a little water or lemon juice to loosen it before serving.
- Use a high quality, pourable tahini for the smoothest texture.
What to Serve with Cold Pasta Recipe With Lemon Tahini Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve in chilled bowls to keep the salad crisp.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese if not vegan.
- Side with crusty sourdough bread.
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Swap parsley for fresh dill or mint for a different herbal profile.
Variation
Add a spoonful of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve on day two.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this cold pasta recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld together beautifully over 24 hours. Just add a tiny splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
What is the best pasta shape for a tahini pasta salad?
Noodles with ridges or curls, like fusilli, rotini, or gemelli, are best because they catch and hold the creamy tahini sauce.
Why did my tahini sauce seize up?
Tahini naturally thickens when liquid is added. Keep whisking and add water one tablespoon at a time; it will eventually emulsify into a smooth cream.
Is this cold pasta recipe gluten free?
The sauce and vegetables are naturally gluten free. Simply use your favorite certified gluten free pasta to make the whole dish safe for those with sensitivities.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
For cold pasta dishes, yes. Rinsing removes excess starch that would otherwise make the noodles sticky and clump together once cooled.
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