Name: Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Hummus: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade) Falafel: 8-10 pieces (store-bought or homemade) Tabbouleh: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade) Olives: 1/2 cup (green, black, or mixed) Pita Bread: 4-6 pita pockets or flatbreads, cut into wedges Cucumber: 1, sliced into rounds Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved Carrot Sticks: 1-2 carrots, cut into sticks Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional) Roasted Red Peppers: 1/2 cup, sliced (jarred or homemade) Tzatziki Sauce: 1/2 cup (optional but highly recommended) Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, mint, or dill for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Mediterranean Mezze Platter is all about variety, making it a fun and customizable dish for any occasion. The combination of creamy dips, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory bites creates a delicious mix of textures and tastes. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also a great way to introduce a range of Mediterranean ingredients to your guests or family. Whether you’re serving it for a gathering or as a casual meal, it’s a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Hummus: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Falafel: 8-10 pieces (store-bought or homemade)
Tabbouleh: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Olives: 1/2 cup (green, black, or mixed)
Pita Bread: 4-6 pita pockets or flatbreads, cut into wedges
Cucumber: 1, sliced into rounds
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
Carrot Sticks: 1-2 carrots, cut into sticks
Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional)
Roasted Red Peppers: 1/2 cup, sliced (jarred or homemade)
Tzatziki Sauce: 1/2 cup (optional but highly recommended)
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, mint, or dill for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the platter: Begin by arranging the components of the mezze platter on a large serving board or platter. Start with the dips—place the hummus and tzatziki sauce in separate bowls and arrange them near the center.
Add the falafel: If you’re making your own falafel, cook them according to the recipe instructions. Once ready, place them on the platter around the dips. If using store-bought, warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tabbouleh: If you’re making tabbouleh, prepare it according to your recipe. Spoon it into a small bowl and place it on the platter. If you’re using store-bought tabbouleh, simply add it to the platter.
Arrange vegetables and fruits: Around the dips and falafel, arrange the cucumber slices, halved cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, and roasted red peppers. You can also add slices of lemon for a tangy, fresh garnish.
Pita bread: Cut the pita bread or flatbreads into wedges and arrange them on the platter for dipping. You can warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer them warm.
Add olives and feta: Scatter olives and crumbled feta cheese around the platter for added flavor. If you like, drizzle a little olive oil over the feta for a richer taste.
Garnish: Top off the platter with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill for a pop of color and added freshness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes (no cooking required unless making dips or falafel from scratch)

Variations

Vegetarian or Vegan: Make sure all the dips and spreads are vegan-friendly if needed. Vegan hummus and tzatziki options are widely available, and you can make your own.
Gluten-Free: Serve the platter with gluten-free pita bread or rice crackers instead of traditional pita.
Add Grilled Meats: Include grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or beef kofta on the platter for added protein.
Cheese Variety: In addition to feta, you can add other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella balls for extra variety.
Pickles: Add a small dish of pickled vegetables like turnips or cucumbers for extra tang and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dips and components separate to maintain their freshness.
Reheating: If you have leftover falafel or pita bread, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh them. However, fresh vegetables and dips are best served chilled, so they don’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. What are the best dips for a Mediterranean Mezze Platter?

Hummus and tzatziki are the classic dips for a mezze platter. You can also include baba ganoush (eggplant dip), muhammara (red pepper and walnut dip), or a yogurt-based dip like labneh.

2. Can I make the falafel ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the falafel ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the oven before serving.

3. Can I make tabbouleh ahead of time?

Yes, tabbouleh can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

4. Can I serve the Mediterranean Mezze Platter with non-Mediterranean foods?

While it’s traditionally Mediterranean, you can customize the platter with other foods like cheeses, pickled vegetables, and even grilled meats from other cuisines to suit your guests’ preferences.

5. How do I keep the pita bread fresh?

Pita bread is best served warm. If you’re not serving it immediately, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

6. Can I serve the mezze platter with other types of bread?

Yes! While pita bread is traditional, you can also serve the platter with flatbreads, crostini, or even crackers for variety.

7. Can I add other fresh fruits to the platter?

Yes! Fresh fruits like grapes, pomegranate seeds, or figs pair well with Mediterranean flavors and can add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory dishes.

8. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

If you don’t have fresh herbs for garnish, you can substitute with dried herbs or omit them entirely. The platter will still be delicious without them.

9. Is Mediterranean Mezze Platter a good option for meal prep?

Yes, the Mediterranean Mezze Platter is great for meal prep. You can prepare the dips, falafel, and tabbouleh ahead of time and assemble the platter just before serving.

10. Can I make a smaller version of this platter?

Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities to make a smaller or larger platter depending on how many people you’re serving.

Conclusion

A Mediterranean Mezze Platter is an incredibly versatile, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a light meal, or simply enjoying a fresh and healthy bite, this platter is packed with delicious flavors and textures. The combination of creamy dips, crunchy vegetables, and savory bites makes it a perfect choice for a fun, shareable meal. With endless possibilities for customization, the Mediterranean Mezze Platter is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

1. What are the best dips for a Mediterranean Mezze Platter?

2. Can I make the falafel ahead of time?

3. Can I make tabbouleh ahead of time?

4. Can I serve the Mediterranean Mezze Platter with non-Mediterranean foods?

5. How do I keep the pita bread fresh?

6. Can I serve the mezze platter with other types of bread?

7. Can I add other fresh fruits to the platter?

8. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

9. Is Mediterranean Mezze Platter a good option for meal prep?

10. Can I make a smaller version of this platter?

Conclusion

Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition