Vegan Mediterranean Mezze Platter

This vegan mezze platter presents a myriad of small dishes, dips, fresh breads, and accoutrements that is hard to pin on just one country, celebrating a long tradition through the Mediterranean and Middle East. Think of is as the vegan and vegetarian alternative to the charcuterie board - loaded with all the best dips, breads, veggies, and more. It's best enjoyed outdoors on a warm summer evening, but don't let that hold you back. It's the best way to slow down, make memories, and enjoy a nourishing, plant-based meal with your friends and family.

I made this epic spread for a collaboration with Mediterranean Living's website. You may find the recipe for Muhammara here on their site. Click here for the Fattoush Salad. The recipe for the Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables is in the recipe card below.

What is a Mediterranean Mezze Platter?

Most people know that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world. Mediterranean food is revered as being one of the most delicious and enjoyable cuisines. Part of that comes from their reliance on fresh vegetables, grains, and oils, but another part comes from the slower, more intentional food culture.

Each Mediterranean country has their own meze version with different names, varying elements, and distinct essence. They typically feature different Mediterranean favorites, like fresh, herby salads, creamy dips, like hummus and baba ghanoush, fresh or roasted vegetables, and more. 

What they share is the focus on grazing while spending quality time with loved ones, savoring life and food together. This style of eating is healthy for the spirit and for the digestion.

Some use the Meze as an appetizer, and others use it as a whole meal in its own right. 

I like a spread like this, with lots of different dishes, on a summer night, eaten al fresco as the main event. I borrow elements from several countries, and I veganize, which is easy since most Mediterranean food is heavier on plants.

Mediterranean Meze Platter Ingredients

The components of a mezze platter vary across the region, so consider this a starting point. Start here, but then expand and just with your favorite dips, veggies, fruits, and salads. Plus, it's an excellent way to feed a crowd.

You can easily expand to use a large platter (and more dips and sides) or even make a single-serving option for yourself. 

Click on the links below to find the other recipes in this Mediterranean Meze platter.

• Lebanese Fattoush Inspired Salad
• Roasted veggie platter 
• Muhammara dip
• Freshly baked pita

Syrian Muhammara Dip

Muhammara is a slightly spicy dip made from red peppers and walnuts that originates from Syria. My first exposure to this heavenly dip was in California, where I lived for a decade and a half.

My hubby was Sous Chef in a small Bistro in Berkeley, CA called "ZUT! on Fourth,” where they made the tastiest Mediterranean meze plate I have ever had in America.

The platter consisted of muhammara dip, an exquisite eggplant and raisin salad, and hummus served with homemade fluffy and char-grilled pita bread. My husband used to bring a platter home for us to nosh on when I was pregnant with our first child.

The distinct, creamy texture and flavor of Muhammara is such that years later, just the memory sparked a craving so strong that I set out to recreate my own version of the heavenly masterpiece. After doing research and using a friend's recipe (Chef Emily Baird of everythingyouwanttoeat) as a rough guide, I arrived at the ingredient and amount combo that I use in my recipe.

My cooking is usually done this way, with inspiration from others, researching a dish’s history, and then experimenting and improvising with the ingredients and combining to my own taste palette. I hope you try this piquant, tangy, and creamy dip. You will not be disappointed by its drool-worthy flavor profile and heavenly texture, especially when paired with warm pita bread.

Fattoush Inspired Salad

Discover the zesty and tangy flavors with this Fattoush inspired salad made with a delightful blend of crispy fried pita bread, vibrant greens, and crunchy raw vegetables, all dressed in a simple dressing.

This classic Lebanese salad doesn't need fancy dressings – a drizzle of olive oil and lemon is all it takes to make those fresh, crisp flavors burst to life. But here's the secret weapon: sumac. 

This tangy, citrusy spice will elevate the flavors of this salad to a whole new level. If you’ve never tasted sumac, it's time to make it a pantry staple. Your taste buds will thank you.

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

These vibrant and tender roasted vegetables are the key ingredient of your meze plater, bringing a burst of Mediterranean flavor and a touch of smokiness to your meze spread.

The Italian eggplant, when scored and seasoned with a dash of smoked paprika, adds depth and a delightful smokiness. 

Seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika, the veggies are baked to perfection for 20 minutes. 

Serve with your favorite olives and artichoke hearts, and squeeze lemon juice over baked veggies for a refreshing twist. These roasted veggies are a standout component and a great addition to any vegan meze latter.

You can also supplement with fresh vegetables for contrasting color and texture.

Fresh Pitas

Flatbreads are very popular in most Mediterranean countries. Each has their own name and version, but they all pair amazingly well with the regional dishes of each. 

There are many reasons that they are so popular. Nothing is better than tearing off a piece of soft, warm pita bread and using it to scoop the magnificently colored Muhammara or smoky Baba Ganoush into your hungry mouth.

Homemade pita bread (or pitta bread) is surprisingly simple and easy to execute. A little extra effort carries a huge reward and is worth every moment of preparation to savor these delectable treats.

Pita bread (or pitta bread) is surprisingly simple and easy to execute. A little extra effort carries a huge reward and is worth every moment of preparation to savor these delectable treats. Have you ever tried a freshly baked or grilled pita? You must. The difference is night and day from the store-bought cracking and crumbling dry bread. These are fluffy, pliable, and even suitable for rolling if cut large enough. They're the ideal vehicle for any spread and a perfect addition to any meze. 

Visit Mediterranean Living to find this ultra-simple recipe.

Other Options for a Vegan Mezze Platter

To round our your platter, feel free to provide these other dips and sides. I usually serve each of the components on separate plates, although you can make a large platter, if you prefer.

• Vegan Feta Cheese
• Hummus (like this Creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus or my colorful Beet Hummus)
• Vegan Tzatziki (try this Vegan Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)
• Homemade Falafels
• Tabbouleh
• Baba Ghanoush
• Red Pepper Spread
• Pita Chips
• Fresh Fruits
• Nuts (Like pine nuts or marcona almonds)

How to Make Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

Trust me - these roasted vegetables take your mezze platter to the next level. They're so easy to make, too.

• Preheat oven to 400 F. 
• Cut eggplant in half and score with crosscut then sprinkle with salt and smoked paprika.
• Trim asparagus and save woodier ends for soups.
• Spread 1 tsp olive oil on large sheet pan with your hand out to the edges.
• Lay out all veg in one layer sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast in oven for 20 minutes turning once halfway.
• Let cool and serve on a platter with mixed olives, artichokes and lemon.

FAQs

Other Delicious Vegan Mediterranean Recipes

• Warm Pearl Couscous Salad
• Farro Mediterranean Salad with Chickpeas
• Tangy Mediterranean Dressing with Dried Herbs
• Greek-Inspired Vegan Orzo Salad
• Summery Mediterranean Salad