Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy strained yogurt (labneh) served with a fragrant za’atar spice blend and a generous drizzle of fruity olive oil, perfect as a dip or spread. This lebanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 5 minutes pairs plain Greek yogurt (full fat), salt, za’atar spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 4 Lebanese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a fine mesh sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Mix 2 cups plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 tsp salt and pour into the cheesecloth. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to strain excess whey, resulting in thick labneh.
  2. Step 2: After straining, transfer the thickened labneh to a serving bowl and smooth the surface.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp za’atar evenly over the top of the labneh.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil generously over the za’atar.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves. Serve with warm pita bread pieces for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain greek yogurt (full fat) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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