Labneh
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Gluten-free Levantine

Labneh

A thick, tangy Levantine yogurt cheese finished with olive oil, mint, and a gentle dusting of za'atar. Serve it as a cool, creamy centerpiece for warm flatbread, vegetables, or grilled foods.

15 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Line a fine-mesh sieve with two layers of clean cheesecloth and set it over a deep bowl. Stir the yogurt with the salt until evenly combined, then spoon it into the lined sieve.
2
Fold the cheesecloth over the yogurt, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or until the yogurt is thick enough to hold a soft peak. Discard the collected whey or reserve it for another use.
Thick yogurt straining into labneh over a bowl AI-generated image
3
Transfer the strained yogurt to a serving bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the chopped mint. Mix just until smooth; do not overwork the yogurt.
4
Use the back of a spoon to spread the labneh into a shallow, wide layer, then make a small well in the center. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with za'atar.
Labneh spread with olive oil, mint, and za'atar AI-generated image
5
Serve chilled or let the bowl stand at room temperature for 15 minutes for a softer, more yielding texture. Serve with warm pita and fresh vegetables.

Why this recipe works

Straining removes whey from yogurt, concentrating its tang and turning it into a smooth, spreadable cheese. Olive oil adds richness, while mint and za'atar provide a fresh, savory finish.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the olive oil topping on the surface to help prevent drying, and use a clean spoon each time.

How to reheat it

Do not reheat. Serve chilled or let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

Nutrition / serving

246kcal
8.86 gprotein
12.08 gcarbs
18.64 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026