This dipping oil is incredibly delicious and all about balance. It is inspired by Lebanese and Middle Eastern mezze traditions and is earthy, nutty, salty and tangy, with just enough sweetness and gentle heat to keep you coming back for more. Serve it with warm flatbread and watch it disappear, or spoon it over hummus, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. It's rustic but refined.
This is the kind of dish that always gets a lot of attention. Somehow it always becomes the centre of the table. A shallow bowl filled with good olive oil, warmed with zaatar, dotted with olives and walnuts, finished with a glossy drizzle of pomegranate molasses. It looks simple, almost effortless but every bite is layered and deeply satisfying. Serve it generously and mop it up unapologetically.
Read more: Middle Eastern Olive and Zataar Dipping OilJump to:
Why You'll Love This Olive Dip
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Naturally vegan & dairy-free
- Perfect for mezze boards, sharing platters, or gifting
- Deep, authentic Middle Eastern flavours
- Customisable with pantry staples
Ingredients & Why They Work
Mixed Olives
A combination of green and black olives adds saltiness, umami, and richness. Chop them finely so they melt into the oil rather than overpower it.
Zaatar
The heart of this recipe. Zaatar brings earthy thyme, nutty sesame seeds, and a subtle tang from sumac. Use a good-quality Middle Eastern blend for best results.
Garlic
Sliced rather than minced so it gently infuses the oil without becoming harsh.
Fresh Coriander
Adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness of the oil and nuts.
Roasted Walnuts
For texture and depth. Their natural bitterness works beautifully with the sweetness of balsamic and pomegranate molasses.
Sundried Tomatoes
Add 3-4 and slice finely. (Optional).
Lemon Zest
Lifts the entire dish and adds fragrance without acidity.
Red Chilli Flakes
Gentle heat that builds slowly.
Pul Biber
Smoky, slightly sweet Turkish chilli flakes. This is essential for warmth without overwhelming spice. You can replace it with some Smoked Paprika and Cayenne Pepper.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Use a good-quality olive oil, as it forms the base of the dip.
Black Pepper
Adds warmth and subtle bite.
Balsamic Vinegar
Brings sweetness and depth.
Pomegranate Molasses
Tangy, fruity, and unmistakably Middle Eastern. It ties everything together.
Salt
Go lightly because the olives already bring saltiness. Just a pinch is usually enoug
How to Make Middle Eastern Zaatar Dipping Oil
Prepare the base
Add Oil to a shallow bowl. Finely chop the olives, sundried tomatoes if using and roasted walnuts. Add them to the bowl.
Infuse the oil
Add sliced garlic, chilli flakes, pul biber, black pepper, lemon zest, and zaatar.
Add acidity & sweetness
Stir in balsamic vinegar and pomegranate molasses.
Mix the Oil
Mix until everything is well combined.
Taste & adjust
Add salt only if needed. Finish with fresh coriander just before serving.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to marry.
Tips for the Best Dipping Oil
- Check that your zaatar isn't stale. It will dull the flavour of the Oil.
- Chop ingredients finely for a cohesive texture
- Taste after resting because flavours develop with time
- Always zest citrus directly over the bowl to catch the oils.
- Taste after resting, not immediately. Zaatar needs time to bloom.
Variations You'll Love
Spicy Harissa Version
Replace chilli flakes with 1 teaspoon harissa paste for deeper heat.
Nut-Free Option
Skip the walnuts and add toasted sesame seeds for crunch.
Citrus Twist
Add a splash of orange zest alongside lemon for a fragrant lift. Again this is a tried and tested variation and it is very delicious
Serving Suggestions
- With warm khubz, pita, or naan
- Drizzled over labneh or hummus
- Spoon over roasted vegetables
- As a salad dressing base
- With grilled halloumi or spooned over warm feta with a drizzle of honey.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
If the oil solidifies in the fridge, simply let it sit out for 10 minutes.
Flavours deepen beautifully after a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make zaatar oil ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better after resting for a few hours and can be made 2-3 days in advance.
More Dip Recipes:
Muhammara - Red Pepper and Walnut Dip
Zhug (Zhoug) Recipe - Authentic Yemeni Green Chili Sauce
Olive, Walnut and Pomegranate Salad
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📖 Recipe
Middle Eastern Olive and Zataar Dipping Oil
Ingredients
- 200 ml Olive Oil Good quality
- 175 g Mixed Olives
- Handful Walnuts Lightly pan roasted for 1-2 minutes
- 3-4 Sundried Tomatoes FInely sliced, optional
- 2-3 cloves Garlic Sliced
- ½ teaspoon Red Chilli Flakes
- ¾ - 1 tablespoon Pul Biber
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Lemon Zest only
- 1 ½ tablespoon Zataar
- 1 ½ tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Pomegrante Molasses
- Salt
- 1-2 tablespoon Fresh Coriander Sliced finely
Instructions
Prepare the base
- Add Oil to a shallow bowl. Finely chop the olives, sundried tomatoes and roasted walnuts. Add them to the bowl.
Infuse the oil
- Add sliced garlic, chilli flakes, pul biber, black pepper, lemon zest, and zaatar.
Add acidity & sweetness
- Stir in balsamic vinegar and pomegranate molasses.
Mix the Oil
- Gently mix until everything is well combined.
Taste & adjust
- Add salt only if needed. Finish with fresh coriander just before serving.
Let it rest
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to marry.
- Note - The order is not that important because everything is mixed together and left to rest for the flavours to develop.
Notes
Tips for the Best Dipping Oil
- Check that your zaatar isn't stale. It will dull the flavour of the Oil.
- Chop ingredients finely for a cohesive texture
- Taste after resting because flavours develop with time
- Always zest citrus directly over the bowl to catch the oils.
- Taste after resting, not immediately. Zaatar needs time to bloom.
Variations You'll Love
Spicy Harissa Version Replace chilli flakes with 1 teaspoon harissa paste for deeper heat. Nut-Free Option Skip the walnuts and add toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Citrus Twist Add a splash of orange zest alongside lemon for a fragrant lift. Again this is a tried and tested variation and it is very deliciousServing Suggestions
- With warm khubz, pita, or naan
- Drizzled over labneh or hummus
- Spoon over roasted vegetables
- As a salad dressing base
- With grilled halloumi or spooned over warm feta with a drizzle of honey.
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