Go Back

Herbed Labneh with Cucumbers, Olives and Radish

Herbed Labneh is a creamy strained yogurt dish topped with fresh herbs, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, and radishes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg natural yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon za'atar
  • 1/2 cup dill picked
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 250 g Kalamata olives pitted and drained
  • 250 g grape tomatoes halved
  • 2 small Lebanese cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 1/2 bunch baby red radishes trimmed and quartered
  • 1 cup watercress optional
  • Sourdough bread for serving

Instructions
 

  • Place the yogurt and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Line a colander with a clean damp tea towel or several layers of muslin cloth. Position the colander over a large bowl to catch the liquid.
  • Pour the yogurt mixture into the lined colander.
  • Gather the cloth around the yogurt and secure it tightly with kitchen string or an elastic band.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and allow the yogurt to drain for 24 hours. During this time, excess whey will separate, leaving behind thick and creamy labneh.
  • Once drained, transfer the labneh to a clean bowl.
  • Stir in the crushed garlic and Aleppo pepper, if using.
  • Spread the Herbed Labneh onto a large serving platter. Use the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center.
  • Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Sprinkle over the lemon zest and za'atar.
  • Scatter the dill, mint, and parsley across the surface.
  • Arrange the olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and watercress attractively over the top.
  • Serve immediately with fresh sourdough bread for dipping and scooping.

Notes

This labneh platter is highly customizable. Feel free to add roasted peppers, sliced avocado, marinated artichokes, or chickpeas for additional flavor and texture.
For a complete mezze experience, pair this dish with hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, and warm pita bread.
Labneh can also be spread onto sandwiches, wraps, or toast for a delicious lunch option.