A Mediterranean Mezze Platter is one of the easiest ways to eat and entertain with a high “wow!” factor with a minimal level of effort. Bonus that its healthy! Shall we get into it?
Was going to spend the entire summer island-hopping around the Mediterranean on my megayacht but plans got derailed again this year because of variants.
And also because I don’t actually have my own megayacht. So it looks like an Epic Mediterranean Mezze Platter at home is going to have to suffice.
Mezze, also spelled “meze,” is an assortment of dips, spreads, vegetables, and small dishes served together and meant to be shared, family-style. It is a way of eating that originated around the Mediterranean and Middle East. Those of us who didnt grow up with or are not familiar with mezze might think of mezze as “appetizers” or “snacks,” though mezze can be, and in this house often is, a meal in an of itself.
Not only do I love the actual foods like hummus with fresh vegetables, tzatziki, and olives, but I love the way of eating by grazing a huge variety of bright, colorful flavors. This is part of the Mediterranean Diet, so I am, quite literally, on board.
Though each of the mezze can be served in individual bowls and plates at the table, putting everything together on a board or platter makes an impressive presentation. It also means there are fewer individual bowls to clean up. recipe link:
What Is a Mezze Platter? Mezze (or meze) is an assortment of small dishes eaten as appetizers or a light meal. Its contents vary by region, but the concept of grazing on a board filled with savory goodies remains the same. Dips and spreads, such as hummus, yogurt, and baba ganoush are commonplace.
Others Dips and Spreads for Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Tzatziki. Everyones favorite garlic-infused yogurt with cucumber and any number of additional herbs, spices, and seasonings, is called different things in different places. I love them ALL. This version of Tzatziki with Chopped Cucumbers is my ALL-TIME FAVORITE because it keeps 1-2 lightly smashed garlic cloves whole and in the yogurt overnight while it and/or salted cucumbers are draining, then removed right before serving. The cucumbers are diced into tiny ⅛-inch dice, rather than shredded.
Beetziki. Beet Tzatziki is basically a very strongly garlic-heavy yogurt dip with pureed beets. I have not seen it sold ready in packages at regular grocery stores, but if you know of a resource, please let me know. I am not a huge fan of beets because they taste a little too “earthy” for me, but I love them added to this dip. Get the Beetziki recipe here. If you want to keep the dramatic color and lose the dairy, make a Beet Hummus.
Skordalia. Skordalia is garlicky potato purée used as a dip or spread. Sometimes with added bread or nuts for body and flavor. This one is made with purple sweet potatoes. Partly for color, mostly for the added health benefit of sweet potatoes over regular white potatoes. Get the recipe for Purple Sweet Potato Skordalia here.
Zucchini Ghanoush. This Roasted Zucchini Dip, what Ive been calling “Zucchini Ghanoush” is essentially baba ghanoush, but substitutes roasted zucchini for eggplant because I have a slight eggplant intolerance.
Hummus for a Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Homemade Hummus. If you have it in you, and I know you do, make your own homemade hummus. Homemade hummus is inexcusably easy, especially if you use canned chickpeas (I like this Organic brand). If you start with dried chickpeas, well damn, you dont even need to be reading this do you. Get these hummus recipes:
Store-bought Hummus. There are SO MANY brands of prepared hummus out there. Generally, theyre all preeeeetty good, so if youre going the route of store-bought, buy whichever one you like best. Just make sure the hummus is made from non-gmo ingredients.
How to Build the Ultimate Mediterranean Mezze Platter
FAQ
What is the name of the Arabic platter?
What does a mezze platter consist of?
What is in a Mezza?
What is the difference between Mediterranean and mezze?
What is included in a Mediterranean mezze platter?
This Mediterranean Mezze Platter includes a selection of assorted traditional Greek appetizers, including Kalamata olives, feta cheese, eggplant dip, stuffed grape leaves, vegan fig salami, graviera cheese spread, hummus, and other Mediterranean spreads.
What is a Mediterranean mezze platter (charcuterie board)?
This Mediterranean Mezze Platter (Charcuterie Board) is customized to include all your favorite bites and nibbles in the same glorious place. Break out the cutting board and let’s get this charcuterie party started! When it comes to delightful culinary creations, a Mediterranean charcuterie platter stands as a true masterpiece.
What is a Mediterranean charcuterie platter?
Crafting a Mediterranean charcuterie platter is an art that involves building flavors, textures, and aesthetics. It’s an opportunity to bring the vibrant and diverse cuisine of the Mediterranean region to your dining table. And it’s the perfect board for entertaining people you love!
What is a Lebanese mezze platter?
The Lebanese way with small plates, or mezze, lends itself perfectly to a party board or platter. My Lebanese Mezze Platter is just luscious with hummus, labneh, fresh veggies, olives, pita chips, and more. My “recipe” is a list of possibilities for your platter or board; you’ll run with it from here!