This vegetarian Greek charcuterie board is one of my favorite ways to entertain. There’s something for everyone here!
Fully loaded with Greek appetizers like hummus, tzatziki, briny olives, salty feta cheese and fluffy pita, this Mediterranean charcuterie board is a great way to welcome your guests.
I find myself craving Greek food in the summer more than any other time of year. There’s something about those sun-drenched flavors and fresh ingredients that pair so perfectly with the warm weather.
Setting out appetizer platters like this Greek mezze spread means you won’t need to turn on the oven, so you can relax and enjoy the slower pace of summer.
Let me show you how to create a beautiful Greek charcuterie board, filled with savory plates of food that the whole family will love! Let’s get started.
What is a Mezze Platter?
A mezze (sometimes also spelled “meze”) is essentially a selection of different dishes that are served together and intended for sharing. They are commonly found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern settings.
Traditional Greek mezes combine different elements of Mediterranean cuisine. A Greek meze platter can have a variety of small dishes, but my favorite ones always include:
- olives
- fresh vegetables or a Greek salad
- cubes of quality feta cheese
- vegetarian dips like hummus, tzatziki and a Greek eggplant dip called baba ghanoush
How to pronounce “mezze”
The way to pronounce the word meze isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. If you asked someone of Lebanese descent, they may pronounce it “meh-ZEH” or “MEH-zeh”. If you asked a Greek or Turkish person, they may say “MEH-zee” or “MEH-zay”.
The cool takeaway here is that the mezze platter spans countries and the whole pan-Mediterranean culture, so there isn’t really a right or wrong way to say it.
What is on this Greek charcuterie board?
Here’s what you’ll need to build this vegetarian Greek feast. You can buy everything on this list at your local market, which makes things even easier.
But if you do feel like upping your game, click the links for the homemade versions.
Hummus
This chick pea-based spread is probably the most popular and well known item on this platter. Vegan, high in protein and high in fiber, it’s a staple in Mediterranean diets.
Its main ingredients are chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh lemon juice.
There are many brands available at your local grocery store, or grab your food processor and make my traditional recipe for Lemony Hummus with Tahini.
Tzatziki Dip
This Greek yogurt-based dip and spread is made with cucumbers and fresh dill. It’s cool and refreshing, and you’ll want it around all the time!
Costco carries a decent store bought version, but I recommend you make my homemade version here. You won’t regret it!
Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)
These vinegary little numbers are stuffed with rice and available at most grocery and specialty stores.
Assorted Greek olives and red peppers
Our local supermarket has a great Mediterranean bar, so I’ll fill a container with an assortment of green olives, kalamata olives, black olives and maybe some cornichons.
If you can’t find a pre-made assortment, make your own using your favorite olives.
Quality feta cheese
I’m not talking about the crumbled kind, I’m talking about real feta. There’s a big difference! Look for an imported brand of Greek or Israeli feta that is sold as a block.
If you’ve never splurged on really good feta cheese, this is a good time to do so. If feta isn’t your thing, try halloumi cheese instead.
Crispy Chickpeas
This is my own little addition, because this mezze board needed something crunchy! A little bit of crispy chickpeas adds delicious texture to this board, and they are ridiculously easy to make.
A great low fat snack to keep around the house too!
Pocketless pita or flatbread
Making pita bread at home is such a rewarding experience, and you’ll love the soft, fluffy result! Try my homemade recipe here.
If you’re buying pita from the store, look for the pocketless variety, as it will be softer and more pliable than pita with a pocket. Pita chips are also a nice idea.
Any fresh veggies or fresh fruits you like can also be added to a Greek mezze platter. My favorites are cucumber rounds, bell peppers and green grapes.
How to Make this Greek Charcuterie Board
This easy spread of Mediterranean appetizers can be fully prepared ahead of time. Prep the dips and assemble the platter in the morning, cover it over with plastic wrap and bring it out when you’re ready.
Use a round board, a large rectangular wooden board or even a plain old cutting board to build this charcuterie platter.
Place tzatziki, olives, crispy chickpeas and cheese into small bowls and anchor them onto the board first.
Then, spread the hummus directly onto the board. Now, arrange the grape leaves, pita and any veggies you’re using around your anchors.
Fill in any negative space with fresh herbs. Sprinkle the dips with freshly ground black pepper or crushed red pepper to add pops of color.
How to serve this Greek Charcuterie Board
This Greek charcuterie board is the perfect way to start a main meal, or even make a main dish out of it. Who doesn’t love an appetizers-for-dinner situation?
Set out some small plates so that your guests can help themselves to a small portion of whatever they like from the meze table.
Just keep it easy and seasonal, and load up the platter with whatever you like.
Pair this Greek meze platter with a chilled bottles of Greek wines to keep with the theme.
When you make this Greek Mezze Platter, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more Mediterranean-inspired recipes, try these:
- Greek-style Swordfish Santorini
- Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich with Halloumi Fries
- Greek Panzanella Salad w/Fresh Oregano Vinaigrette
For more Vegetarian Appetizers, try these:
- Easy Heirloom Tomato & Feta Toasts
- Whipped Peas & Ricotta with Grilled Bread
- Easy Pimento Cheese Dip
For more charcuterie board ideas, try these:
How to Make an Epic Greek Charcuterie Board (Mezze)
Ingredients
- 2 cups hummus
- 2 cups tzatziki
- 1 cup crispy chickpeas
- 2 cups assorted Greek olives and peppers
- 1 dozen stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)
- 10 oz. quality feta cheese cut into cubes
Instructions
- Pour tzatziki sauce into a serving bowl. Place olives, peppers and some of the cubed feta into a separate serving bowl.
- Spread hummus directly onto a large serving board. Garnish with crispy chickpeas. Place the small bowls of tzatziki and olives onto the tray. Arrange stuffed grape leaves, remaining chickpeas and feta around them.
- Slice the pita into triangles and arrange them on the platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill, oregano and parsley.
Tobi Grant says
Epic!
simmerandsage says
So glad you enjoyed it!