Sheet pan Mediterranean Mezze Platter (Vegetarian)
This Mediterranean mezze platter makes the perfect no-cook throw together easy dinner, afternoon snack plate, or picnic-in-your-backyard. Also knows as a nibbles platter, it’s super flexible and can include whatever you have in your fridge and pantry.
Hands up for an easy no-cook dinner (or lunch or snack plate) that pleases the whole family! When I was single and in grad school, it wasn’t uncommon for my dinners to look something like this: cheese, crackers, hummus, veggies, and maybe some fruit or a salad. Easy, no fuss, and ready in the amount of time it takes you to take everything out of the fridge. And while to many a mezze platter may scream appetizer, if done right it can actually be the most satisfying meal.
These kinds of meals actually remind me a lot of the dinners we were served in Italy when staying with an Italian family. Since lunch was the main event in Italy, dinner was often a platter full of cheese, bread, fresh and cooked vegetables, a few dips and spreads, and always a good drizzle of the best olive oil. This is the mediterranean version of those nibbles plates (and it can easily be made vegan).
How to build the perfect mediterranean mezze platter
The key to a platter that is satisfying is to include a variety of flavors, textures, and types of food. Just as with any other meal, you want to include some produce (fruits and vegetables), a whole grain, something with a little protein, and some healthy fats. But as long as you have a variety of foods, you’ll easily check off each of those boxes.
start with fruits + vegetables
I like to include a mix of both fruits and vegetables to please all eaters. Choose whatever is in season, and if they can be eaten with your hands, all the better!
For fruit I like cherries and grapes for ease of eating, but berries or watermelon slices would be great, too. Dried fruits like figs, dates, and apricots complement the other flavors of the platter.
For vegetables include at least 1-2 raw veggies for dipping (more on that below) like carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and celery. Leftover grilled or roasted vegetables can be a great addition, too. But the point of this whole platter is to not have to cook.
Anchor with 1-3 dips
Dips are a must have on any good mediterranean mezze platter. Keep it easy with store-bough hummus or make a quick and easy bean dip like a creamy white bean hummus or tzatziki.
Add some whole grain bread or crackers
Veggies are great for dipping, but adding in a carbohydrate will help make the platter more satisfying. Some favorites are: sliced whole grain pita, roughly cut sourdough bread, Mary’s Gone seed crackers, or Rustic Bakery flatbread sourdough crackers.
nuts, olives, and cheese
A couple of foods that contain healthy fat and protein will make these platters more of a meal vs. a snack. Roasted nuts, your favorite cheese, and some olives finish the platter. If you want to keep it vegan, skip the cheese and double up on the nuts and olives.
A composed salad or two
A simple salad like fresh tomatoes with mozzarella and basil in a little olive oil and salt is a nice addition to the platter for some additional flavors. My easy bean salad with catelvetrano olives or summer cucumber and heirloom tomato salad would also be amazing here. All three could be made into little crostini with some grilled sourdough bread, too.
Why use a sheetpan?
The sheetpan is just an easy and casual way to serve this platter of deliciousness. I like the sheet pant for it’s size, but also because it’s easy to carry outside for a picnic in the backyard or place on a counter for grazing. And if you have little eaters, you don’t have to worry about nice serving platters getting knocked around.
But you certainly could serve this on any platter you like. The point is to keep dishes and cooking to a minimum!
How to serve
Keep it simple and casual. Stack forks, plates and napkins next to the platter for everyone to grab on their own. Enjoy with a a glass of wine or a pitcher of iced tea for an easy and refreshing summer meal.
Sheetpan Mediterranean Mezze Platter
This mediterranean mezze platter makes the perfect no-cook throw together easy dinner, afternoon snack plate, or picnic-in-your-backyard Also knows as a nibbles platter, it's super flexible and can include whatever you have in your fridge and pantry.
Ingredients
- 1-2 raw cut vegetables like peppers, cucumber, celery, or carrots.
- 1-2 roasted or grilled vegetables (optional)
- 1-2 fresh or dried fruits like cherries, grapes, dried apricots, or fresh or dried figs
- 1-2 dips like hummus or tzatziki
- sliced pita or crusty bread and/or crackers
- sliced cheese
- olives
- nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews
- optional composed salads (see post for ideas)
Instructions
- Slice vegetables and cheese (if using). Slice bread (if using). Place all ingredients on a sheet pan or other platter. Serve with small plates and forks.
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