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No Fuss Farmers Market Mezze Platter, a can’t beat summer spread with something for everyone. Hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh salad, olives, cheese, stuffed grape leaves, assorted meats, fresh summer fruits, tons of vegetables, nuts, and plenty of fresh pita for scooping everything up. The secret to keeping this board EASY is to use a mix of homemade and store-bought spreads. Then simply add plenty of in-season produce and you’ll have a gorgeous platter in less than 30 minutes time. Nothing beats this fun appetizer with something for everyone from vegans, to vegetarians, to meat eaters…because no one should ever be left out.
If there’s one thing I’ve gotten pretty good at, it’s creating appetizer boards/platters. Not only do I find it fun, but giant platters like this are so easy for me to throw together in just minutes…better yet, they look so impressive.
The secret to this? Um, the grocery store. I know that I probably shouldn’t be admitting this, but it’s true. Between Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and now all the farmers’ markets, there are so many incredible dips, spreads, cheeses, fancy crackers, and of course produce, so easily available. And guys? There’s nothing wrong with taking a little help from the market, especially when entertaining.
Entertaining can be stressful enough. When it comes to appetizers/snacks they’re super important, but not an item that you should be stressing about.
Do you know what I mean? Keep it simple. Keep it easy! This platter is going to help and it’s beyond perfect for the 4th of July…and every summer BBQ, picnic, and dinner party to follow.
So, what is a Mezze platter you ask? Well, traditionally, the mezze platter (sometimes also spelled meze…does anyone know why, please inform me) is a Mediterranean appetizer spread. It can vary slightly depending on what region it’s being served in. It’s pretty popular in Turkey, Israel, Greece, Lebanon and across cultures in the Middle East. Therefore, there are a lot of different ways people will serve a Mezze platter. As you might guess, mine is a mix of Italian meats and cheeses, and Greek Mezze dishes.
Mezze is Arabic for sharing, and that’s the most important thing you need to know here. Create a platter that’s meant for sharing. Really, this is just my summery take/suggestions, but use dips, spreads, and the summer produce you love most.
With that in mind, here is what’s happening with my Mezze platter.
The four main things which all your platters should probably include is hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh salad, and feta cheese. In my mind, these are the MUSTS. Everything else you can add or subtract to your liking.
To make things incredibly easy, you can pick up all of these items from the market OR you can make a few at home in advance. Totally up to you, sometimes I’ll pick up some hummus from the market, sometimes I make it. I usually make homemade tzatziki and tabbouleh salad. But only because both are honestly SO easy to make.
But again, store-bought is fine too, and I’ve heard amazing things about Trader Joe’s tzatziki.
Tip: If you’re buying store-bought items, just check ingredients to make sure there are not a million things listed. Hummus should be mostly chickpeas and tahini, while tzatziki should be mostly yogurt and cucumber!
The rest of the platter should be a mix and match of your favorites. For me, this means fresh cantaloupe wrapped in salty prosciutto and topped with blue cheese. All the berries and summertime fruits. Crunchy radishes, juicy cherry tomatoes, salty olives mixed with mozzarella cheese, fried Marcona almonds, and fresh pita or naan for serving.
It looks like A LOT, but it’s actually one of the simplest appetizers to throw together in just minutes.
Tip: find yourself a very large platter or cutting board and really fill it up. It’s always a bummer when you run out of space when creating an appetizer spread like this!
Additionally, you can even prepare the entire platter a few hours ahead of time, cover, and keep in the fridge until guests arrive. Just be sure to cover the platter well, so that the hummus and produce all stay as fresh as possible.
Possibly my favorite part about a spread like this Mezze platter is that there is really something for everyone. A good portion of the platter is vegan and gluten-free. Depending on your tastes you can make it all vegan or heavy on meat and cheese.
It’s really up to you, so have fun with this recipe, get creative, and use your favorite summer produce! The sky is kind of the limit here…because no one has ever complained about too large of a Mezze platter.
If you make this no fuss farmers market mezze platter, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Delicious real food!
Yes! Thank you Julie! xTieghan
Made this today and LOVED it. One thing that would be helpful is recommended brands for store bought items. It was easy to make because I bought the tzatziki and hummus, but the tzatziki was not as good as I’d have liked. Any brands you love?
I’m sorry if my question wasn’t clear. Are the stuffed grape leaves the Greek-style ones sold in a tin? Here in Canada they’re labeled dolmas or dolmade.
Hey Carolynn! Yes, these are Greek stuffed grape leaves, but I recommend using a stuffed grape leaves that you really enjoy. Anything is great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Can you recommend some large platters?
Hi there! Of course! Here is the link to my platter + a couple other I like! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
https://rstyle.me/+wNFfCj-DOFl0T6XJ-SDbHw (this is the one I am using in these photos)
https://rstyle.me/+MsiZ0qagh26uSb6cU0IkFQ
This looks amazing! You sure have a gift for creating a work of art. Are the stuffed grape leaves dolma?
Thank you so much, Carolynn! You are so kind! And yes, they are! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
You truly are a culinary GENIUS!
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous, creative, flavorful and HEALTHY recipes and ideas.
You are truly an inspiration and you are a CULINARY GENIUS!
Thank you for all that you do to share your creative and flavorful, HEALTHY, gorgeous recipes.
Awh you’re too sweet! I am so glad you like this platter, Denise! Thank you! xTieghan
It is an Italian work and it literally means appetizer…
this is a fabulous spread and one I will be using
during the long how NYC summer!
Mangia…(eat in Italian)
Lisa G.
I hope you love this Lisa! Thank you so much! xTieghan
It’s always fun to see the details you put into these presentations! (Like the way you cut the radishes– I’ve never seen that before, but it’s so beautiful!)
Thank you Lauren! xTieghan
Oh my goodness!! This looks absolutely gorgeous ❤️
Thank you Arpita! xTieghan
I really love the way you style these boards!!!
Thank you so much Ruth! xTieghan