I’ve been so excited to share this platter with you all. It’s become a go-to appetizer plate that I’ve been serving for years now. It’s just so “no fuss”, yet so yummy. And with all the fresh seasonal summer fruits and vegetables, it’s even pretty too! Here the concept in a nutshell. Head to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or your favorite local store with a great selection of fresh deli offerings. And then? Take it all out and arrange everything in a pretty display on your favorite board or platter. Everything comes from the store, but you can still make it look fancy. When it comes to entertaining. The appetizers can always be the thing we forget about or leave to the last minute. I really think the secret to being a stress-free host is to make stress-free appetizers. These days there are so many incredible options from the store. We can utilize these great selections to give us a helping hand! No one needs to know.
What is a Mezze platter? It’s a style of dining in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, usually consisting of Spanish tapas and other small plates and finger foods. I gave it my own spin, but it’s always the prettiest appetizer to serve. And fun to enjoy as well!
Here is how I make my easy Mediterranean mezze platter
Step 1: head to the store First things first, assess what you already have on hand for your platter. Then make a list and head to the store. I go to Whole Foods since that’s what we have closest to us. But Trader Joe’s or your favorite store will all work. Pick everything up that you want to serve on your platter. Tzatziki, hummus, assorted marinated or pickled peppers, olives, marinated feta cheese, get it all! Then, grab fresh pita, pita chips, and some crackers. If you don’t want to make a vinaigrette, pick something you know you’ll love when spooned over Tzatziki and hummus. Step 2: set it all out Make sure your ingredients are getting close to room temperature for the very best flavors. Locate your favorite wood board or large serving platter and spend a little time arranging everything. I add the pita and crackers last. Then, to make it super fun and pretty, I add fresh garden herbs and edible flowers just before people arrive.
Step 3: the (optional) vinaigrette
I love to make a quick lemon herb vinaigrette for drizzling and spooning over all the dips and fresh vegetables on my platter. You can use something from the store too, but my homemade vinaigrette is pretty quick and simple. It’s an olive oil basil balsamic honey vinaigrette made with a small amount of raw shallot and plenty of herbs. The shallot adds this nice really subtle flavor, while the herbs and lemon brighten things up. For the herbs, I went heavy on the basil and oregano, then added pinches of fresh dill and thyme. You can use any combination of herbs you love most. But when it comes to a summer platter, I always say to be sure to add basil and flowers. And that’s how I do it! Not a lot of effort, but such a gorgeous and delicious end result. This makes a great appetizer for any dinner – summer, fall, winter, or spring. Swap out seasonal produce to make it customizable to the season/time of year. You could even serve this as an afternoon snack or as a light meal. If you’re hosting friends for dinner – make this, it never disappoints, and doubles as the prettiest centerpiece for any table!
Looking for other easy appetizer recipes?? Here are my favorites: Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates. Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic Lastly, if you make this Easy Mediterranean Mezze Platter, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
