• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Marilena's Kitchen

Mediterranean Cooking With an Accent

  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Classes
    • Private Cooking Classes
    • Personal Chef
    • Culinaria Cooking School Classes
    • Customer & Student Reviews
  • Let’s Work Together
  • Portfolio
  • Travel

How to Make a Mediterranean Meze Platter

February 5, 2021 by Marilena Leavitt 10 Comments

Mediterranean Mezze platter

One of my favorite meals that I enjoy every time I am in Greece is a meze platter.  Meze is a delicious assortment of small plates that complement each other and are perfect for sharing around the table.  Enjoying meze together is a simple and casual way for people to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.  Today I am going to share how to make a Mediterranean meze platter!

Unlike appetizers that are meant to stimulate the appetite, meze consists of several appetizers and is often the entire meal.  Similar to tapas in Spain, meze is extremely popular throughout the eastern Mediterranean countries and varies greatly by country and even by region within the same country.

The components of a meze platter

A good meze platter has a balanced assortment of hot and room-temperature appetizers, spreads and dips, toasty bread and warm pita wedges.  I like a meze platter with a variety of plant-based, bite-size appetizers and a good selection of warm and cold cheeses, but you can also include meat and seafood favorites to your platter.  Everything is laid out on a big platter or board in the middle of the table and everybody shares the delightful dishes while enjoying their favorite drinks.  In Greece, and probably elsewhere in the Mediterranean area, food and drinks also come with lively, spirited conversations!

Suggestions for your meze platter
  • The spreads:  start with a couple of spreads.  I am sharing my recipes for olive tapenade and whipped feta; two spreads that are always big hits in my family.  Other favorites that you might like to try are the classic Greek yogurt sauce (tzatziki), artichoke and green olive tapenade, and roasted pepper spread
  • The cheeses:  offer a variety of cheeses, some warm (like the sautéed Cypriot Halloumi in the photo), and some at room temperature (like the Italian mozzarella pearls, which I’ve marinated in olive oil, oregano and red pepper flakes)
  • Colorful vegetables:  for this particular meze platter, I sautéed multi-colored mini peppers and I added some baby radishes which I’ve cut in half.  During the summer months marinated cherry tomatoes or grilled eggplants and zucchini would also be great additions
  • Olives:  include something salty and briny, like your favorite olives, olive spreads, or, pickled vegetables
  • Something substantial:  like these stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs.  Store-bought is just fine, if you don’t have the time to make them
  • Good bread:  plenty of warm bread, and toasted or grilled pita wedges are always great to scoop up those spreads
  • The drinks:  have a variety of drinks ready.  From an anise-flavored aperitif (a classic pairing with Greek meze is ouzo), to regional beers and sparkling wines, drinks are a big part of enjoying a meze spread with friends and family!
    Making a meal out of a meze platter

You can adjust the quantities and the variety of a meze platter, depending on how many you are feeding and, of course, the preferences of the people who will enjoy it.  A meze selection can be a light lunch or a more substantial dinner.  You can easily assemble a flavorful platter by simply raiding your fridge and your pantry and gathering what is on hand.

The most important part is the company, no matter how small, especially given our current circumstances!  One thing that I know for sure is that my family will be enjoying a meze platter during the Super Bowl this coming Sunday!

The Olive Tapenade Recipe
5.0 from 3 reviews
Olive tapenade
 
Save Print
Prep time
10 mins
Total time
10 mins
 
A delicious spread to enjoy on its own or as part of a mezze platter
Author: Marilena Leavitt
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Kalamata pitted black olives (oil-cured)
  • 2 TBSPS. small capers, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 --- anchovy fillets
  • ½-⅔ cups olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1 tsp. oregano, dried
  • 2-3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
Instructions
  1. If the olives are not oil-cured, rinse them well under cold water to get rid of the brine. Do the same with the capers and drain well.
  2. Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend until a smooth paste is achieved. Use it as a spread for bread, as a dip for raw vegetables or as a condiment with eggs, potatoes, fish or meat.
Notes
Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper shrub, which grows all over the Mediterranean coast. They are usually sun dried and cured in a mixture of brine and vinegar or salt. The salt cured capers tend to maintain both flavor and texture better and they are packed with sharp flavor.
3.5.3240
The Whipped Feta Cheese spread recipe

5.0 from 3 reviews
Whipped Feta Cheese Spread
 
Save Print
Prep time
10 mins
Total time
10 mins
 
A delicious feta cheese spread that also makes a great condiment!
Author: Marilena Leavitt
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
  • 8 oz. Greek Feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 TBSP. cider (or red wine) vinegar
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 3-4 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. In a small food processor, place the feta, Greek yogurt, cider vinegar, salt and pepper and process until fairly smooth.
  2. Slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil, while continuing to pulse (you may need more or less, depending on your desired consistency). Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  3. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Bring to room temperature, stir again and serve as a spread for toasted pita wedges, on crostini or with crudités.
3.5.3240

Mezze platter

– THANK YOU FOR READING AND FOLLOWING ALONG –

I appreciate your support for my blog very much, please consider reviewing and rating my recipes!

— If you are new here:  Subscribe to Marilena’s Kitchen to have every new post delivered right to your inbox —

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Filed Under: Appetizers, Greek, How to Tagged With: greek appetizers, how to make a mediterranean mezze platter, mediterranean appetizers, mezze, olive tapenade, super bowl appetizers, whipped feta cheese

Previous Post: « Make-Ahead Beef Stew with Mushrooms and Potatoes
Next Post: Chocolate and Blood Orange Curd Tarts »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ximeroma13 says

    February 6, 2021 at 10:25 AM

    This looks so delicious!

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      February 6, 2021 at 4:53 PM

      I am so glad you like it! ?

      Reply
  2. alice b says

    February 6, 2021 at 4:38 PM

    That whipped feta cheese spread sounds great — I’ll have to try it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      February 6, 2021 at 4:53 PM

      I hope you do try it, Alice! Such an easy and flavorful spread! ?

      Reply
  3. Suzanne Matthews says

    February 11, 2022 at 9:18 AM

    Thank you. Looking forward to trying this on Sunday. Another of your terrific recipe ideas!

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      February 11, 2022 at 5:13 PM

      I can’t wait to see what you think about it, Suzanne!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice and Herbs (Dolmades) - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    March 11, 2021 at 12:49 PM

    […] alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and cucumber spread (tzatziki) or as a component  of a delicious meze […]

    Reply
  2. Ten Recipes for Your 4th of July Celebration - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    July 25, 2021 at 7:40 PM

    […] Mediterranean Meze Platter […]

    Reply
  3. Crispy Filo Parcels - The Perfect Appetizer - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    May 11, 2023 at 2:03 PM

    […] crisp white wine.  A few ideas include:  the flavorful Marinated Olive Medley, the delicious Mediterranean Meze Platter, the easiest Feta-Stuffed Filo Cigars, reader (and family!) favorite Bacon-Wrapped Dates stuffed […]

    Reply
  4. Crostini with Whipped Feta and Roasted Tomatoes - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    January 12, 2024 at 11:38 AM

    […] Mediterranean Meze PlatterTHANK YOU FOR READING and FOLLOWING ALONG! […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Marilenas-Kitchen-Author-Bio
marilenas-kitchen-author-bio

more about me

Search

Marilena Leavitt

INSTAGRAM

Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh b Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh berries 🍓A delightful springtime dessert that is light, seasonal, and elegant at the same time 🌼 Crispy filo layers form the base, with a delicious almond pastry cream custard, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds on top - so delicious! 🍓
.
A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#springdessert #strawberries #tarts #baking @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweettreats #bakingfromscratch #dessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #Easterdessert #bakedwithlove #mothersdaydessert #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versi Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versions of the traditional Greek Easter bread (tsoureki), a bread that everyone makes for Easter in Greece! 🧡 It is a brioche-like, slightly sweet, yeasted bread made using eggs, milk, and butter. 🧡 A delicious breakfast bread, the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea! 🧡☕️ 🫖☕️
.
✨ New recipe on the blog, linked in profile and in stories 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
#breadrolls #bread #Greekbread #Easterbread #tsoureki @kingarthurbaking #braidedbread #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #foodfluffer #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #sweetreats #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen 

.
Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt dressing: seasonal, bright and tender vegetables that pair so well with this delicious, creamy dressing! So, so good! 🥗🥬🥒🌿
.
🌿Recipe linked in bio & on the blog: [Marilenaskitchen.com]👩🏻‍🍳🌿
.
.
.
#springsalad #summersalads #vegetarian #healthyrecipes #salad #homemadefood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #yogurtdressing #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #eathealthy #eattherainbow 
.
.
Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, s Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, shallots, fresh herbs and Feta cheese 🌿🌀 A delicious spring recipe inspired by the classic Greek spanakopita. Wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dish, perfectly crispy and flaky in every bite! 🌿
.
🌿This is a new recipe, in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
🌿 Recipe linked in profile and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] 👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
#savorybaking #filo #filopastry  #appetizer @fillofactory #bakingtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #spinachpower #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #fillofactory #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond f My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond flour and semolina flour. 🍊🍊 A super moist, not too sweet “snack cake”, with a great nutty flavor and a pronounced citrus flavor. So, so good, perfect with a cup of coffee and a great treat to have around the house for anytime of the day! 🍊🍊
.
✨Recipe linked in profile, and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] ✨
.
.
#orangecake #coffeecake @kingarthurflour #bakelove #dessertsofinstagram #snackcake #mediterraneancuisine #bakefromscratch #fromscratch #greekfoodblogger #almondcake #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #droolclub #thecookfeed #thebakefeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #f52food #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautescuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #onthetable #allrecipes #foodphotography
Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a d Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a delicious and healthy recipe, full of good plant-based protein and fiber, a staple in the Mediterranean diet! ✨💯😋
.
✨New recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and with their skin removed
2-3 cloves garlic
¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
pinch of ground cumin
pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp. sea salt
⅓ cup ice-cold water 
.
(Full recipe on my site)
.
.
#hummusrecipe #pitachips #homemadepitachips #savoryfood #easydips #partyfood #gamesnacks  #appetizerideas #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #buzzfeast #homemade #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #snack #foodphotography
Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles fil Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles filled with Feta cheese and a tiny amount of spearmint 💙✨Crispy filo layers and sharp Greek Feta, such a delicious flavor and texture combination! 😋 Nobody can resist this favorite Greek snack! ✨💙🇬🇷
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
~ INGREDIENTS:

• ½ lb. Greek feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ lb. ricotta cheese (full fat) or Greek anthotiro (if you can find it)
•1 large egg, beaten
• ¼-½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• ½ lb. filo dough, thawed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, for brushing on the filo 
.
.
.
#filoappetizers #gamedayfood #tiropitakia #τυροπιτάκια  #greekfood #greekrecipes #filo #tiropitakia #greekgastronomy #filosnacks #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #Greeksnack #greekfoodblogger #foodandwine #thefeedfeed @dodoni_international #mediterraneanlifestyle #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #fetacheese #yummyfood #allrecipes #lovefood #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-r Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-roasted chicken with small red potatoes and lots of fresh lemon and garlic! A super simple and delicious recipe! ✨😋👌
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#roastedchicken #sundaydinners #comfortfood #chickenrecipes #familymeals #buttermilkchicken @ciaosamin #saltfatacidheatcookbook
Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of F Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of Fontina cheese, a delicious dish - not only for breakfast or weekend brunch, but also for those busy weeknight evenings!  So, so good! 😋🌶️🌿🧀 🍠
.
✨Full recipe up on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#frittata #breakfastrecipes #savorybreakfast #brunchtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #myfoodphotography #mediterraneandiet #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delici Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delicious and easy holiday appetizer! A box of good quality filo shells, some smoked salmon, and a simple custard of eggs & cream is all you need to make these flavorful little savory bites! 🥂🎄😋
.
🎄A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory🎄
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], also linked in stories!✨
.
.
.
#appetizerideas #holidayappetizer #brunchideas #filoappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #filodough #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography
A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puf A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puff Pastry Parmesan Cheese Straws with fresh rosemary and sesame seeds! ✨😋 Crispy and flaky, savory and so flavorful, they are the perfect addition to a holiday buffet and any charcuterie board! ✨🧡💯
.
This new recipe is a collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡
.
✨Find the recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#cheesestraws #puffpastryrecipes #appetizerrecipe #vegetarianappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red onion slivers, ready to be wrapped in toasted pita bread! An all-time favorite family meal! 😋🥙 💙🇬🇷
.
✨Recipe linked in profile! 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
.
.
#Greekmeatballs #keftedakia #greekcuisine #comfortfood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed  #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #yummyfood #weeknightmeals #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #saveurmag #appetitejournal #allrecipes #marilenaskitchen
Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a gr Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall baking! 🍂🍎🍁
Crispy, buttery, flaky filo cups make the base for a delicious apple and spice filling. The addition of cheddar cheese adds an unexpected layer of flavor to this easy fall dessert! 🧡🍂🍎
.
🍂A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡🍂
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#fallbaking #apples #bakingwithapples @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweetandsavory #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #cabotcheese #bakedwithlove #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Fe Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Feta cheese, oregano and lots of good extra virgin olive oil - such an irresistible treat! 🧡🍞Super easy to make even for the novice baker, a favorite accompaniment to every Greek meal! 🇬🇷💙😋
.
✨A favorite recipe from my blog, linked in profile! ✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
.
#Greekbread #cheesebread #skilletbread #τυρόψωμο #freshbread #breadbaking #bread #bakingtime #fromscratch #goodmoodfood #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #chefsofinstagram #marilenaskitchen
A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of cardamom-infused plums is a match-made-in-heaven! ✨ A wonderful combination of sweet and slightly tart plums that pair so well with the deep, earthy flavor of freshly ground cardamom! So, so good! 🧡😋 
.
✨ A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
.
#easydessert #fruitart #puffpastry @fillofactory #bakingtime #plums #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Follow on Instagram

PINTEREST

Archives

my foodgawker gallery

Terms of Use

© Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d