Strawberry Tahini Halva

The Strawberry Tahini Halva Smoothie is an innovative fusion of Middle Eastern dessert traditions and modern smoothie culture, creating a uniquely satisfying sensory experience.
This sophisticated blend marries the sweet, juicy essence of strawberries with the rich nuttiness of tahini and the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom—capturing the essence of halva, the beloved Middle Eastern sesame confection, in a nutritious, drinkable form.
The combination delivers not only an unforgettable flavor profile but also a powerful nutritional punch with protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals in perfect balance.
Whether you're seeking a culturally inspired taste adventure, a protein-rich breakfast alternative, or simply a delicious way to incorporate the benefits of sesame and strawberries into your diet, this smoothie offers a transcendent experience beyond ordinary fruit blends.


- Rich in calcium from tahini for bone and dental health
- Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and plant sterols
- Provides complete amino acid profile through sesame protein
- Offers antioxidants from both strawberries and sesame seeds
- Delivers balanced energy through healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates


2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 frozen banana
Pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Small strawberry for garnish (optional)


Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and manganese, supporting immune function and collagen formation. Contain ellagic acid and anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants linked to heart health and cancer prevention. The fiber in strawberries supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar.
Tahini: Excellent source of calcium, with 2 tablespoons providing about 128mg (13% of daily needs). Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Rich in amino acids, particularly methionine, making it a complete protein when combined with other foods. Provides copper, zinc, iron, and selenium for immune support and thyroid function.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Offers natural sweetness with antioxidant properties and trace minerals. Honey contains enzymes that support digestion. Maple syrup provides manganese, riboflavin, and zinc.
Cardamom: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds and may help with digestive issues. Rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. May help lower blood pressure and improve breathing by enhancing airflow to the lungs.
Vanilla Extract: Contains small amounts of antioxidants. May help reduce inflammation. Enhances sweetness perception without additional sugar.
Almond Milk: Low in calories while providing vitamin E and a creamy base. Dairy-free alternative that's gentle on digestion. Some varieties are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Banana: Provides potassium for heart and muscle function. Offers vitamin B6 for brain health and mood regulation. Contains resistant starch that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Sea Salt: Contains trace minerals not found in regular table salt. Helps balance the sweetness and enhances flavor. Supports proper electrolyte balance and nerve function.
Sesame Seeds: Rich in lignans, particularly sesamin and sesamolin, which have cholesterol-lowering effects. Provide additional calcium, iron, and zinc. Contain antioxidants that may have anti-aging effects on skin.


Calories: Approximately 380
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 9g
Fat: 20g (primarily healthy unsaturated fats)
Key vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc
Antioxidants: Anthocyanins, ellagic acid, sesamin, sesamolin


- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula (for scraping tahini)
- Serving glass


1. If using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them. If using frozen, no preparation is needed.
2. Stir the tahini well before measuring to ensure it's properly mixed, especially if it has separated.
3. Add almond milk to the blender first to help create a vortex for better blending.
4. Add strawberries, tahini, honey/maple syrup, cardamom, vanilla extract, banana, and salt to the blender.
5. Start blending on low speed, then gradually increase to high speed.
6. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 45-60 seconds. The texture should be uniform with no visible tahini streaks.
7. If the smoothie is too thick, add more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
8. Taste and adjust sweetness or cardamom as needed.
9. Pour into a glass and optionally garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a small strawberry.

Total preparation time: 10 minutes


- Serve in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful pink color
- Sprinkle with a combination of white and black sesame seeds for visual contrast
- For a more dessert-like presentation, drizzle the inside of the glass with a thin line of tahini before pouring
- Pair with a small piece of traditional halva on the side for a comparative tasting experience


- Best consumed immediately after preparation
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- Separation may occur during storage; shake or stir well before drinking
- Not suitable for freezing as the tahini texture may change upon thawing


Protein boost: Add 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder or 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
Chocolate variation: Add 1 tablespoon of cacao powder for a chocolate-halva experience
Extra calcium: Use calcium-fortified almond milk and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Lower sugar option: Reduce honey to 1 teaspoon and use a sweeter variety of strawberries
Pistachio accent: Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted pistachios for an authentic Middle Eastern touch
Warming spice blend: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cloves alongside the cardamom


- Makes an excellent protein-rich breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch
- Perfect as a post-workout recovery drink due to its balanced macronutrients
- Ideal as an afternoon snack when energy typically dips
- Can serve as a lighter dessert alternative that still feels indulgent
- Great for breaking a fast with its balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates


Bone health support: The calcium in tahini is highly bioavailable and works synergistically with other minerals present in the smoothie. Regular consumption may help maintain bone density and strength, particularly important for those who don't consume dairy products regularly.
Heart health promotion: Sesame seeds contain unique lignans and plant sterols that have been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce overall cardiovascular risk. The antioxidants in strawberries further support heart health by improving blood vessel function.
Hormonal balance: Sesame seeds contain compounds that may help support balanced hormone production, particularly beneficial during menopause. The zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats in tahini provide building blocks for hormone synthesis.
Sustained energy: The combination of complex carbohydrates from fruit, protein from tahini, and healthy fats creates a perfect trifecta for stable blood sugar and sustained energy release, avoiding the crash that comes with simple carbohydrate-heavy foods.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Both strawberries and sesame seeds contain compounds with demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce chronic inflammation associated with various health conditions from arthritis to heart disease.
Skin health enhancement: The vitamin C from strawberries supports collagen production, while the vitamin E, zinc, and antioxidants from tahini help protect skin cells from oxidative damage, potentially resulting in healthier, more radiant skin when consumed regularly.


- Those with sesame allergies should avoid this smoothie
- Individuals with diverticulitis should be cautious with the small seeds in strawberries
- People on certain medications like blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider about consuming foods high in vitamin K like tahini
- Those watching their calorie intake should note this is a more calorie-dense smoothie due to the healthy fats in tahini
- Individuals with FODMAP sensitivities may need to adjust portions of certain ingredients


- Use a high-quality, freshly opened tahini for the best flavor; tahini can become bitter if it's old
- If you find the tahini flavor too strong initially, start with 2 tablespoons and gradually increase in future batches
- Freshly ground cardamom provides a much more vibrant flavor than pre-ground
- For the creamiest texture, ensure your banana is properly frozen and the tahini is well-mixed before adding
- A tiny pinch of salt truly enhances the flavors, particularly the sweetness of the strawberries


Spring Version: Use fresh spring strawberries at their peak sweetness, add 1 teaspoon of rose water for a floral note, and garnish with edible rose petals for a celebration of spring flowers and berries.

Summer Version: Combine with 1/4 cup of watermelon for extra hydration, add a few fresh mint leaves, and serve over extra ice for a cooling effect during hot weather. Use local, in-season strawberries for maximum flavor.

Fall Version: Add warming spices with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cardamom. Include 1 Medjool date instead of honey for a caramel-like sweetness that complements the tahini.

Winter Version: Create a more substantial smoothie by adding 1 tablespoon of almond butter alongside the tahini, increasing the cardamom slightly, and serving at a less cold temperature. Use frozen summer strawberries for brightness during winter months.


Heart Health Focus: Add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids, use 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for its cholesterol-lowering properties, and include 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea (cooled) in place of some of the almond milk.

Bone Strength Support: Use calcium-fortified almond milk, add 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and 1/8 teaspoon of vitamin D-rich nutritional yeast (flavor will be masked by other ingredients).

Energy and Focus: Add 1 teaspoon of maca powder, 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds, and substitute part of the almond milk with chilled green tea for a gentle caffeine boost alongside sustained energy from the tahini.

Skin Glow Enhancer: Include 1/4 of an avocado for additional healthy fats, add 1 tablespoon of collagen peptides (if not vegetarian/vegan), and increase strawberries to 2.5 cups for extra vitamin C to support collagen production.

Digestive Support: Add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and use raw honey specifically for its digestive enzyme benefits and prebiotic properties.


Q: What exactly is tahini and where can I find it?
A: Tahini is a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds—similar to the concept of peanut butter, but made with sesame seeds instead. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and used in dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and halva. You can find tahini in the international foods section of most grocery stores, near the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern foods, or in natural food stores. Look for brands that list only sesame seeds as an ingredient, ideally stone-ground for the smoothest texture.

Q: Why does my tahini separate and how should I store it?
A: Tahini naturally separates because it's a pure seed paste without emulsifiers. The oil rises to the top, similar to natural peanut butter. Before using, stir it thoroughly until uniform. Store tahini at room temperature before opening, then refrigerate after opening to extend its shelf life and prevent rancidity. It will keep for 6-12 months in the refrigerator. Cold tahini will be thicker and may require sitting at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using in this smoothie.

Q: Can I substitute something else for the cardamom?
A: Yes, while cardamom gives this smoothie its authentic halva flavor, you can substitute with cinnamon for a different but complementary flavor profile. Another option is a mixture of equal parts cinnamon and ginger with a tiny pinch of nutmeg. For a more floral note similar to cardamom but different, try 1/4 teaspoon of rose water or a pinch of ground coriander.

Q: Is this smoothie appropriate for children?
A: This smoothie is nutritionally excellent for children, providing calcium, protein, and healthy fats important for growth. However, the flavor profile with cardamom and tahini might be unfamiliar to some children. For kid-friendly introductions, you might start with half the tahini and cardamom, potentially increasing the honey slightly. Involving children in the preparation and connecting it to the story of halva as a special treat in other cultures can increase their interest and acceptance.

Q: I find tahini bitter - how can I adjust the recipe?
A: Tahini can vary in bitterness depending on the brand and freshness. If you find it bitter, try these adjustments: 1) Use a light-colored tahini rather than dark, as darker varieties tend to be more bitter; 2) Reduce to 2 tablespoons initially and gradually increase as you become accustomed to the flavor; 3) Add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of honey; 4) Include 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract; or 5) Add a small date instead of honey for natural sweetness that specifically counters bitterness. With regular consumption, many people find their palate adjusts to and eventually appreciates tahini's complex flavor.