A Flavor-Packed, Wholesome Mediterranean Feast
If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’re in for a treat! This Vibrant Vegan Mediterranean Mezze Plate with Hummus & Olives is a colorful, delicious, and nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for sharing. A mezze plate is a traditional Mediterranean appetizer spread featuring a variety of small dishes, including hummus, fresh vegetables, olives, pita bread, and more. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a mix of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory bites.
This mezze plate is completely vegan, dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular pita with gluten-free alternatives or fresh veggies. Whether you’re serving it as a party platter, light lunch, or weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking for a vibrant, wholesome meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table, this mezze platter is the perfect choice!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Mediterranean Mezze Plate
1. Bursting with Flavor & Texture
A mezze plate is all about variety—creamy hummus, crunchy veggies, briny olives, tangy pickles, and soft pita bread come together for an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
2. Perfect for Sharing & Entertaining
This mezze platter makes a fantastic appetizer for parties, picnics, or gatherings. Set it in the center of the table, and let everyone dig in!
3. Rich in Nutrients & Plant-Based Goodness
This meal is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins from the fresh ingredients, legumes, and olive oil.
4. Customizable for Any Dietary Preference
Whether you’re gluten-free, nut-free, or simply prefer different flavors, you can easily modify this mezze plate to suit your tastes.
5. No Cooking Required!
This mezze plate is quick and easy to assemble, making it an ideal choice for a lazy meal, last-minute guests, or a no-fuss snack board.
Picture Gallery
Ingredients
For the Mezze Plate:
- 1 cup classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup baba ganoush (smoky eggplant dip)
- 1 cup muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip)
- ½ cup stuffed or marinated olives (green, Kalamata, or mixed)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup radishes, sliced
- ½ cup carrots, cut into sticks
- ¼ cup pickled red onions or pickles
- ¼ cup grape leaves (dolmas)
- ½ cup falafel, homemade or store-bought
- 2 pieces pita bread, cut into wedges (or gluten-free crackers)
- ¼ cup toasted nuts or seeds (almonds, pine nuts, or sesame seeds)
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
For the Homemade Hummus:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2-4 tbsp water (as needed for texture)
For the Baba Ganoush:
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Muhammara:
- 2 roasted red bell peppers
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
Ingredient Breakdown
Hummus – The Creamy, Protein-Packed Dip
Hummus is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Baba Ganoush – Smoky & Velvety Eggplant Dip
This roasted eggplant dip is creamy, slightly tangy, and smoky, adding a beautiful depth of flavor to the platter.
Muhammara – A Sweet & Savory Pepper Dip
Made from roasted red peppers and walnuts, this dip is naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly tangy from pomegranate molasses.
Olives – A Salty, Briny Element
Olives bring a bold, briny kick to the mezze plate. Choose a mix of green, Kalamata, or stuffed olives for variety.
Falafel – A Crispy, Protein-Packed Addition
Falafel adds texture and protein, making this mezze plate more filling. You can use store-bought or homemade falafel.
Fresh Vegetables – Crisp & Refreshing
Crunchy cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and radishes provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dips.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hummus
- In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, cumin, and olive oil.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Baba Ganoush
- Roast eggplant at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, until soft.
- Scoop out the flesh and blend with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil.
Step 3: Blend the Muhammara
- Blend roasted red peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, garlic, salt, and olive oil until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Mezze Plate
- Arrange the hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara in small bowls.
- Place the olives, vegetables, falafel, and pita wedges around the dips.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, mint, and toasted nuts for garnish.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap pita bread for gluten-free crackers, rice cakes, or extra veggies.
- Add More Protein: Include grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra falafel.
- Spice It Up: Add harissa, red pepper flakes, or chili oil for extra heat.
- Make It Oil-Free: Omit olive oil and use aquafaba (chickpea water) for creaminess.
- Extra Garnishes: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sumac, or za’atar for more Mediterranean flair.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fats: ~22g
- Fiber: ~10g
- Vitamin C: ~40% DV
This mezze plate is high in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients, making it a delicious and balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Vibrant Vegan Mediterranean Mezze Plate with Hummus & Olives is a fun, colorful, and nutritious way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for parties, light meals, or even meal prep.
Try it out and let me know what you think! What are your favorite mezze additions? Share in the comments below!
Disclaimer
Nutritional values are estimates. Always consult a professional for dietary advice.