This easy Mezze Platter brings the best of Mediterranean snacking straight to your table with a colorful mix of creamy dips, crisp vegetables, warm pita, and briny bites. It's a no-cook spread that’s bursting with flavor and texture, and is one of the most inviting and versatile appetizers you can serve. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, packing a summer picnic, or building a casual weeknight snack board, this beautiful platter is as fun to assemble as it is to enjoy.

A mezze platter is a celebration of variety, flavor, and ease. You can scale it up for a crowd or keep it small for a cozy evening at home. This platter also serves as a base for creativity: swap in your favorite ingredients, try new dips, or experiment with different textures and colors. With so many elements to enjoy, everyone can find something they love!
Why You'll Love this Mezze Platter Recipe
- Beautiful and colorful. With its vibrant array of veggies, dips, and garnishes, this mezze platter is a true feast for the eyes. The rich colors and variety of ingredients make it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday grazing.
- Effortless to assemble. There’s no cooking required — just a bit of slicing, scooping, and arranging. You can have this impressive Mediterranean appetizer board ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute guests or when you need something quick but impressive.
- Loaded with flavor and texture. From creamy hummus and cool tzatziki to crunchy cucumbers and briny olives, every bite is a delicious contrast. The combination of bold Mediterranean flavors ensures each bite is layered, interesting, and satisfying.
- Easily customizable. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky, you can mix and match ingredients to suit any crowd. Add grilled veggies, nuts, or seasonal fruit to personalize your mezze board.
- Perfect for sharing. Mezze is meant to be enjoyed communally. It’s casual, conversational, and makes gatherings feel more relaxed and connected. Everyone can nibble at their own pace while enjoying time together.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Mezze Platter, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- hummus – creamy and protein-rich, it’s the classic base dip. Use any kind of hummus you like! Try plain Classic Hummus or flavored varieties like Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Pesto Hummus, or Beet Hummus.
- tzatziki sauce – cool, tangy yogurt-cucumber dip for contrast. You can substitute with labneh or herbed Greek yogurt.
- muhammara – a smoky-sweet dip made with roasted red peppers and walnuts. Optional but highly recommended for depth and variety. You can also swap in something like roasted red pepper hummus, baba ganoush, or even a spicy red pesto for a similar color and complexity.
- olive oil – drizzle over dips or veggies for richness and shine. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- marinated olives – briny and savory, they add a punch of salt and fat. Choose a mix of green and black varieties.
- dolmas – grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice and herbs. They’re a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and can usually be found in the international or deli section of most grocery stores. You can also find them in cans or jars at Middle Eastern or specialty food markets. If you can't find any, just leave it out.
- feta cheese – creamy and salty, perfect for crumbling or cubing. You can substitute with goat cheese or halloumi.
- Persian cucumbers – feel free to substitute with English cucumbers or mini bell peppers.
- cherry tomatoes – grape tomatoes or sliced Roma tomatoes also work.
- figs – fresh or dried, they offer a sweet contrast. Substitute with other fresh fruit like grapes or cherries, or try dried fruits like dried apricots or dates.
- pita bread – use store-bought pita or try to make Homemade Pita Bread yourself! I also recommend warming slightly before serving.
- crackers and/or pita chips – for extra crunch and variety.
- fresh herbs – mint or dill adds aroma and color.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large wooden or ceramic platter or board, small bowls for dips, knives and spoons for serving, and napkins or small plates.
How to Make the Best Mezze Platter
- On a large platter, arrange the items that are in a bowl (these are the hummus, tzatziki, muhammara, and olives), spacing them apart from each other in a non-symmetrical pattern. Drizzle the hummus and tzatziki with olive oil on top, if desired.
- Arrange the dolmas, feta, cucumbers, tomato, and figs around the bowls on the platter.
- Arrange the pita bread and crackers in any gaps or around the platter.
- Fill any remaining gaps with fresh mint and dill.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein. Include sliced grilled chicken, lamb meatballs, steak bites, or falafel for a more filling platter that doubles as a meal.
- Add more veggies. Skip meats and pile on more vegetables like roasted eggplant, grilled zucchini, or artichoke hearts to keep it plant-based.
- Add fruit and nuts. Grapes, pomegranate seeds, almonds, or pistachios add contrast and variety while enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
- Make it spicy. Include a small bowl of harissa or spicy chili oil for dipping or drizzling, or add stuffed spicy peppers for a kick.
How to Serve
Serve your Mezze Platter as an appetizer or as part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired spread. It pairs beautifully with:
- Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers
- Tabbouleh Salad
- Baked Greek Chicken Breast with Souvlaki Marinade
- Greek Rice
- Italian Lentil Soup
- Chickpea Greek Salad
- Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebabs
For more recipes, see our 30 Best Greek Recipes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use small bowls for dips. This keeps things neat and helps contain runny ingredients like tzatziki or hummus while adding height and dimension to the board.
- Group ingredients by type. Place dips in the center, crunchy items around the edges, and soft items like cheese or figs in between to make it easy to grab.
- Warm the pita bread. A quick toast or microwave makes it extra soft and more flavorful. Serve in a napkin-lined basket to keep warm.
- Chop veggies just before serving. This keeps cucumbers and tomatoes crisp and prevents sogginess on the platter.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and herbs. Right before serving, add a final drizzle and scatter of herbs for a professional, restaurant-style finish.
Storing Instructions
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dips will keep for 3–4 days, and veggies are best within 1–2 days. Reassemble as needed.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare most of the components a few hours in advance. Store dips and chopped veggies in separate containers in the fridge, and assemble the platter right before serving for the freshest presentation. Just hold off on slicing the figs and warming the pita until you're ready to serve.
If you're taking your mezze platter to a party or picnic, it's best to pack each component in its own container and assemble everything on-site. Bring along a tray or board, small serving bowls, and serving utensils so you can set it up easily when you arrive. Transporting dips in tightly sealed containers and using plastic wrap to cover pre-sliced veggies helps prevent spills and keeps everything fresh.
Yes! Stick with mild dips like hummus and tzatziki, and include familiar items like pita bread, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of cheese. You can leave out the more adventurous components and focus on finger foods that are easy for little hands to grab. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new flavors in a low-pressure, snackable format.
More Platter Recipes
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Recipe
Mezze Platter
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Mezze Platter brings the best of Mediterranean snacking straight to your table with a colorful mix of creamy dips, crisp vegetables, warm pita, and briny bites. It's a no-cook spread that’s bursting with flavor and texture, and is one of the most inviting and versatile appetizers you can serve. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, packing a summer picnic, or building a casual weeknight snack board, this beautiful platter is as fun to assemble as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups hummus
- 1-2 cups tzatziki
- 1 cup muhammara
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¾ cup marinated olives, variety of black and green
- 6-8 dolmas (stuffed grape leaf rolls)
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) feta cheese, cubed
- 6 mini Persian cucumbers, cut into spears
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
- figs, halved
- 3-4 pita bread rounds
- crackers and/or pita chips
- fresh herbs, mint and dill
Instructions
- On a large platter, arrange the items that are in a bowl (these are the hummus, tzatziki, muhammara, and olives), spacing them apart from each other in a non-symmetrical pattern. Drizzle the hummus and tzatziki with olive oil on top, if desired.
- Arrange the dolmas, feta, cucumbers, tomato, and figs around the bowls on the platter.
- Arrange the pita bread and crackers in any gaps or around the platter.
- Fill any remaining gaps with fresh mint and dill.
Notes
How to store: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dips will keep for 3–4 days, and veggies are best within 1–2 days. Reassemble as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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