If you adore vegetables that are as easy to prepare as they are striking on the plate, Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce is your new go-to. This Middle Eastern–inspired side dish is bright and elegant, featuring perfectly tender broccolini with just the right amount of char, drizzled in a lush, garlicky tahini sauce. Every bite pops with a harmonious mix of nuttiness, zing, and spice—a real flavor celebration that’s vegan, crave-worthy, and impressively healthy. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply jazzing up your weeknight dinner, you’ll want this one in your repertoire.

Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce is its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something essential—whether it’s crunch, creaminess, brightness, or that irresistible toasted flavor—so nothing here is filler. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Broccolini: This slender, leafy veggie roasts to perfection and gives a mild, slightly sweet flavor with lovely crispy tips.
Olive Oil: An absolute must for richness and to help the broccolini crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Salt and Pepper: The foundation of all good seasoning—be generous for the best flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a little heat and personality; feel free to adjust to your preference.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: These finish the dish with a nutty crunch and a beautiful pop of visual contrast.
Tahini: The sauce’s superstar, delivering a creamy, subtly nutty base that ties all the flavors together.
Lemon Juice: Sharpens and brightens the sauce—never skip the acid!
Olive Oil (for the sauce): Helps mellow the tahini and make the sauce luxurious and smooth.
Garlic: Adds punch and aromatic backbone; a little goes a long way, but it’s totally transformative.
Water: Just a splash or two makes the sauce perfectly pourable—add it gradually for your ideal texture.
Salt (to taste): For balance and to coax out every delicious nuance in the sauce.

How to Make Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Toss the Broccolini

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and trim your broccolini, then dry it well to ensure maximum crisping. In a large bowl, toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re after a little heat. Make sure every floret is nicely coated so it roasts evenly and develops those irresistible crispy tips.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Spread the dressed broccolini in a single, not-too-crowded layer on a baking sheet—crowding will cause steaming instead of roasting. Slide the pan into the hot oven and roast for about 15 to 18 minutes, giving the broccolini a turn halfway through. You’re looking for tender stems and crisp, lightly browned florets. Don’t be shy with the color; those little charred bits are pure gold!

Step 3: Whisk the Tahini Sauce

While the broccolini roasts, whip up your dreamy tahini sauce. In a bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt. Stir or whisk thoroughly—at first, the sauce will seize up and look thick, but start adding water gradually and keep mixing until it smooths out to a pourable, creamy consistency. Give it a taste and adjust with a bit more lemon juice or salt as needed. This sauce will become your new favorite for more than just this dish!

Step 4: Assemble and Finish Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce

Transfer your hot, crisped broccolini to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle the silky tahini sauce over the top, letting it puddle in the florets and run along the stems. Finish with a generous shower of toasted sesame seeds for texture and flavor, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy creation—Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce in all its glory. Serve warm or let it settle to room temperature if that works better for your schedule.

How to Serve Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce

Garnishes

This dish shines with just a few thoughtful finishing touches. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds for crunch and visual flair, and consider a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. A zest of lemon or a squeeze of juice right before serving adds another layer of brightness—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Side Dishes

Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce plays well with all sorts of companions. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or halloumi, or let it cozy up to a mound of fluffy quinoa or pilaf. For a plant-based feast, serve it as part of a mezze spread with warm pita, hummus, and olives. The flavors are versatile enough to match almost anything you’re craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the roasted broccolini on a wide platter in overlapping rows for a dramatic, family-style look. Drizzle with tahini in pretty zig-zags, then finish with a rainbow of garnishes. Or, chop the broccolini into bite-sized pieces and pile it onto grain bowls, salads, or stuffed into wraps for handheld lunches. Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce is as versatile in presentation as it is in flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extras, let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer the broccolini and tahini sauce to separate airtight containers. Stored this way, both will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing their best texture or flavor.

Freezing

While possible, freezing is not recommended for Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce. The broccolini can lose its lovely crisp-tender character, and the tahini sauce may separate or turn grainy once thawed. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated instead.

Reheating

To reheat the broccolini, spread it out on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until heated through—this brings back some of the original roasted texture. Gently whisk or stir the tahini sauce and add a splash of water if needed to loosen it. Drizzle the reheated sauce over the broccolini just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use broccoli instead of broccolini?

Absolutely! Regular broccoli will work in this recipe. Just slice thick stems in half for even cooking, and keep an eye on roasting time, as broccoli florets may brown a little more quickly.

Is Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce gluten free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan. Just double-check your tahini and spices if you have serious allergies or sensitivities.

What if I don’t have tahini? Can I substitute something else?

If you’re out of tahini, try using unsweetened sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for a similarly creamy, nutty result. Sesame flavor will be milder, but it will still taste delicious.

Can I make Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Roast the broccolini and prepare the tahini sauce up to a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble just before serving to keep the flavors and textures vibrant.

Why does my tahini sauce look too thick or seize up?

This is totally normal! When you whisk tahini with lemon juice, it tightens. Gradually add water while whisking, and it will relax into a creamy, pourable sauce. Don’t give up—it usually takes just a little extra water and stirring.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a new vegetable dish, Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and sure to impress everyone at the table—from veggie skeptics to devoted plant lovers. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan!

Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe