A Middle Eastern Picnic

Grilled Pita Bread with Za'atar

This chewy flatbread topped with za’atar, a spice blend of wild thyme, tangy sumac, and toasted sesame seeds, can be either grilled outdoors or oven-baked and finished in a grill pan.

The Menu

More About This Menu

Most of the dishes in this menu can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge until picnic time. You'll want to fry the eggplant for the sandwiches and mix the cherry salad the same day, however, so they don't get soggy overnight. Get a head start on the salad by pitting the cherries the night before.
While the pita bread calls for grilling, it can also be baked in an oven and finished in a grill pan on the stovetop—or, you can substitute store-bought pita or other flatbread.
Pack the ingredients for the sandwiches in separate containers, then assemble them on-site.
The real beauty of this menu is its versatility. For more recipe ideas, see our collection of Middle Eastern meze »
For more picnic recipes, the best equipment, a menu generator and more, check out our guide to the perfect picnic »