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Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Sour, creamy and buttery, you will love this easy Lebanese appetizer of labneh with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar.

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prep time5 minutes

Za’atar is one of those ingredients that I always have on hand. I grew up eating it and as an adult, I continue to use it to season meals such as Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken and Crispy Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar. This labneh dip is one of my favorite snacks and also makes a great appetizer for dinner parties or casual entertaining. It’s even delicious spread on a breakfast pita with labneh.

Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar is an easy entry to the delicious world of Middle Eastern cuisine. Labneh can be found at most mainstream grocers, or you can make it yourself! I love to top it with my Roasted Beets with Orange and Rosemary.

Why You’ll Love this Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar

  • Made with less than 5 ingredients, you can make it in less than 5 minutes!
  • It’s such a simple side dish or appetizer, making it a great choice for family dinners or parties.
  • It’s an easy way to branch into Middle Eastern foods and flavors.

Ingredients

  • Labneh: Middle Eastern strained yogurt, it is similar to Greek yogurt but thicker in consistency and richer in flavor.
  • Olive oil: Silky, smooth, and mild in flavor, it pairs wonderfully with the tangy labneh.
  • Za’atar: Having an earthy and savory taste, it’s usually a spice blend of za’atar, sumac, sesame seeds, salt, and other spices.

HOw to Make Labneh with Olive OIl and Za’atar

Step 1. Lay your labneh out on a dish or platter, in a wide and somewhat thin layer. Sprinkle with the za’atar.

Step 2. Drizzle the olive oil all over the top. The dish instead of a bowl helps to get an even mix of ingredients in every bite.

Labneh with olive oil and za'atar.

Serve with Pita and enjoy your Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar!

Frequently asked questions

What is labneh made of?

Labneh is essentially a soft cheese made from yogurt and salt.

Can you eat labneh by itself?

Of course! I just like to spice it up a bit more before serving.

What do you serve labneh with?

I serve it with my easy-as-can-be Baked Pita Chips, but it is also delicious with sesame crackers, lavash bread, or fresh veggies like cucumbers, peppers, and carrots.

More Appetizers

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Make it for a large group, or just serve some up for yourself for a quick and delicious snack. You’ll enjoy this tasty Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar either way!

No fork required.

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Labneh with Olive Oil and Za'atar?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

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Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar

Liz Della Croce
4.67 stars average
Sour, creamy and buttery, you will love this easy appetizer of labneh drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
CourseAppetizer
Serves16

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups labneh
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons za’atar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar fresh pita bread or veggies for serving

Instructions
 

  1. Spread labneh out in a thin layer on a medium serving platter or large plate. It’s important to spread out in a thin layer as opposed to serving in a bowl so that every bite gets a bit of the spices and olive oil.
    2 cups labneh
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with za’atar and salt.
    1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons za’atar, 1 teaspoon salt
  3. Serve with pita chips, veggies or fresh pita bread.
    Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8.4g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.9g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 173mg | Sugar: 1g

Have you tried my


Labneh with Olive Oil and Za'atar?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

We love hearing from you! This helps us continue to provide free, high-quality recipes.


4.67 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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55 responses to “Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar”

  1. Cynthia Avatar
    Cynthia

    Just prepared this recipe along with a side arugula salad. My goodness, your simple to prepare recipe is fantastic! Paired extremely well. I’m signing up for your newsletter.

  2. Kenya Avatar
    Kenya

    THELEMONBOWL IS LITERALLY THE BEST blog. Love hearing about all of their new recipes this one looks delicious, I also came across this other website with a KETO diet plan that sold me !!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh my goodness thank you so much!!

  3. Heather @ Dredge & Drizzle Avatar
    Heather @ Dredge & Drizzle

    My mouth is watering and these are ingredients I haven’t even tasted before! Guess it means I need to try this one!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      It’s so so good!!!!!

  4. Lloyd Evans Avatar
    Lloyd Evans

    Liz,
    I also wanted to share with you that Amazon sells a device made by Cuispro, called a “Yogurt Cheee maker” that makes producing Lebnah a lot easier the same idea as the cheesecloth, but using a vey fine screen , which makes it much easier to clean. because one does not use cheesecloth. I like mine a lot.
    Ll,oyd

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much Lloyd – that’s great to know!!

  5. Lloyd Evans Avatar
    Lloyd Evans

    Liz,
    It had not occured to me to look on your site for a Labneh recipe, DUH!!!!, I have been whining since I moved to Ft. Lauderdale about the scarcity, when I lived in Lansing I had it for bkfst. every morning, either homemade from Woody’s Oasis o commerccial, uusally on toast with red chili pepper flakes on it.
    Thank you,
    Lloyd

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh my gosh that sounds so good!

  6. Anita at Hungry Couple Avatar
    Anita at Hungry Couple

    Just made it with my new purchases today. Big yum!!!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Woot!! So good and simple yet it’s a snack I crave again and again. We grew up eating it with scrambled eggs for breakfast. :)

  7. Annie @Maebells Avatar
    Annie @Maebells

    I love any kind of dip! This looks so good, and different, can’t wait to try it!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you like it!

  8. Shareen Avatar
    Shareen

    You can even serve it on toast or warmed pita with some fresh tomatoes and kalamata olives. We love it with mint tea!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes!! I want that right now!

  9. Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com Avatar
    Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com

    Is the Za’tar available anywhere in stores or is online the best bet? I’d love to try this!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I find it in Middle Eastern and ethnic stores or International markets! Otherwise online is always a great option. :)

  10. Ale Avatar
    Ale

    Hi! I was wondering if you know where to buy labneh. I have had it in my home country but I have not found it in the US…

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I find it at Middle Eastern markets, Middle Eastern restaurants and international grocery stores. Do you have any near you?

  11. Liz @ Floating Kitchen Avatar
    Liz @ Floating Kitchen

    I love Labneh! It’s been years since I’ve made it. Your photos are killer!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much!! That means a lot!

  12. ATasteOfMadness Avatar
    ATasteOfMadness

    Holy moly this looks good! I have never had labneh (never heard of it either!) but I am definitely putting this on my to-do list!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know what you think!!

  13. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    No way! I just had labneh with zaatar and olive oil few minutes before seeing your post on my email inbox! :D
    I used goat labneh and brown toasted pumpernickle bread.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      No way!!! That’s so awesome – love the idea of pumpernickel!

  14. Tieghan Avatar
    Tieghan

    This looks amazing! I think I could eat the whole bowl!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I think I did just that – woopsies!!

  15. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I love labneh! Generally, I just eat it straight up, but I love the idea of adding a bit of spice and some chips for dunking!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Ha! I normally do the same!!

  16. Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen Avatar
    Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen

    I first had labneh about 2 years ago….I was hooked after one bite!!! For the life of me, I have no idea why I’ve never made my own. This looks amazing, Liz!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Isn’t it addictive? I love that you’ve have it!!

  17. Ani B Avatar
    Ani B

    I grew up watching my mom make this and love that my kids love eating it now. I’m so glad you posted it.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I love that, Ani!!

  18. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain Avatar
    Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain

    I WANT TO DIP MY FACE INTO THIS!!!! p.s. I miss your face.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Can we do a labneh facial together?!? PS: This would be so good as a tot dipper.

  19. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    I could snack on this all day long!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      It’s the best snack!! xo

  20. Meagan @ A Zesty Bite Avatar
    Meagan @ A Zesty Bite

    I love coming here because I’m always being introduced to new foods. Never heard of labneh and not sure how to pronounce it but I can tell I already love it.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Aww thank you so much!! If you find it, grab it and try it!!!

  21. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl Avatar
    Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl

    So addicting and delicious.. I’d just keep on snacking!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      That’s exactly what I did!!

  22. Heidi @foodiecrush Avatar
    Heidi @foodiecrush

    Give me a creamy dip and I don’t care how you pronounce it. Dipping fantastic.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You would love this, Heidi!! Nice pun. ;-)

  23. Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch Avatar
    Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch

    This looks great! Perfect for casual summer gatherings!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      It is perfect for entertaining! It actually tastes better as it comes to room temp, similar to cheese. :)

  24. eat good 4 life Avatar
    eat good 4 life

    I think I could eat the entire bowl all by myself :-) I love the flavors in this!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m pretty sure I ate this whole plate…. :)

  25. Christine from Cook the Story Avatar
    Christine from Cook the Story

    I bet this is very addicting!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Extremely addicting….

  26. Baby June Avatar
    Baby June

    I’ve never tried that kind of yogurt, but it sounds amazing. I’ll have to look for it! And this recipe–mmm, all those luscious, exotic flavors. :)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know if you find it!!! You won’t regret it!

  27. Cassie Avatar
    Cassie

    Drooling into my coffee this morning over this one!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You know what’s funny?? It’s customarily eaten at breakfast with eggs and coffee! :)

  28. Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) Avatar
    Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)

    I love labneh! Give me a bowl of those pita chips and I could totally go to town with this.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I love that you know what it is!!