Mediterranean Mezze Tapas Feast Recipe
A vibrant Mediterranean Mezze Tapas Feast featuring a colorful variety of dips, fresh vegetables, marinated olives, cheeses, and warm pita bread. This easy-to-assemble platter offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, ideal for sharing at gatherings or themed dinners.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook with Grilling/Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Mezze Selection
- 1 cup hummus (classic, roasted red pepper, or beet)
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce or whipped feta
- ½ cup marinated olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or mixed)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, sliced into rounds
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup stuffed grape leaves (dolmas)
- ½ cup roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
- 1 small block of halloumi cheese, grilled or pan-seared
- 1 cup warm pita bread triangles or lavash crackers
Optional Add-Ons
- Artichoke hearts
- Baba ganoush or muhammara dip
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh herbs (mint, dill, or parsley) for garnish
- Prepare the Dips: Spoon the hummus and tzatziki into small serving bowls. Drizzle the hummus with high-quality olive oil and sprinkle with paprika or za’atar to enhance its flavor and presentation.
- Arrange the Tapas: On a large serving board or platter, place the bowls of dips first. Neatly arrange the marinated olives, roasted red peppers, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese evenly around the dips.
- Add Stuffed Grape Leaves and Roasted Chickpeas: Place the stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) and roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts on the platter to provide additional texture and flavor contrast.
- Prepare Warm Elements: Grill or pan-sear the halloumi cheese until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Arrange the warm halloumi and pita bread triangles or lavash crackers near the center of the platter to encourage dipping and sharing.
- Garnish and Finish: Scatter fresh herbs such as mint, dill, or parsley across the platter for a burst of freshness and color. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients and place a few lemon wedges on the side to provide brightness and acidity.
- Serve: Serve the mezze immediately as a shared appetizer or a light meal. It’s perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or any Mediterranean-themed night. Consider pairing it with a light sparkling beverage or lemon-mint iced tea for a refreshing balance.
Notes
- Use a variety of olives and dips for a more colorful and flavorful spread.
- Halloumi cheese can be substituted with grilled mozzarella or paneer if unavailable.
- Roasted chickpeas add crunch and protein, but toasted nuts work well too for texture variation.
- Produce freshness is key; choose ripe tomatoes and fresh cucumbers for the best taste.
- Serve pita bread warm for optimal flavor and softness.
- Optional add-ons like baba ganoush or muhammara can elevate the dip variety and impress guests.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of platter
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Mezze, Tapas, Hummus, Tzatziki, Halloumi, Appetizer, Party Platter, Vegetarian, Mezze Feast