Craving dishes bursting with zest and character? Then allow me to introduce you to za’atar, the fantastic Middle Eastern spice blend that can elevate any dish.
Here are 17 creative recipes to get you started.
1. Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Za’atar and Tahini
I’m a big fan of fries, whatever form they take, yet I confess to a particular fondness for sweet potato fries.
The spuds caramelize and crisp up wonderfully, and their inherent sweetness makes them perfect for absorbing seasonings.
That’s why I think these amazing sweet potato fries work so well. The deliciousness of the sweet potatoes combines beautifully with the citrus and herbaceousness of the za’atar.
Dunk those fries in some tahini sauce for an explosion of umami.
2. Za’atar Chicken with Fattoush
If juicy, tasty chicken, crisp fried bread, and fresh veggies excite you, then get ready for culinary paradise. In fact, that’s all you need to know about this simple, healthy dinner.
I should also mention…it’s unbelievably delightful. There’s just nothing like succulent, seasoned chicken combined with a burst of freshness.
3. Za’atar Garlic Spinach Pasta
If you’re short on your regular pasta sauce, why not make this zesty za’atar, spinach, and garlic recipe? This pasta is boldly flavorful, offering garlic, spice, zest, and delicious nuttiness.
It’s so delicious you might never look at bottled sauce the same way again. The freshness of the spinach really elevates it.
4. Olive and Za’atar Focaccia
Artisan bread, created at home, doesn’t need to be daunting. In fact, the most difficult element of this recipe is simply waiting for it to proof. Having a slice will be worth the wait.
This focaccia recipe yields rich, delectable, and absolutely scrumptious bread. To top it off, the foundation recipe is easily modified with new toppings each time you make it.
5. Best Middle Eastern Salad Dressing
Allow me to let you in on a little secret: you can create utterly wonderful homemade salad dressing. The process couldn’t be more straightforward, and the taste is always excellent.
This Middle Eastern dressing is guaranteed to get your taste buds grooving. And it’s a snap to whip up in some five minutes flat from just five ingredients. It’s zesty, tangy, delightful, and oh-so-fresh.
6. Quinoa Pilaf with Za’atar Roasted Butternut Pumpkin and Persimmon
This vegetarian option is guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation thanks to its bold taste and satisfying character. It’s packed with contrasting yet complementary flavors and has a fantastic appearance to boot.
You’ll find it sweet, zesty, citrusy, fragrant, savory, and downright delicious. Quick FYI: Butternut pumpkin is just another name for butternut squash.
7. Mediterranean-Style Sweet Potato Toast
Might it be a potato dish, some toast, or even nachos? It’s definitely a tasty mix of all three, and it’s delightfully pleasing!
This is the sort of meal that will please your palate and make you feel fantastic.
This dish consists of seared slices of sweet potatoes smothered with tahini, chickpeas, za’atar, tomatoes, parsley, scallions, and feta. But feel free to modify the seasonings and toppings according to your preferences.
8. Labneh with Olive and Za’atar
If you can’t get enough of the combo of chips (or any dippable snack) and dip, I have a suggestion. Labneh is a Middle Eastern yogurt, thicker than a milkshake and exceptionally creamy, making it a deliciously tangy dip.
Just mix a little za’atar, salt, and olive oil into the labneh. Serve it all with pita chips for dipping!
9. Roasted Vegetable Soup with Tahini and Za’atar
Effortless. Delicious. Adaptable.
Soothing. Don’t believe it? It’s true, this soup is truly rich in flavor and outrageously simple to whip together.
This meal is loaded with lots of spices and your personal favorite veggies. It calls for a generous helping of za’atar, lemon, tahini, smoked paprika, and garlic.
10. Za’atar-Roasted Carrot Soup with Chickpeas
There is just something about a creamy, pureed veggie soup. Every spoonful is both pleasing and warm, and needless to say, very tasty!
The base of this simple soup is spiced up with Middle Eastern flavors, featuring roasted carrots. You’ll also add a delectable array of alliums, cream, seasonings, and broth, making for a luxuriously silky soup that’s just perfect for a cold night.
11. Simple Mediterranean Avocado Salad
If you agree that fresh is best, you’ll certainly think this is the best salad you can get! Delightful flavor, great texture, and just generally divine. What’s more, its simple construction means you can whip it up any time!
The building blocks are shallots, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, avocados, and kalamata olives. Every bit is then finished off with fried halloumi and drizzled with a delicious za’atar vinaigrette.
12. Harissa Hummus with Za’atar
Pep up your starters with this wonderfully delicious hummus recipe. In my book, the best hummus is always homemade.
It’s both easy to prepare and very fresh and tasty. What’s more, it’s fully customizable with great additions, like this terrific recipe for harissa hummus!
Expect a creamy and nutty meal with a nice heat that slowly builds in the background. The za’atar contributes a citrusy, herby touch that’ll have your taste buds singing.
If you double this recipe, it’s guaranteed to vanish in minutes.
13. Mediterranean Flatbread with Arugula and Smoked Salmon
Treat your palate to a Mediterranean journey with this refined recipe for flatbread. The crust boasts a soft, chewy texture, while the toppings offer fantastic flavors.
This flatbread starts with a foundation of creamy hummus that’s crowned with zesty za’atar, plus fresh tomatoes and arugula. But that is just the beginning.
It also includes woodsy smoked salmon, toasted pine nuts with their nutty character, salty feta, and delicious olives. Truly, there’s no beating it.
14. Middle Eastern Za’atar (Manakish Za’atar)
If you enjoy flatbreads and pizza, then you’re sure to love this wonderful manakish za’atar. This simple flatbread is soft and absolutely smothered with za’atar and olive oil.
Once cooked to a golden crisp, it’s wonderful as is, but feel free to incorporate your favorite toppings! Excellent options include fresh herbs, olives, cheese, and tomatoes.
15. Grilled Za’atar Chicken Burgers with Cucumber Mint Tzatziki
Prepare to be amazed by these za’atar chicken burgers. Though typical burgers are nice, these are uniquely light and packed with flavor.
These patties, ideal for a hot day in summer, include za’atar for herbaceous, citrusy, and nutty tones. You’ll finish them with a fresh, chilled mint tzatziki sauce.
It’s guaranteed to be so tasty, you might want to drink it straight! Add some fresh veggies, and you have a top-tier meal.
16. Sheet Pan Za’atar Chickpeas with Sweet Potatoes
I have a deep appreciation for Middle Eastern cuisine. If you do as well, then you need to try this Middle Eastern-inspired meal ASAP.
Not only is it outrageously tasty, but it’s also packed with minerals, vitamins, protein, and fiber. It’s a pleasure for your spirit and your body!
Better still, this is a vegetarian option, so practically anyone can partake.