Creamy Broccoli-Tahini Dip
A velvety, nutty dip where roasted broccoli meets rich tahini, brightened with lemon and a whisper of garlic. Perfect for spreading on toast, scooping with pita chips, or serving alongside a crudité platter. Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the broccoli.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Wash broccoli and cut into small, even florets. - other · ~2 min
Quick-blanch the broccoli.
1.Bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil.2.Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes.3.Drain immediately and plunge into a bowl of ice water to lock in the color.4.Drain again and pat thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel.TIPBlanching keeps the broccoli bright green and jump-starts the cooking so it roasts faster. - roast · ~18 min
Roast the broccoli.
1.Toss dried florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.2.Roast for 15–18 minutes until edges are lightly charred and stems are tender.3.Remove from oven and let cool slightly.TIPA little char on the edges adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dip. - mix · ~2 min
Blend the dip.
1.Place roasted broccoli, tahini, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin powder, and salt in a food processor.2.Add 2 tablespoons of ice-cold water and blend for 1 minute.3.Scrape down sides, check consistency, and blend again. Add remaining water if a thinner dip is desired.4.Blend until velvety smooth and fully combined.TIPUse ice-cold water – it helps the tahini emulsify into an extra creamy texture without seizing. - garnish
Garnish and serve.
1.Transfer dip to a serving bowl and swirl the top with the back of a spoon.2.Sprinkle with cumin seeds and a pinch of red chili powder.3.Drizzle lightly with extra olive oil and serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Blot the blanched broccoli very dry before roasting to encourage caramelization instead of steaming.
- 2Use well-stirred tahini; the separated oil on top is essential for a creamy emulsion.
- 3For the smoothest dip, blitz in the food processor for a full minute, then scrape and blitz again.
- 4Add the ice water gradually while blending; the cold liquid helps the tahini emulsify without turning grainy.
- 5Make ahead: prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and bring to room temperature before serving.
- 6If the dip thickens after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of ice water or lemon juice to restore the creamy texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already fully vegan. Boost the richness by swapping 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a splash of unsweetened coconut cream for an even silkier texture.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a tablespoon of hulled hemp seeds or a small handful of toasted walnuts when blending to boost protein and healthy fats without changing the flavor profile.
spicy harissaSpicy harissa
Add 1 teaspoon of harissa paste along with the garlic for a smoky, spicy North African twist that complements the nutty tahini and roasted broccoli.
herby green dipHerby green dip
Add a big handful of fresh parsley or mint leaves just before the final blend for a fresh, garden-like note that brightens the dip.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Good Source of Calcium
Tahini is made from sesame seeds and provides a plant-based dose of calcium, important for bone health.
High in Antioxidants
Roasted broccoli and cumin seeds both contain antioxidant compounds that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and tahini supply monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before roasting, then roast a few extra minutes to drive off water and get some char.







