This versatile blend is as convenient as it is delicious, offering a quick way to add authentic flavour to everyday dishes. Whether sprinkled over warm flatbreads with olive oil, stirred into yoghurt for a tangy dip, or dusted onto roasted vegetables, za’atar elevates the simplest ingredients. It’s found in homes, street food stalls and restaurants alike, treasured for its ability to balance savoury, tangy and nutty notes in one spoonful. Here are ten authentic and modern ways to enjoy it:

1. Sprinkled over manakish (Lebanese flatbread) with olive oil.

2. Blended into hummus or labneh for a herby twist.

3. Rubbed onto chicken before roasting for a fragrant crust.

4. Scattered over grilled halloumi or feta for extra zing.

5. Stirred into olive oil as a dip for bread.

6. Used to season roast potatoes or courgettes.

7. Mixed into a salad dressing for a citrusy lift.

8. Added to popcorn for a savoury snack.

9. Sprinkled over avocado toast with a squeeze of lemon.

10. Stirred through couscous, bulgur or rice for depth.

Extra tip: Za’atar keeps its punchy flavour best when stored in a cool, airtight container away from sunlight. Pair it with a good quality olive oil to unlock its fullest character.

1. Za’atar Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favourite vegetables (such as carrots, cauliflower, or eggplant) with olive oil, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelised. Serve as a side dish or over couscous or quinoa.
2. Za’atar Hummus: Add a generous sprinkle of za’atar to your homemade hummus for an extra layer of flavour. It’s a great dip for pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
3. Za’atar-Crusted Salmon: Mix za’atar with breadcrumbs, olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice to create a crust for salmon fillets. Bake or pan-sear the salmon until it’s cooked to your liking. The za’atar adds a zesty, herbal flavour to the fish.
4. Za’atar Flatbread: Make a simple flatbread dough and roll it out into rounds. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle za’atar generously over the top. Bake until the bread is golden brown and serve as a side or as a base for Mediterranean-inspired pizzas.
5. Za’atar Marinated Chicken: Create a marinade by mixing za’atar with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. Marinate chicken thighs or breasts for a few hours or overnight, then grill or roast them for a delicious and flavourful chicken dish.
6. Za’atar Salad Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar, garlic, and a touch of honey to create a tasty salad dressing. Drizzle it over a simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
7. Za’atar-Crusted Roast Lamb: Rub a mixture of za’atar, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest over a boneless leg of lamb. Roast it in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The za’atar crust will infuse the meat with aromatic flavours.
8. Za’atar Popcorn: Sprinkle za’atar over freshly popped popcorn for a unique and savoury snack. Drizzle a bit of melted butter or olive oil over the top for added richness.
9. Za’atar Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes with za’atar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until crispy and tender. This makes for a delightful side dish.
10. Za’atar Dipping Oil: Combine za’atar with olive oil and a pinch of salt as a flavourful dipping sauce for crusty bread.