🌿 Mediterranean Mezze Tapas Platter

Ingredients:

For the Platter Base:

1 cup classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup baba ganoush (eggplant dip)
1 cup tzatziki (yogurt cucumber dip)
½ cup marinated olives (green & kalamata)
½ cup feta cheese (cubed or crumbled)
1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
½ cup stuffed grape leaves (dolmas)
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup cucumber slices
1 cup carrot and celery sticks
1 cup falafel (small, bite-sized)
1–2 pita breads or naan, warmed & cut into wedges
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, dill) for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare dips – Place hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki into small serving bowls. Drizzle hummus with olive oil and sprinkle paprika.
Arrange platter – On a large board or platter, start with dips and cheese in bowls.
Add proteins – Place falafel and stuffed grape leaves around dips.
Add veggies – Fill spaces with cucumber, carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes.
Add extras – Scatter olives, roasted peppers, and pita wedges.
Finish – Garnish with fresh parsley, mint, or dill. Drizzle extra olive oil lightly over veggies and cheese.

Serve immediately as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. 🌸

❓ Q&A Section

Q: Can I make this platter ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep dips, chop veggies, and roast falafel up to 1 day ahead. Assemble platter just before serving.

Q: What can I substitute for falafel?
A: Grilled chicken skewers, lamb kofta, or roasted chickpeas work great.

Q: What if I don’t have baba ganoush?
A: Replace with muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), labneh, or extra hummus.

Q: How do I keep pita bread soft?
A: Warm it in foil in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes, then keep wrapped until serving.

Q: Is this platter vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s fully vegetarian. You can make it vegan by swapping tzatziki & feta for dairy-free alternatives.

Q: What drinks pair well with this?
A: Sparkling water with lemon, mint iced tea, or light white wines (like Sauvignon Blanc).