Indulge in a Tasty Salad with Za’atar Dressing
Middle Eastern cuisine is one of the most flavor-rich and vibrant culinary traditions in the world. Its dishes are a perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients, creating an explosion of aromas and flavors in every bite. And one of my absolute favorites is this Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing.
This salad recipe is a classic dish that combines some of the freshest veggies and beans with a tangy-and-nutty dressing made with Za’atar spice mix, olive oil, and lemon juice. If you’re not familiar with Za’atar, it’s a Middle Eastern seasoning blend made from thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs, making it an incredibly versatile spice that adds depth to any dish.
But what makes this salad truly special is its textures – crunchy cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, creamy chickpeas – paired with the earthy and zesty dressing. It’s refreshing, filling, and exploding with flavor. Plus, it’s healthy and vegan-friendly.
Whether you serve it as a side dish or make it a meal on its own by adding some pita bread, this salad will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Middle East with every spoonful. So let me walk you through how to make this delicious salad and get ready for a culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a mouthwatering salad with a Middle Eastern twist, this Middle Eastern Salad With Za’atar Dressing recipe is the perfect choice. This salad is packed with fresh and nutritious ingredients, making it an excellent choice as a light summer meal or a side dish.
One of the main reasons why you’ll love this salad is its delightful combination of flavors. The za’atar spice mix, which contains thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds, gives this salad a distinctive Middle Eastern flavor that’s hard to resist. The sweetness of roma tomatoes and the crispness of cucumber complement the tanginess of lemon juice and za’atar vinaigrette. It’s an explosion of flavors in every bite!
Another reason why this recipe is simply irresistible is its ease of preparation. In only a few easy steps, you can have a beautiful and healthy salad on your table. All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and toss it with the za’atar dressing made with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and za’atar spice.
Additionally, this recipe offers plenty of options for substitutions and variations. You can add or substitute ingredients that fit your taste and personal preferences such as red onions, olives or even quinoa. Or add chicken or shrimp if you’d like more protein.
In summary, if you are looking for an easy-to-prepare salad that offers a unique flavor profile while packing tons of nutrition – this Middle Eastern Salad With Za’atar Dressing Recipe is a must-try!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing:
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 green pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 cucumber, sliced thinly
- 4 Roma Tomatoes, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Za’atar Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp za’atar spice mix
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Salad Add-Ons
-
Fattoush Salad
- Romaine lettuce
- Diced cucumber
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Freshly chopped mint
- Diced tomato
- Toasted pita chips
-
Za’atar Salad:
- Romaine lettuce
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Feta cheese
-
Sumac Salad:
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped parsley
- Green onions
- Pita croutons
Za’atar Vinaigrette (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The recipe makes for about six servings. Adjust the quantity based on your requirements.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through what makes this Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing such a crowd-pleaser let’s dive into the recipe details.
Preparations
- First, we’ll start with the vegetables. Chop ½ a large onion, 1 green pepper, 1 diced cucumber and 2 chopped Roma tomatoes in small dices.
- Drain and rinse off a can of chickpeas.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil (½ cup), za’atar spice mix (2 tbsp), garlic powder (1 tsp), black pepper (1 tsp) and salt (½ tsp) together to make the delicious Za’atar dressing.
Making the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the vegetable dices and chickpeas.
- Pour the za’atar dressing over vegetables and toss well to ensure that every piece is coated with the dressing.
- Once tossed properly and evenly coated, put it into the fridge for at least an hour for ingredients to blend together.
Garnish
For an even more authentic taste, sprinkle extra salt, freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon) or pomegranate molasses over the top.
Serving
Serve the Middle Eastern salad chilled onto plates along with some crunchy pita bread pieces.
This recipe is versatile enough for any occasion – from weddings to barbeques or even dinner parties. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredient combinations either! A few delicious alternatives worth trying include adding Fattoush salad or quinoa salad on top of this Middle Eastern Salad while serving it as a spinach or roasted broccoli salad.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making the perfect Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing, there are plenty of ways to make personal adjustments and substitutions to suit your individual preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
– Greens: Feel free to swap out the romaine lettuce for any greens of your choice, such as spinach or arugula.
– Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of green peppers, cucumber, or Roma tomatoes, try swapping them out for veggies you love, like cherry tomatoes or red onion. Persian cucumbers also work well in this salad.
– Chickpeas: This recipe calls for canned chickpeas, but you can use other types of beans for a different twist. Kidney beans or black beans would work well in this recipe.
– Dressing: While the recipe’s Za’atar dressing is packed with flavor, you could also switch things up by adding pomegranate molasses or honey citrus dressing instead. A mint vinaigrette would also be a great choice.
– Protein: For an added protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or tofu on top of your salad.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find what works best for your taste buds. These variations will give you an excellent starting point to create a Middle Eastern Salad that meets your specific needs!
Serving and Pairing
This Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar dressing is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served in several ways. It is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or the main course, especially during the hot summer months. Its refreshing taste and gorgeous colors make it an excellent addition to any table setting and a crowd-pleaser that will surely impress your guests.
To serve the salad as an appetizer or side dish, I recommend pairing it with grilled meats such as chicken, lamb or beef kebab, or even fish dishes like salmon or trout fillet. The combination of flavors in this recipe will perfectly balance out the richness of the meat and add some zing to your palate.
For a vegetarian option, serve this salad next to some creamy hummus and blistered pita bread rounds. The chickpeas in the salad make it satisfying enough to stand alone as a light main course or vegetarian entrée.
You can also create a unique pasta salad by adding some cooked spiral shaped tubular pasta into the mix. Toss everything together with the dressing made from Za’atar spice mix, olive oil and lemon juice; add some extra salt and black pepper, and you have yourself a deliciously wholesome pasta salad that won’t let you down.
This flavorful salad should be enjoyed chilled, so it’s perfect for outdoor barbecues or picnics in the park. You can keep it in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days.
In short, there are plenty of ways to serve and pair this Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing. Whether you want to turn it into a complete meal or indulge in a side dish, this salad is sure to satisfy even those who are hard to please!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Middle Eastern Salad With Za’atar Dressing is a great recipe to make ahead for parties or gatherings. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving. The key is to store the dressing separately to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
If you’re preparing this salad for a large group, consider chopping the vegetables ahead of time and storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This will make assembly easy and quick when it’s time to serve.
When reheating this salad, it’s important to note that the vegetables may become soggy with heat. If possible, only reheat individual portions using a microwave-safe dish. You can add more dressing if needed after reheating.
If you want to make this salad more filling, consider adding in cooked quinoa or chickpeas before serving. These additions will bring extra protein and density to this already nutritious dish.
Overall, this Middle Eastern Salad With Za’atar Dressing is easy to make ahead and store for your next event. With some simple preparation tips, you can ensure that your guests enjoy the freshest and most flavorful version of this dish whenever they choose to eat it.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking for the best way to make your Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing Recipe, try following these useful tips. They will help you tremendously.
Firstly, I recommend choosing fresh and crispy vegetables. That way, the salad will have the perfect crunchiness and taste. Secondly, don’t forget to add garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in moderation to your za’atar dressing. Trust me; it’ll give an unbeatable flavor and spice that just feels different from every other salad.
Another thing that’s essential is preparing your ingredients 30 minutes before making the recipe. By doing this, the flavors of the veggies will develop well before even mixing them all together. Plus, it will save you prep time in the long run.
When adding olive oil to your za’atar dressing or mixing it with lemon juice as part of the cucumber tomato salad dressing or fattoush salad za atar vinaigrette or any other dressing recipe, use extra-virgin olive oil to get more flavor and woo every single taste bud in your mouth. Moreover, make sure not to overdress your salad; otherwise, you might end up with a sopping mess instead of a perfectly dressed one.
Finally, if possible, let your Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing sit for at least ten minutes before serving so that all flavors can fuse together ideally. The kind of sumac salad or Israeli salad or Syrian salad you want is one that tastes like each ingredient has met its soulmate.
Follow these tips to make a Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing Recipe that’s refreshing and jam-packed with flavors.
FAQ
As the scribe for this Middle Eastern Salad With Za’atar Dressing Recipe, I want to make sure that you can create a fantastic meal that everyone will love. Therefore, I have gathered some frequently asked questions and answered them thoroughly in this section. Don’t let misconceptions or doubts stop you from preparing this delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
What is Lebanese salad made of?
Lebanese Salata, or commonly known as Easy Lebanese Salad, brings together a mix of fresh vegetables, such as chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cucumber, green onion, and parsley. This light and healthy salad is further elevated with a lemony-mint dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. For those who want to make it a meal by itself, adding some grilled chicken or salmon is highly recommended.
What is Mediterranean salad dressing made of?
Preparing a scrumptious Greek dressing or sauce does not require a multitude of ingredients. Merge lemon juice and olive oil and add dried oregano and garlic to create the perfect blend. Emulsify everything by whisking them together. The key factor to keep in mind is to maintain the 1:3 ratio, which entails using a portion of one part lemon juice and three parts top-notch extra virgin olive oil while making ladolemono.
What is sumac dressing made of?
For this zesty dressing, we will need some quality olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a tablespoon of sumac, a quarter teaspoon of chilli powder, and some sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. These ingredients will add a burst of flavor to any salad or grilled meat. So, gather them up and let’s get started!
What is a pasha salad?
Get ready for a refreshingly delicious Pasha Salad. This salad is packed with flavors from the crisp romaine lettuce, spring mix, juicy olives, crumbly feta cheese, diced cucumber, tomato, and onion. The salad is perfectly balanced with a zesty mix of lemon juice, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and fresh mint. Customize it with your favorite protein and get ready for a salad that’s going to be the star of your party!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, an amazing Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing recipe that will leave you and your guests wanting more. This salad is packed with flavor and an excellent way to introduce new tastes to your guests.
By using fresh, healthy ingredients combined with the unique blend of spices, you’ll create a cultural taste sensation that’s sure to impress. With the tips and recommendations provided throughout this recipe article, you’re sure to achieve perfect results every time.
From substituting or varying the ingredients, storing and reheating leftovers, serving and pairing your salad with other foods, to making your dressing ahead of time or giving answers to frequently asked questions.
So why not treat yourself and your loved ones by adding this recipe to your cooking repertoire? Whether as a main dish or side dish for lunch or dinner parties, this Middle Eastern salad is versatile enough for any occasion.
We guarantee that this Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar Dressing recipe will excite even the pickiest taste buds while also being a healthier option. Try it now and taste the flavors of the Middle East in your own home!
Middle Eastern Salad With Za’atar Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon green za'atar spice mix
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 -2 dash garlic powder
Salad
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 2 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled & chopped
- 1/4 green pepper, seeded & chopped
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together for the dressing in a small glass bowl.
- Mix the vegetables together in a larger bowl. (I cut the artichokes hearts in half before adding them to the salad).
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Stir to coat then refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!