Anti Inflammatory Za'atar-Tahini Cucumber Relish

Total time25 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

Anti Inflammatory Za'atar-Tahini Cucumber Relish

Cool, crisp cucumber meets a boldly spiced tahini dressing in this vibrant relish that tastes like it came straight from a mezze spread. Salting and draining the cucumber first is a small but smart step — it pulls out excess moisture so the dressing clings rather than pools, giving you clean, concentrated flavor in every bite. The dressing itself is a powerhouse of ingredients that pull double duty on taste and wellness: tahini brings creamy richness and healthy fats, extra-virgin olive oil adds that signature smoothness, and lemon juice keeps everything bright and sharp. Za'atar, cumin, and freshly grated garlic layer in earthy, aromatic depth that makes this feel far more complex than the prep time suggests. Fresh parsley and torn mint lift the whole thing with herbal freshness, and a scatter of pomegranate seeds adds a jewel-like pop of color and sweetness if you want it. Nearly every ingredient here — the olive oil, the herbs, the lemon, the sesame-based tahini — is celebrated for its role in a diet focused on reducing inflammation, so this is one of those rare dishes where eating well genuinely feels indulgent. It serves four and works beautifully as a side, a topping for grilled proteins, or just scooped up with warm flatbread.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

2 english cucumbers (about 1 ½ lb total), cut into ¼-inch dice
¾ tsp fine sea salt
3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)

For the dressing

3 tbsp tahini
Joyva Sesame Butter Tahini - 15 Oz Krinos Specialty Food Sesame Tahini - 16 Oz Mighty Sesame Co. Paste Ground Sesame Organic Vegan Fine Tahini Bottle - 10.9 Oz Once Again Organic Sesame Tahini - Salt Free, Unsweetened Haddar Tahini - 16 Oz
See all
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp water
1 ½ tbsp za'atar
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1
Place the diced cucumber in a large mixing bowl and toss with the sea salt. Let stand for 10 minutes, then tip into a fine-mesh strainer and press gently to drain off the released liquid. Return the cucumber to the bowl.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and water until smooth and pourable — the dressing should be about the consistency of a thin yogurt sauce. Whisk in the za'atar, grated garlic, cumin, and black pepper.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!