You're drizzling olive oil over fresh flatbread when you realize the zaatar jar is empty. That earthy-tangy-nutty blend anchors Middle Eastern breads, roasted vegetables, and yogurt dips.
Zaatar combines dried herbs-usually thyme and marjoram-with sumac's citrus tang and toasted sesame's nuttiness. Without it, dishes lose layers of flavor.
Most substitutes rebuild zaatar's profile by mixing pantry herbs with something tangy and something nutty.
Thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon each per 3 tablespoon zaatar) come closest to the original. Oregano with sesame and lime zest works when sumac isn't available. Herbes de Provence plus sesame covers the herb base but lacks the signature tang.
Out of Zaatar? Try These 5 Swaps
Each substitute replicates different aspects-some match the herb base, others focus on tang or nuttiness. Pick based on what your dish needs most.
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| # | Substitute | Best For | Ratio | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thyme-Sumac-Sesame | ✨ Both | 1:1:1 mix | Most accurate flavor |
| 2 | Oregano-Sesame-Lime | 🍳 Cooking | 2:1:1 tsp | Lime mimics sumac |
| 3 | Herbes de Provence | 🍳 Cooking | 2:1 blend | Lacks sumac tang |
| 4 | DIY Zaatar Mix | ✨ Both | 1:1:1:1 mix | Needs all components |
| 5 | Italian Seasoning Mix | 🍳 Cooking | 2:1:1 tsp | Familiar herb flavor |
1. Thyme-Sumac-Sesame Blend 🌿
Thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds rebuild zaatar's three flavor layers-herbal, tangy, nutty. Mix 1 tablespoon dried thyme + 1 tablespoon sumac + 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds per 3 tablespoon zaatar needed.
This combo works anywhere zaatar does. The thyme brings earthiness, sumac adds fruity sourness, sesame contributes toasted richness.
- ✅ Matches all three flavor components
- ✅ Works raw or cooked
- ✅ Closest to authentic zaatar
- ⚠️ Requires sourcing sumac separately
Use it on flatbreads, in marinades, or mixed into labneh. If you can find Sumac substitutes for cooking, you're halfway there already.
2. Oregano-Sesame-Lime Mix 🍋
Dried oregano stands in for zaatar's herb base when thyme isn't available. Mix 2 tablespoon oregano + 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds + 1 teaspoon lime zest per 3 tablespoon zaatar.
Lime zest mimics sumac's citrus tang-not identical, but close enough for most applications. Oregano's milder than thyme but still earthy.
- 🍳 In dressings: Works well for vinaigrettes and tahini sauces
- 🥗 On vegetables: Excellent for roasted or grilled dishes
- ⚠️ Skip for raw bread: Lime zest texture stands out more than sumac
Check swaps when Lime Zest runs out if fresh limes aren't around either.
3. Herbes de Provence Blend 🌸
Herbes de Provence covers the herb component with its mix of thyme, rosemary, and lavender. Add 2 tablespoon herbes de Provence + 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds per 3 tablespoon zaatar.
The blend runs more floral than zaatar and lacks any tanginess. It works best in cooked applications where the flavor mellows.
- ✅ Adds aromatic complexity to roasted meats
- ✅ Pantry-friendly swap most people own
- ⚠️ Lavender notes change the flavor
The missing sumac means you'll need to add acid elsewhere in the dish. Quick Sesame Seed replacements to try can help if you're out of those too.
4. Homemade Zaatar Blend 🏡
Mixing 1 tablespoon dried thyme + 1 tablespoon dried marjoram + 1 tablespoon sumac + 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds gives you actual zaatar. This isn't a shortcut-it's rebuilding the blend from scratch.
Marjoram adds a sweeter, milder note than thyme alone. Together with thyme, it matches traditional zaatar herb ratios.
- ✅ Authentic flavor when you have all components
- ✅ Works in every application zaatar does
Store leftover mix in an airtight container for up to three months. Toast whole sesame seeds yourself for better flavor-just dry-toast them in a pan until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Italian Seasoning Mix 🇮🇹
Italian seasoning brings familiar herbs-oregano, basil, thyme-that approximate zaatar's herbal base. Mix 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning + 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds + 1 teaspoon lemon zest per 3 tablespoon zaatar.
The flavor runs milder and sweeter than zaatar. Basil adds an unexpected note that doesn't belong in Middle Eastern dishes but works fine in fusion applications.
- ✅ Fastest pantry swap for cooked dishes
- ⚠️ Different herb profile changes dish character
Use this for quick weeknight roasted vegetables or grain bowls where zaatar's exact flavor isn't critical. For better results with the nutty component, try easy Sesame Seed swaps that work.
Match Your Pantry to Zaatar
Got thyme and sumac? Mix them with toasted sesame seeds-it's the closest match you'll get.
Only oregano? Add lime zest and sesame for a Mediterranean-leaning version that works in most cooked dishes.
Neither herb? Italian seasoning plus sesame and lemon zest covers basic seasoning needs but won't taste like zaatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll lose the nutty texture and toasted flavor that balances zaatar's tang. Sesame seeds aren't just filler-they add richness and a slight oiliness that rounds out the blend. Without them, substitutes taste sharper and one-dimensional.
Lemon or lime zest provides citrus tang without sumac's fruity depth. Use 1 teaspoon zest per 1 tablespoon sumac in the blend. The texture differs-zest is more fibrous-but it adds the acidity zaatar needs. Avoid lemon juice, which makes the mix too wet.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add raw sesame seeds in a single layer. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant-they burn fast. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a cool plate to stop cooking.
Thyme-sumac-sesame blend works best for manakeesh since it's closest to authentic zaatar. Mix it with olive oil before spreading on dough. Oregano-based or Italian seasoning swaps taste off-manakeesh depends on zaatar's specific herbal-tangy profile for its signature flavor.
Store DIY zaatar blends in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Keep it in a cool, dark place-light degrades herbs and sumac loses tang over time. Don't add salt or oil until you're ready to use it. Citrus zest-based versions last only 2 weeks before the zest dries out and loses flavor.
5 Best Substitutes for Zaatar
Ingredients
Method
- Choose the substitute best matching your dish's flavor needs and availability of ingredients.
- Combine the herbs, sesame seeds, and citrus zest or sumac as specified for each substitute blend.
- Adjust ratios slightly based on taste and desired tanginess or nuttiness.
- Use raw in breads and dips or sprinkle over cooked dishes as appropriate for the blend.
- For best flavor, toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before mixing.
Notes
- Sumac provides the signature tang; lemon or lime zest can substitute but with different texture.
- Sesame seeds add essential nuttiness and richness; omitting them results in a sharper flavor.
- Store homemade blends in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months to preserve freshness.
