Middle Eastern Mezze Platter (Printable)

Vibrant assortment of classic Middle Eastern appetizers with hummus, olives, cheese, vegetables, and pita.

# Ingredient List:

→ Hummus

01 - 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - ¼ cup tahini
03 - 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
05 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 - ½ tsp ground cumin
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - 2-3 tbsp cold water

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
11 - 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1 cup carrot sticks

→ Olives & Cheese

13 - 1 cup mixed olives (green and Kalamata), pitted if desired
14 - 5.3 oz feta cheese, cut into cubes or slices

→ Bread

15 - 4 pita breads, cut into triangles

→ Garnishes

16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
17 - 1 tsp sumac or paprika
18 - Lemon wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding cold water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
02 - Arrange the hummus in a shallow bowl or spread on a platter. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with sumac or paprika.
03 - Artfully arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot sticks, olives, and feta cheese around the hummus.
04 - Warm the pita bread if desired, then cut into triangles and add to the platter.
05 - Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled in minutes when guests arrive.
  • The colors and textures make it look impressive without any real cooking required.
  • It's endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand or love most.
  • People naturally gather around it and the conversation flows as easily as the olive oil.
02 -
  • If your hummus tastes bland, it probably needs more salt and lemon juice, taste as you go and don't be shy.
  • Cold chickpeas straight from the fridge will never blend as smoothly, let them sit out for ten minutes first.
  • The platter looks best when you use odd numbers of each item and leave a little empty space so it doesn't feel crowded.
03 -
  • For ultra-smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas by rubbing them gently between your hands, it takes time but the texture is worth it.
  • Arrange your platter on a large wooden board or a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup and a rustic look.
  • Always have extra pita on standby, people will eat more than you think and running out is the only real disaster here.
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