Greek Appetizers Recipe

As I arranged the vibrant ingredients for this Mediterranean appetizer platter, I couldn’t help but feel like Picasso with a palate of delicious flavors, ready to create an edible masterpiece that promises to transport you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

I love to create sensory appetizers, and my Greek-inspired platter is a winning combination of Mediterranean flavors. For this vibrant mezze, I started with some creamy hummus and feta cheese, which I brightened with fresh lemon juice and oregano (and, of course, a generous drizzle of olive oil).

Then I moved on to some other building blocks. A crunch of cucumber and red pepper is the perfect next layer, because it’s so fresh and complements the other savory notes in the dish (notably Kalamata olives and pine nuts, which the assembly in the photo lacks).

Ingredients

• Hummus: Rich in protein and fiber, hummus is a healthy, creamy base.
• Feta Cheese: Offers a tangy, salty flavor.

  It’s high in calcium and protein.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness, known for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, refreshing sourness, high in vitamin C.
• Kalamata Olives: Provide a briny, savory note, source of healthy fats.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Cucumber: Offers a crisp texture, hydrating and low in calories.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Pine Nuts: Nutty flavor, excellent source of healthy fats and protein.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup hummus
• 8 ounces feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 loaf pita bread, sliced into wedges

How to Make this

1. Choose a shallow dish or large serving platter to set out the appetizers.

2. On one side of the platter, in a large circle, spread the hummus evenly.

3. Break the feta cheese into small pieces and spread it over the top of the hummus.

4. In a tiny bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk them together well to create a dressing.

5. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture of hummus and feta. Use half of the dressing.

6. On the other side of the platter, pour tzatziki sauce, making a circle about the same size as the hummus.

7. Place the sliced Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red bell pepper slices around the edge of the platter in an orderly fashion.

8. Toasted pine nuts should be sprinkled over the tzatziki sauce.

9. Add color and flavor to the entire platter by garishing it with freshly chopped parsley.

10. Accompany with pita bread cut into triangles for the dipping and savoring of the melded flavors.

Equipment Needed

1. Shallow dish or large serving platter
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use store-bought hummus and tzatziki?Store-bought hummus and tzatziki work perfectly for this appetizer. But making them from scratch can add a personal touch.
• Is it necessary to toast the pine nuts?If you’re short on time, toasting the pine nuts is optional. But here’s why I recommend it: Enhancing their flavor adds a nice crunch.
• Can I substitute the feta cheese?If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute goat cheese or ricotta.
• What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?You can substitute black or green olives, but it will change the taste to something that’s not very Greek.
• How far in advance can I prepare this appetizer?Most components can be prepared a day in advance and then assembled on the day of serving to yield the freshest taste.
• Can the appetizer be made vegan?Replace the feta cheese with vegan cheese. Ensure the hummus and tzatziki are vegan-friendly. These substitutions will accommodate a vegan diet.
• What is the best way to serve this appetizer?Set out the ingredients on a large platter and let guests serve themselves. It goes divinely with a crisp white wine or lemon-infused water.

Greek Appetizers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Hummus. Swap with baba ganoush or white bean dip.
Feta cheese: Replace with goat cheese or ricotta salata.
Avocado oil or grapeseed oil: Use in place of olive oil.
Kalamata olives: Use green olives or black olives as substitutes.
Pita bread: Use naan or chips made from tortillas in its place.

Pro Tips

1. For a creamier texture, consider blending the feta cheese with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice before spreading it over the hummus. This creates a smooth, flavorful layer that complements the hummus beautifully.

2. Toast the pita wedges lightly before serving. This adds a delightful crunch that pairs well with the creamy textures of both the hummus and tzatziki.

3. To enhance the flavor, marinate the cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices in a little olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes before arranging them on the platter.

4. Sprinkle a bit of sumac over the entire dish just before serving. This Middle Eastern spice adds a tangy, lemony flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

5. For a more vibrant presentation, arrange the ingredients in a colorful pattern or design on the platter. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also helps guests easily identify different ingredients.