A Mediterranean Mezze Platter is a colorful and diverse assortment of small dishes perfect for sharing. This platter features a variety of dips, fresh salads, stuffed grape leaves, and warm pita, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal. With its mix of flavors, textures, and fresh ingredients, the Mediterranean Mezze Platter brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table.
1 oven (for roasting vegetables or warming pita, if desired)
Ingredients
For the Dips:
1cup240g hummus
1cup240g baba ganoush
1cup240g tzatziki (optional)
For the Salad:
1 ½cups150g fresh parsley, finely chopped
1cup150g tomatoes, diced
1cup100g cucumber, diced
½cup50g red onion, finely diced
1cup100g bulgur wheat (for tabbouleh)
1tablespoonolive oil
2tablespoonslemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For Stuffed Grape LeavesDolmas:
12-15grape leavescanned or fresh
1cup180g rice
1tablespoonolive oil
½teaspoondried mint
1teaspoonlemon zest
For the Pita Bread:
4pita breadscut into wedges
Extras:
1cup150g marinated olives
1cup150g cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
Fresh herbsparsley or mint for garnish
1lemoncut into wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Dips: Arrange the hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki (if using) in small bowls. Place them on the platter as the base of your mezze.
Make the Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cooked bulgur wheat. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and place the salad on the platter.
Prepare the Dolmas: If using store-bought stuffed grape leaves, arrange them neatly on the platter. If making your own, stuff grape leaves with rice, olive oil, dried mint, and lemon zest, and roll tightly. Place them on the platter as well.
Warm the Pita Bread: Cut the pita bread into wedges and toast them lightly in the oven or on a grill. Arrange them around the dips on the platter.
Add Extras: Fill in any gaps on the platter with marinated olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Garnish with lemon wedges for a final touch.
Serve: Present the platter to your guests, offering extra pita bread, veggies, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
Customization: You can add grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. For a more substantial meal, grilled chicken skewers or falafel balls can also be added to the platter.
Advance Prep: Most of the components, especially dips and salads, can be made a day ahead. Just store them in airtight containers and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Dietary Variations: This platter is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita bread or serve the platter with vegetable sticks for dipping.
Serving Tips: This platter is perfect for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or even as a light lunch. Serve with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.