Zesty Za'atar Dressing

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This Za’atar Dressing is about to become your new go-to recipe. Seriously! It’s vibrantly flavourful, ridiculously easy to whisk together, and incredibly versatile. We’re talking creamy tahini, a burst of fresh lemon, and that irresistible earthy depth of the za’atar spice blend. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to liven up a salad, add a zing to grain bowls, or create a flavour-packed marinade, this dressing has got you covered. Ready to get whisking?

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📝 Ingredient notes

8 tbsp Tahini: This sesame seed paste isn’t just for hummus! It forms the gloriously creamy base of our dressing, and is packed with healthy fats and a decent bit of protein to boot.

Za’atar Mix: The star of the show! This vibrant Middle Eastern spice blend adds tangy, herbaceous, and nutty notes. You can find it pre-mixed in many supermarkets or easily make your own.Za’atar

1 Lemon (Juice & Zest): We’re using both the zest and juice here for maximum citrusy flavour. Lemon juice provides a wonderfully bright counterpoint to the richness of the tahini, while the zest adds a fragrant depth. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste.

1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a touch of this fragrant oil adds another layer of flavour complexity. Its nutty aroma complements the tahini beautifully.

Salt & Pepper: A must for any good dressing! Start small and add more to taste – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

175 ml Water: This might seem like a lot, but it’s key to achieving that perfectly luscious, pourable consistency. We’ll add it gradually to ensure things don’t get too thin.

🥣 How to make this za’atar dressing

Combine Ingredients: Add the tahini to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and toasted sesame oil to the bowl with the tahini. Using a whisk or a fork, mix the ingredients together. Don’t worry if the mixture seizes up a little at this point, the addition of water will loosen it up.
Gradually Add Water: Slowly pour in a little of the water while whisking constantly. The mixture might seize up again as you add the water, this is totally normal. Continue adding water gradually, whisking constantly until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
Adjust Consistency: Continue to whisk the dressing, adding a little more water if needed, until you reach your desired consistency. This recipe will make a thin, pourable dressing ideal for salads. If you prefer a thicker dressing, simply use less water.
Season to taste: Finally, add salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, it’s always best to start small, you can add more but you can’t take it away!
Serve & Enjoy: Your Za’atar dressing is now ready to be drizzled over your favourite salads, grain bowls, over some crispy tofu, or use as a delicious dip for veggies!

💡 Tips for getting it right!

Tahini Consistency: Different brands of tahini can vary in consistency. If your tahini is particularly thick, you may need to add a touch more water to achieve a smooth dressing. This is the one I’ve been using for a while now and its really good!
Don’t Panic: The mixture may thicken considerably as you add the water, but keep whisking and adding liquid – it will eventually smooth out into a creamy dressing.

🎨 Potential variations

Spicy Za’atar Dressing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Roasted Garlic Za’atar Dressing: Incorporate 1/2 a head of roasted garlic into the dressing for a rich, savoury depth. Simply roast the garlic cloves until soft and slightly caramelized before blending them into the dressing.

🤔 Frequently asked questions

What is za’atar?

Za’atar is a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with a mix of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, along with sesame seeds, sumac, and often salt. It adds a deliciously savoury, earthy depth of flavour to dishes.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Za’atar Dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavour.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter?

While tahini (sesame seed paste) provides the classic base for this dressing, you can experiment with other nut or seed butters. Sunflower seed butter offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavour that works well in this recipe.

Is za’atar dressing vegan?

Yes! This Za’atar Dressing recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly. It’s a delicious and healthy way to add flavour to your meals.

What can I serve with za’atar dressing?

This versatile dressing is delicious on salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, falafel wraps, or as a marinade for tofu or tempeh. It also adds a wonderful flavour boost to sandwiches and wraps.

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