How to Make Labneh Salad: A Refreshing Taste of the Middle East

Labneh salad, with its delightful blend of creamy tanginess and fresh, vibrant flavors, is a Middle Eastern staple that’s quickly gaining popularity worldwide. And for good reason! It’s incredibly easy to make, healthy, and utterly delicious. Imagine a creamy, yogurt-based cheese, similar in texture to cream cheese but with a delightful tang, adorned with the freshest vegetables, a drizzle of exquisite olive oil, and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs. That’s Labneh salad—a symphony of textures and flavors that’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

Gather Your Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Labneh salad masterpiece:

For the Labneh:

• 1 quart (946 ml) plain yogurt (full-fat Greek yogurt is recommended for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Salad:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools You’ll Need:

• Cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel
• Strainer
• Large bowl
• Serving bowl

Ingredients for Labneh Salad

Let’s Get Started!

Making the Labneh:

1. Strain the yogurt: Line a strainer with cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel and place it over a large bowl. Pour the yogurt into the strainer and add salt. Gently stir to combine.
2. Refrigerate and drain: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the whey to drain from the yogurt. The longer you strain, the thicker and creamier your Labneh will be.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint.
2. Combine and dress: In your serving bowl, gently combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, parsley, and mint.
3. Add the Labneh: Once the Labneh has finished draining, gently scoop it out of the cheesecloth and place it in the center of the salad.
4. Drizzle and season: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Tips for Salad Success:

• Taste and adjust: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to your liking. Add a pinch of sumac for a tangy twist or a sprinkle of za’atar for a more earthy flavor.
• Get creative with toppings: Toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or crumbled feta cheese make excellent additions to this salad.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the Labneh and chop the vegetables up to a day in advance, making it a perfect dish for meal prepping or easy entertaining.

Labneh Salad Plated

Explore the World of Labneh Salad:

The beauty of Labneh salad lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and additions!

Conclusion:

Labneh salad is a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. This vibrant salad is packed with fresh flavors, textures, and essential nutrients. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, from a light lunch to a delightful side dish. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and treat yourself to a taste of the Middle East with this refreshing and flavorful salad. Bon appétit!