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Fresh Mediterranean Mezze Platter Recipe Easy Homemade Hummus and Olives Guide

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A vibrant and fresh Mediterranean mezze platter featuring creamy homemade hummus, a mix of olives, fresh veggies, and optional feta cheese. Perfect for quick entertaining or a light, satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water (to adjust consistency)
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1 cup green olives (like Castelvetrano), pitted
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds or sticks
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese cubes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish
  • Pita bread or flatbread, warmed and cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. In your food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, and salt. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the chickpeas.
  2. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons of olive oil to emulsify the mixture and add richness.
  3. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, blending until the hummus reaches a creamy, spreadable texture (about 2-3 tablespoons). Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or garlic if desired.
  5. Arrange the hummus in a shallow bowl or spread it directly on the serving platter. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle smoked paprika or sumac if desired.
  6. Place Kalamata and green olives in small clusters around the hummus.
  7. Slice the cucumber and tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and scatter these around the platter.
  8. Dot the platter with feta cubes or crumble it over the veggies if using.
  9. Finish with fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish.
  10. Serve with warm pita bread or flatbread wedges arranged on the side or around the edges.

Notes

For ultra-smooth hummus, rinse chickpeas well and remove loose skins. Add cold water gradually to keep hummus light and creamy. Warm pita bread before serving for best texture. Hummus can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Substitute tahini with almond or sunflower seed butter if needed. For vegan version, omit feta cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean mezze, hummus, olives, easy appetizer, homemade hummus, healthy snack, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/fresh-mediterranean-mezze-platter-recipe-easy-homemade-hummus-and-olives-guide/