Mediterranean Mezza Platter (Printable Version)

A vibrant Mediterranean platter with dips, cheeses, olives, and fresh herbs drizzled with olive oil.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dips & Spreads

01 - 1 cup classic hummus
02 - 1 cup baba ganoush
03 - 1 cup tzatziki

→ Cheeses

04 - 5.3 oz feta cheese, cut into rustic cubes

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
07 - 1 cup assorted olives (Kalamata, green, Castelvetrano)
08 - 1 roasted red bell pepper, sliced
09 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Breads

10 - 2 large pita breads, cut into triangles (use gluten-free flatbread if needed)

→ Garnishes

11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
12 - 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn
13 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
14 - 1 tsp sumac or zaatar, optional
15 - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Extras (Optional)

16 - 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts
17 - 1/2 cup dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)
18 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

# How to Make:

01 - Place hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki in small, distinct mounds around a large serving platter.
02 - Position rustic cubes of feta cheese in a small cluster on the platter.
03 - Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, assorted olives, roasted red pepper, and red onion in loose, organic mounds around the dips and cheese.
04 - Add bread triangles in a separate pile or fan them around the platter’s edge.
05 - If using, distribute artichoke hearts, dolmas, and pine nuts in small clusters across the platter.
06 - Generously drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over dips, cheese, and vegetables.
07 - Sprinkle chopped parsley, torn mint, sumac or zaatar, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
08 - Offer immediately, allowing guests to help themselves.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's impressively simple—no cooking skills required, just thoughtful assembly and a good eye for color and balance
  • The variety means there's something for everyone, whether they're hungry for protein, vegetables, or just want to dip bread endlessly
  • It actually gets easier the second time you make it because you learn which elements complement each other and how to arrange them like a painter with a palette
02 -
  • Temperature matters—if your dips are cold from the fridge, take them out 15 minutes before serving so they taste better and the olive oil doesn't congeal on top
  • Assemble the platter no more than an hour before serving; vegetables start to release their moisture and the bread can get soggy if left too long
  • The secret that changed everything for me was tasting each component on its own before assembling, then tasting combinations. This taught me how to build flavors that talk to each other
03 -
  • The dips are much better made a day ahead—flavors develop overnight and your morning is less stressful
  • If you're making this for a crowd, assemble on the largest surface you own; it looks more impressive and gives guests easier access from all sides
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