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Za'atar Yogurt Sauce

A creamy, tangy Mediterranean-inspired sauce featuring za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend of herbs, sumac, and sesame seeds. Perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a dip for flatbread.

10 minEasyServes 865 cal/serving

MediterraneanSauceNo-CookVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyNut-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber (optional), grated, excess water squeezed out

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 grated or minced garlic clove.

  2. 2

    Drizzle in 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil while whisking to incorporate.

  3. 3

    If using, add 1 tsp honey (optional) for a touch of sweetness.

  4. 4

    Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  5. 5

    Fold in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves and 1/2 cup grated, excess water squeezed out cucumber (optional) if using.

  6. 6

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  7. 7

    Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of water or additional lemon juice.

  8. 8

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Questions

Can I make Za'atar Yogurt Sauce dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 cups plain Greek yogurt. Swap the yogurt for an unsweetened coconut or soy yogurt. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Za'atar Yogurt Sauce keep?

Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

Can I halve or double Za'atar Yogurt Sauce?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. There is no cooking pitfall here; the quantities simply scale.

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