7 za'atar recipes

Emily Marten

Get 5 issues for £5 when you subscribe to our magazine

Za'atar is a traditional Middle Eastern warming mix of herbs, seeds and spices – make your own, then use it in a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on whatsapp
Email to a friend

Looking for recipes with za'atar? The distinctive blend of herbs, seed and spices adds a warming depth and aromatic seasoning to meat and vegetarian dishes as well as an extra burst of flavour when sprinkled on salads.

The blend can vary from recipe to recipe but often includes herbs such as thyme, oregano and marjoram, as well as spices such as sumac, cumin and ground coriander. It can also include sesame seeds.

Now try more Middle Eastern meze recipes.

Za'atar recipes

Za'atar spice blend

Make your own za'atar spice blend at home. This Middle Eastern herb, seed and spice mix can be sprinkled as a topping or used as a dipping condiment.

Za'atar chopped salad

A chopped salad is a great way to serve an impressive dish with minimal prep. The za’atar dressing adds a lovely creaminess to the vibrant vegetables.

Za'atar cottage cheese salad

Herby za’atar adds excitement to everyday cottage cheese in this fresh salad that's perfect for a light lunch or on the side of your favourite grilled meats.

Platter of cottage cheese salad with a dip in a ramekin

Summer greens and Boursin filo rotolo

An easy yet impressive filo rotolo that's loaded with summer greens and creamy Boursin Garlic & Herbs soft cheese, then finished with a sprinkle of za'atar.

Filo rotolo filled with creamy Boursin and summer greens in a round dish

Steak with za'atar butter

Adding this homemade za'atar butter to your steak makes this recipe feel like a real treat, but it only takes 20 minutes and is under 500 calories – perfect for a midweek pick-me-up.

Za'atar roasted aubergine with puy lentil salad

Make our easy vegetarian dish for roasted aubergine with Middle Eastern za'atar spice and puy lentil salad. It's under 300 calories and ready in just 30 minutes but still delivers on flavour. Perfect for 5:2-diet days.

Za'atar roasted aubergine puy lentils on a white serving dish

Za'atar aubergine steaks with sesame dressing and pomegranate

This recipe for za'atar aubergine steaks with sesame dressing and pomegranate makes for a quick, easy and delicious veggie dinner. Plus, it's under 300 calories and gluten free.