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 Golden Beet Salad
Ingredients
- 6 golden beets washed and diced
- 3 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cup arugula
- 2 oz goat cheese
- ½ a red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- pinch of Za'atar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine beets, 3 tablespoons of zaatar spice blend, olive oil, and pinch of salt.
- Roast at 425 for 25 minutes.
- In a small bowl whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, and pinch of zaatar.
- In a large salad bowl combine arugula and thinly sliced red onion then toss with the salad dressing.
- Place the beets, walnuts, and goat cheese on top and serve.
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.
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!
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!!
Max says
I love goat cheese, will try this one. Sounds amazing!
Sara Ayesh says
The goat cheese really makes it pop!
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.
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!
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!
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 !
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.
Sophie says
Love the idea !