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Mediterranean Mezze Tapas: Crowd-Pleasing Cheese, Olive, and Veggie Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 77 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful Mediterranean mezze platter featuring a variety of cheeses, olives, fresh vegetables, and a zesty herbed dressing, perfect for sharing as an appetizer or light meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

  • 6 ounces feta cheese, cubed
  • 6 ounces halloumi or mozzarella cheese, sliced

Vegetables & Olives

  • 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or black), pitted
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish & Serving

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Warm pita bread or flatbread, for serving


Instructions

  1. Arrange cheeses and olives: Arrange feta cheese, halloumi or mozzarella, and mixed olives on a large serving board to create a beautiful and inviting base for your mezze platter.
  2. Add vegetables: Surround the cheeses and olives with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and roasted red peppers to add color, texture, and Mediterranean flavors.
  3. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until well combined for a bright, herbed dressing.
  4. Drizzle dressing: Lightly drizzle the prepared dressing over the cheeses and vegetables to enhance their natural flavors with a zesty touch.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the platter, adding a fresh, aromatic finish to the presentation.
  6. Serve: Serve the mezze with warm pita bread or flatbread, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the vibrant, flavorful bites.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, choose mozzarella cheese instead of halloumi or any cheese with animal rennet.
  • You can substitute roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
  • Feel free to add other typical Mediterranean mezze items like hummus or baba ganoush to round out the platter.
  • The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Use warm pita bread for best flavor and texture.