Have you heard of Za'atar? Something about this warm yet bright Middle Eastern blend of spices and herbs just makes anything taste absolutely delicious! For a gorgeous fall salad we are mixing it up with this Za'atar Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Goat Cheese.
What is in Za'atar?
Like I mentioned before, it is a Middle Eastern mix of spices and herbs that contains sumac, roasted thyme, oregano, sesame, salt, pepper, and marjoram.
It also greatly depends on what part of the Middle East because everywhere does it a little different! However the blend is traditionally baked onto pita or I love it in salads!
If you want to try your hand at making your own Za'atar, check out this Homemade Lebanese Zaatar recipe!
Za'atar Roasted Golden Beets
If there is actually one vegetable I dislike, its beets. However to me golden beets taste a lot better than red beets. Maybe this is in my head but I find it to be true.
They add great texture to any salad when roasted and by adding this tangy yet herbaceous blend, we take them over the top.
Toss the diced beets in some olive oil along with a few tablespoons of Za'atar and toss them in the oven or air fryer. Great on their own or made into this Roasted Za'atar Golden Beet salad.
What Else Goes With Za'atar Spice Blend
Like I mention above, Za'atar is a lot of times spread over pita and baked into a delicious dish called Mana'eesh. My friend Rania has an amazing recipe for this!
You could also crisp up this baked pita and sprinkle it over a fattoush salad. So good!
More Lebanese Recipes from White Kitchen Red Wine
- Chicken Kafta Burgers - delicious spiced chicken served with pita
- Tabouli Salad - fresh and lemony salad with tomato and parsley
- Kousa Mahshi - stuffed zucchini squash with spiced meat and rice
- Baked Falafel- chickpea balls baked with herbs and spices
📖 Recipe
Za'atar Roasted Beet and Butternut Squash Salad
Share by Text Print Pin RateIngredients
- 3-4 golden beets peeled and diced. Can mix in red beets too if you like.
- 1 small butternut squash peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon za'atar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 5 cups arugula
- ½ red onion sliced
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch of za'atar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Add the diced beets and butternut squash to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Za'atar, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until combined with your hands or tongs.
- Roast for 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- While the squash is roasting, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, za'atar, salt, and pepper in a mason jar or small bowl.
- When ready to serve, toss the arugula with the dressing and then top with the beets, butternut squash, sliced red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese.
Notes
- Before assembling the salad, allow the roasted beets and butternut squash to cool down a bit to prevent the greens from wilting and the goat cheese from melting.
- Roast at a high temperature. I’ve found 425 degrees to be the perfect temperature to bake the squash and beets, while producing a delicious caramelization. If the veggies get too brown too fast, tent with a sheet of aluminum foil halfway through to prevent burning.
- Chop the squash and beets into similar sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly. You could also grab them precut at the grocery store if you’re looking to save time – but I always recommend fresh!
- Lay down a sheet of parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent the roasted veggies from sticking as they caramelize in the oven.
- If you’re adding red beets into the mix, I suggest roasting them on a separate tray to keep their bright color from bleeding into the lighter golden beets and butternut squash.
- Experiment with more spices and fresh herbs to add dimension. Tarragon and mint are great complements to Za’atar. Adding a splash of red vinegar to the dressing will give it an extra tang.
Sophie says
Love the idea !
Peter says
I JUST bought za'atar and this gave me the perfect excuse to use it, so thank you for a delicious recipe! the goat cheese really paired well with the za'atar seasoning!
Sara Ayesh says
It is a great pair!! Enjoy the Za'atar! It's amazing.
Soheila says
Wow! Not only does this sound delicious but it's a visual rainbow of delicious veggies and cheese (my fav part)! A feast for both the eyes and stomach! Will have to try makign this at home!
Sara Ayesh says
Thank you so much! What a wonderful compliment !
Archana says
I love zaatar and I keep hoarding it and not using it. 😀 Now I think I will use it to roast salad like this. I will go with red beets only we are yet to see golden beets.
Sara Ayesh says
Hahah! I do that with spices I love. But it is so worth it to use them!
Sabine says
I've never tried the za'atar spice blend before. I need to get some to make this recipe. What a great combination are beets, za'atar spice and goat cheese. Just love it!
Sara Ayesh says
It is a great way to try out Middle Eastern flavors!
Paolo Paolo says
Goat cheese is not popular here in Manila, but this recipe looks so good! Will try to look for goat cheese and make this recipe
Sara Ayesh says
It is different! It's got a lovely texture though.
Max says
I love goat cheese, will try this one. Sounds amazing!
Sara Ayesh says
The goat cheese really makes it pop!
Biana says
This looks so delicious! I never thought of mixing zaatar with beets, will have to try this recipe.
Sara Ayesh says
The earthiness of the beets pair really nicely with the brightness of the Za'atar. A must try!!
Jessica says
You had me at goat cheese. Also I just bought some za'taar the other day. Definitely saving this recipe for later.
Sara Ayesh says
It's such a fun and versatile spice blend. It really changes up the flavor profile, I love it!
Joanna says
This sounds delicious! I love all kinds and colors of beets but my family not so much. I think this way to prepare them might win them over. Thank you!
Sara Ayesh says
Haha! I'm with them. I actually only like golden beets and roasting is a great way to prepare them.