Description
This Delicious Zaatar Naan with Whipped Feta & Olives is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired appetizer or snack featuring warm, crispy naan topped with a tangy zaatar herb blend, creamy whipped feta mixed with Greek yogurt, and briny mixed olives. Garnished with fresh herbs and bright lemon zest, this easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and zesty flavors ideal for sharing or enjoying as a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Naan and Topping
- 1 package Naan (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons Zaatar (Middle Eastern herb blend)
Whipped Feta Spread
- ¾ cup Feta Cheese (use vegan feta for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup Greek Yogurt or Cream Cheese (opt for dairy-free yogurt for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic (optional for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (essential for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon Zaatar (optional, for mixing into spread)
Olives and Garnish
- ⅓ cup Mixed Olives (such as Kalamata, roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (parsley or mint, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the naan: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the naan generously with extra virgin olive oil on all sides. Sprinkle the zaatar evenly over the surface of the naan to ensure every bite has the fragrant herb blend.
- Bake the naan: Place the zaatar-brushed naan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the naan becomes crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Make the whipped feta spread: In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese with Greek yogurt or cream cheese. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Add garlic powder or fresh garlic, lemon zest, and an optional teaspoon of zaatar, then blend once more to fully incorporate flavors.
- Prepare the olives: Roughly chop the mixed olives. For enhanced flavor, toast them lightly in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is optional but adds a delicious depth to the olives.
- Assemble the naan: Slice the baked naan into wedges. Spread a generous amount of the whipped feta mixture onto each slice. Top each with the chopped olives, then garnish with fresh parsley or mint for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Arrange the finished naan wedges on a warm platter and serve immediately. This makes a wonderful appetizer, snack, or light lunch perfect for sharing.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade naan depending on your preference.
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute the feta with vegan feta and use plant-based yogurt or cream cheese.
- Optionally add fresh garlic for a bolder flavor in the whipped feta spread.
- Toasting the olives is optional but recommended for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: zaatar naan, whipped feta, olives, Middle Eastern appetizer, easy appetizer, vegetarian snack, naan recipe, baked naan, creamy feta spread
