Mediterranean Mezze Platter

This mezze platter is an assortment of snack options including salads, cheeses, olives, hummus, pita bread and vegetables, all arranged as a hearty appetizer plate to serve a crowd. A simple yet impressive offering that always gets rave reviews.

When I’m hosting a party, a serve a variety of appetizers including raspberry baked brie, bacon wrapped shrimp and this fresh and colorful mezze platter.

One of my favorite local restaurants serves a mezze platter on their appetizer menu, and I have to order it every time I go there. It’s the most delicious combination of grilled pita bread, hummus, olives, yogurt sauce and cheese. I now make my own sampler platter for every gathering, and people just go crazy for it!

What does mezze platter mean?

The word “meze” refers to a taste or a snack, and is similar to the tapas served in Spain. A mezze platter contains a variety of foods that are often served as appetizers in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

How do you make a mezze platter?

Arrange a variety of dips, cheeses, olives, raw vegetables and pita bread triangles on a large platter. You can use store bought items such as hummus, dolmas and tabbouleh or make your own Mediterranean delicacies. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, or serve right away.

Tips for a perfect platter

• I like to include at least 2 dips, some of the more popular options include hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, feta dip or muhammara. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top of your dips along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
• The most popular cheese for a mezze platter is feta cheese. I like to take it a step further by marinating cubes of feta cheese in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and parsley.
• Fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Cucumbers and tomatoes are typical additions, but other great choices include radishes, red bell peppers and baby carrots.
• Feel free to purchase pre-made dolmas, or you can make your own.
• Many of the components of the platter, including the dolmas, hummus, tabbouleh and baba ganoush, can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. If you don’t want to make your own dips and salads, you can purchase them from the deli area of the grocery store.
• Check out the olive bar at your local grocery store and choose an assortment of black and green olives in different sizes and shapes.

Mediterranean Tapas Ideas

While most tapas platters include the basics like pita bread and hummus, you can add any Mediterranean themed ingredients to your appetizer offering.

• Fresh fruit such as orange wedges, halved figs, pomegranates or grapes.
• Grilled veggies including artichokes, eggplant, zucchini or bell peppers.
• Cured meats such as prosciutto or salami.
• Pickled vegetables such as garlic cloves, asparagus or green beans.
• Nuts including pistachios, almonds or walnuts.
• Dippers like breadsticks, crackers or pita chips.
• Heartier fare including meatballs or falafel.

You simply can’t go wrong with a mezze platter. They’re easy to make, look beautiful, and there’s a little something for everyone!

More party snacks

• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
• Herb Veggie Dip
• Fried Wontons
• Coconut Shrimp
• Fried Pickles

Mezze Platter Video