Description
Mediterranean flavors dance across this mezze platter, showcasing colorful ingredients that blend tradition with modern flair. Guests will savor crisp vegetables, creamy dips, and perfectly seasoned nibbles that transport taste buds straight to Greece and Lebanon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups tzatziki sauce
- 2 cups hummus
- 2 cups marinated feta cheese
- 2 cups marinated olives
- 1–2 cups marinated/pickled bell peppers
- 1 jar sun-dried tomato pesto
- Persian cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Chunks of avocado
- Assorted fruits (cherries, peaches, berries, figs)
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic or champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Garnish and Accompaniments:
- Assorted nuts (roasted pistachios, candied walnuts, Marcona almonds)
- Assorted jams/honey
- Assorted pita (pita chips, crackers)
- 1 handful fresh herbs/edible flowers
Instructions
- Allow ingredients to reach ambient temperature for optimal flavor and texture, approximately 30 minutes before assembly.
- Select a spacious wooden board or ceramic platter as the foundation for your Mediterranean spread.
- Spread creamy hummus across one section of the platter, creating a smooth base layer with gentle swirling motions.
- Dollop tzatziki alongside the hummus, ensuring contrasting colors and textures are visible.
- Strategically position roasted vegetables like grilled zucchini, marinated artichokes, and charred bell peppers around the dips.
- Arrange briny olives, pickled vegetables, and marinated feta cheese in small clusters to add visual interest and Mediterranean authenticity.
- Create neat stacks of warm pita bread, crispy pita chips, and assorted crackers along the platter’s edges.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in elegant zigzag patterns over the dips and vegetables.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley, mint, and dill across the mezze for vibrant color and aromatic finish.
- Optional: Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
Notes
- Bring ingredients to room temperature to enhance flavors and improve texture of dips and spreads.
- Create visual appeal by arranging colorful ingredients in a balanced, artistic manner on the platter.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling to elevate the overall taste and authenticity of the Mediterranean mezze.
- Try different herb combinations like fresh mint, parsley, or dill to add vibrant freshness and aromatic complexity to the dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg