Za’atar Chicken Salad w/ Feta Dressing

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 59

This just became my new favorite way to season chicken breast. It’s perfect. The za’atar is what makes it. The za-who? It’s a Middle Eastern blend of herbs, sesame seeds and a touch of salt. The herbs used are usually a kind of thyme native to the region, savory (that’s an actual herb, not a flavor description) and sumac. 

It’s a little tangy, a little salty and a lot delicious.

Traditionally, it is mixed with oil and spread on a flatbread before being baked or it’s served on labneh, a kefir cheese with healthy probiotics (here’s my easy recipe for labneh). I decided to put it on chicken breast and I’m so happy I did.

Also, I made a really tasty feta dressing that goes with almost anything. Use it like you would use ranch, except it tastes better and is also healthy. Win win.

Ok, you need this stuff to make the feta dressing:

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 3 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 15 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 17 The Sadaf yogurt seasoning mix is only $2-3 and it’s a pretty big packet. Amazing herb mix, very authentic. I got mine from a Middle Eastern market. They sell it online too. You can use it to season meat and veggies too, not just yogurt.

If it’s too much of a hassle just use dried or fresh mint, basil and tarragon. As well as garlic and onion powder. If you have dried rose buds, add them too. If you don’t, no biggie.

So, I used half of the block of feta. I just crumbled it into a food processor. You can use a blender too. Or your hands if you like to get down and dirty. Except it really won’t be effective, just gross. But it’s your life.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 5 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 6

Add 3/4 cup of yogurt. Use any kind of plain yogurt you like. 

Don’t let the world tell you which yogurt you should use!

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 10

A drizzle of olive oil.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 14

*A heaping spoonful* of the herb and spice mix.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 18

A drizzle of honey. (I didn’t include honey in the ingredient photo but after tasting the dressing I felt like it needed honey to cut through all the tartness). 

You won’t taste the honey, it just balances the whole thing out.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 20 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 21

And then it was perfect.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 22

Pour it in a container and let it chill in the fridge.

If you know you’re making this recipe in advance, I recommend making the dressing at least a few hours ahead because it tastes so much better after it has had time to sit.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 23

Now, on to the chicken.

Take the time to place your chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound the shit out of it until it is uniform in thickness. It will cook more evenly, quicker and it will be juicier all around. 

It’s also very good therapy.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 29 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 30 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 31

Add a litte salt and pepper on each side.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 33

Now grab your za’atar.

If you’re new to za’atar just buy the smallest size they have at the Middle Eastern market. No need to make a major commitment here. It’s just a fun new spice blend to try.

They also sell it online from many different brands. Google za’atar and go with a brand (or price) that you like.

I was surprised to find how common za’atar is becoming. Get into it now so you can turn your nose up when someone mentions it to you. “Oh, za’atar, I’ve had some in my kitchen cabinet since 2014. It’s practically vintage now.” 

Then everyone will think your so fancy.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 25

Sprinkle it on both sides of the chicken and add it to a hot pan with a drizzle of oil.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 34 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 36

You wanna hear a sizzle as soon as the chicken hits the oil. If you don’t, the pan isn’t hot enough.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 38

Once cooked, place the chicken on a plate or cutting board and begin making the salad.

This is what you need:

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 37

Chop everything thusly:

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 39

Add everything to a bowl, break out the feta dressing, drizzle some on and toss the salad.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 47 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 48

Slice up the chicken and serve warm on top of the salad.

za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 44 za'atar chicken salad feta dressing 62

 The chicken is so juicy and flavorful. 

The chicken and the salad on their own are solid. Together, they are the perfect balance.

You must try this.

[subscribe2]

[yumprint-recipe id=’70’]