Beautiful bold flavours

Fresh Zaatar has a pungent aroma and flavor.

being bold, it pairs well with similar strong flavours, such as onion, sumac and lemon. This salad draws on these bold aromas and dresses everything with olive oil that blends them all very well together, giving its lush finish and touch. This makes this salad excellent to be had with some bread as the bread sandwiches this rich flavour and soaks up the tangy dressing making you ascend to flavour heaven with every bite.

A staple Middle Eastern Salad, a levantine mezze and a symphony to all palates. Serve this salad as part of your cold mezze options or next to grills. Goes especially well with Shish Tawooq, and an excellent side to steak, grilled salmon or seared tuna.

You can make the same salad except using baby Rocca leaves instead of zaatar (see the pictures above), or baby spinach leaves.

You can also garnish with some nuts.

PS

You can find beautiful zaatar, at the farmer’s market during farmers market season. It is the same zaatar I buy for making my amazing DS Organic Pickled Zaatar.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch fresh zaatar (can be bought at the farmers market)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or 1/2 cup finely sliced spring onions
  • 200g assorted cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp DS Organic Green Olives in Brine, pitted and sliced (optional)

For the dressing

  • Fresh juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp DS Premium Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp DS Organic Pickled Zaatar
  • 2 tsp DS Pure Sumac
  • 1 tsp DS Red Shatta (optional for spicy)
  • A pinch of DS Pink Himalayan Salt
  • A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

Rinse the zaatar well then dry it well.

Separate the leaves from the stems, discarding the stems. Lay on kitchen towels to get rid of any moistness until you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

In a large bowl, mis together the finely chopped onions, the halved tomatoes. Add the zaatar leaves and mix well. Refregerate until ready to serve.

Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Once ready to serve, dress the salad and serve straight away.

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