Salted Tahini-Stuffed Dates – Sweet dates filled with salted tahini for a nutritious snack
Growing up, I often reached for sugary snacks during the afternoon slump. That changed when I discovered the beauty of natural, whole-food alternatives—especially salted tahini stuffed dates. One day, while exploring Middle Eastern ingredients in my pantry, I paired plump Medjool dates with creamy tahini—and it was love at first bite. The soft chew of the dates combined with the nutty richness of tahini and a sprinkle of sea salt created a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and salty.
Now, these stuffed dates are my go-to snack—ready in minutes, endlessly customizable, and incredibly satisfying without any refined sugar. They’ve become a staple not just for me, but for friends and family who are always amazed by how something so simple can taste so gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Naturally Sweet & Satisfying: The Medjool dates offer a rich caramel-like sweetness with no added sugars.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and minerals, this snack keeps you full and energized.
- Quick & Easy: Only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need—perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Customizable: Add crushed pistachios, dark chocolate, or coconut flakes for variety and extra flair.
Key Ingredients Breakdown:
- Medjool Dates: These large, soft, and naturally sweet dates are the ideal vessel for stuffing. They offer fiber, potassium, and a caramel-like flavor that complements savory additions.
- Tahini: Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is rich in healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants. Its creamy texture and nutty taste contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the dates.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the overall flavor, elevating the sweet and nutty components with a burst of savory depth.
Optional toppings like crushed nuts, cacao nibs, or dark chocolate drizzle can add crunch, complexity, and even more nutritional benefits, including antioxidants and magnesium.
Step-by-Step Process (Summary):
- Slice the Medjool dates lengthwise and remove the pits.
- Fill each date with 1 teaspoon of tahini.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Optionally, top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to firm up slightly before enjoying.
Tips and Variations:
- Use peanut butter or almond butter if tahini isn’t available.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a dessert-like treat, dip in dark chocolate and chill until firm.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth and spice.
- Use pitted Deglet Noor dates if Medjool is unavailable, but adjust filling quantity due to size.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 dates):
Approximately 150–170 calories, 4g protein, 6g healthy fats, 24g carbohydrates, and rich in potassium, iron, and calcium.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these stuffed dates with herbal tea, black coffee, or a green smoothie for a balanced mid-morning or post-workout snack.
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a firmer texture, refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Salted Tahini-Stuffed Dates
Sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy tahini and a pinch of sea salt — a nutritious and satisfying no-bake snack.
- Small Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Airtight Container
- 8 Medjool dates (Pitted, fresh and soft)
- 4 tsp Tahini (Creamy, unsweetened)
- 1 pinch Sea salt (Flaky sea salt for topping)
- Optional Crushed nuts (Pistachios or almonds for garnish)
- Optional Dark chocolate (Melted for drizzle)
- Slice each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Use a small spoon to fill each date with about 1 tsp of tahini.
- Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tahini.
- Optionally, top with crushed nuts or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
- Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes if desired. Serve and enjoy!
For a sweeter twist, add a drizzle of honey (non-vegan).
Swap tahini with almond or peanut butter if preferred.
Perfect for lunchboxes, dessert platters, or post-workout bites.
Additional Tips:
Always check for hidden pits, even in “pitted” dates. Use a piping bag or spoon for cleaner filling. If serving for guests, garnish with a tiny edible flower or mint leaf for presentation. You can also freeze the dates for a firmer, chewy treat on hot days.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought pitted dates?
Yes, but always double-check for remnants of pits as they can damage teeth.
Q: Is tahini bitter?
High-quality tahini has a smooth, nutty flavor. If yours tastes bitter, it may be over-roasted or low quality. Look for creamy, pale tahini.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They’re great for meal prep. Store them in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week.
Q: Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you swap tahini with almond or peanut butter. Just skip the salt for younger children.
Conclusion:
Salted Tahini-Stuffed Dates are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition—quick to prepare, delicious to eat, and endlessly adaptable. Give them a try today and elevate your snacking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
