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Fresh Mediterranean Mezze Platter with Whipped Feta and Marinated Olives

Fresh Mediterranean Mezze Platter - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean mezze platter featuring creamy whipped feta and flavorful marinated olives, perfect for entertaining or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 12 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprigs
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced or cut into sticks
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves (for garnish)
  • Warm pita bread or crackers (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the whipped feta: Crumble the feta into the bowl of a food processor. Add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Greek yogurt (if using). Blend until creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through.
  2. Marinate the olives: In a separate bowl, combine mixed olives, olive oil, garlic slices, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Toss gently to coat. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Prepare fresh veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into sticks, and thinly slice the red onion. Soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to soften its sharp edge, then drain thoroughly.
  4. Assemble the platter: Spread the whipped feta in the center or on one side of your serving platter. Spoon the marinated olives beside it. Arrange the fresh veggies attractively around the edges. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves.
  5. Serve with warm pita or crackers: Toast or warm pita bread just before serving. Cut into wedges or strips for easy dipping.

Notes

If you don’t have a food processor, mash the feta with a fork for a rustic texture. Marinate olives for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavor. Whipped feta can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute feta with blended firm tofu or soaked cashews and use dairy-free yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean mezze, whipped feta, marinated olives, easy appetizer, healthy snack, vegetarian, quick recipe