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Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar

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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.

Scooping labneh with olive oil and za'atar.

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! You’ll have your next favorite snack in no time, and if your kids are anything like my boys, they’ll love it, too!

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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Liz eating labneh with olive oil and za'atar.

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?

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Labneh with Olive Oil and Za’atar

4.67 stars average
Liz Della Croce
Sour, creamy and buttery, you will love this easy appetizer of labneh drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar.
PREP: 5 minutes
TOTAL: 5 minutes
Pin
Servings16

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
 

  • 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
  • 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
  • Serve with pita chips, veggies or fresh pita bread.
    Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps us to continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Rate this Recipe

Nutrition

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


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!