Labneh with Za’atar and Olive Oil Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 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

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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.

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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