Mediterranean Mezze Tapas Platter (Serves 4–6)

What is a Mezze?

Mezze is a selection of small Mediterranean dishes served together—similar to tapas. The idea is variety, balance, and lots of fresh flavors.

 Components of the Platter

You can mix and match, but a classic platter includes:

• Dips & spreads

• Fresh vegetables

• Proteins

• Bread & crackers

• Olives & extras

 1. Classic Hummus (Creamy & Smooth)

Ingredients

• 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained (save liquid)

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• Salt to taste

• 2–4 tbsp chickpea liquid or water

Instructions

1. Blend tahini and lemon juice first (30 seconds).

2. Add garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil.

3. Add chickpeas and blend until smooth.

4. Add liquid gradually until creamy.

5. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle paprika before serving.

 2. Baba Ganoush (Smoky Eggplant Dip)

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Roast eggplants at 220°C / 425°F for 40–45 min until collapsed.

2. Scoop out flesh and drain excess liquid.

3. Blend with remaining ingredients.

4. Chill 20 minutes for best flavor.

 3. Marinated Feta Cheese

Ingredients

• 200 g feta cheese, cubed

• Olive oil (enough to cover)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Chili flakes (optional)

• Lemon zest

• Fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions

1. Place feta in a jar or bowl.

2. Add herbs, zest, and chili.

3. Cover with olive oil.

4. Marinate at least 30 minutes.

 4. Simple Grilled Chicken or Falafel (Choose One)

Option A: Lemon Oregano Chicken

• Chicken breast strips

• Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt

• Grill or pan-sear 4–5 min per side

Option B: Falafel (Quick Version)

• Ready-made falafel, baked or air-fried

• Serve warm with tahini or yogurt sauce

 5. Fresh Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes

• Cucumber

• Red onion (thin slices)

• Parsley or mint

• Olive oil & lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

Mix just before serving.

 6. Bread & Crunch

• Warm pita bread (cut into triangles)

• Pita chips or flatbread crackers

 7. Olives & Extras

• Kalamata olives

• Green olives with lemon

• Roasted red peppers

• Pickled artichokes

 How to Assemble the Platter

1. Use a large wooden board or wide plate.

2. Place bowls of dips first.

3. Add proteins next.

4. Fill gaps with veggies, olives, and bread.

5. Finish with olive oil drizzle and fresh herbs.

 Q & A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Dips, feta, and salad ingredients can be prepped 1 day ahead. Assemble just before serving.

Q2: Is this platter vegetarian?

It can be! Skip chicken and add falafel, grilled halloumi, or stuffed grape leaves.

Q3: What sauces go well with mezze?

• Tzatziki

• Tahini sauce

• Garlic yogurt sauce

Q4: How do I keep hummus extra smooth?

Peel chickpeas (optional) and blend tahini + lemon first before adding anything else.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—serve with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks instead of pita.

Q6: What drinks pair well with this?

• Lemon mint water

• Sparkling water

• Iced herbal tea