Save Last spring, my neighbor Sarah hosted what she called a lazy Sunday brunch, and this Mediterranean board was the star. We spent three hours grazing and talking, and I realized the beauty of this spread isn't just the flavors, it's how it invites people to linger.
I've made this for everything from baby showers to Tuesday night dinners, and it never fails to make people feel celebrated. Something about pulling this board to the table transforms an ordinary meal into a gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus: Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade tastes brighter and lets you adjust the garlic to your liking
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce: Make this at least an hour ahead so the cucumber releases its liquid and the flavors meld together
- 1 cup baba ganoush: The smoky eggplant flavor is worth the roasting time, and it adds such depth to the spread
- 1 cup roasted red pepper dip: This brings a sweet note that balances the tangy tzatziki and earthy hummus
- 1 large cucumber: Slice into rounds rather than sticks, they're easier to scoop dip onto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halving them releases their juices and makes them burst in your mouth
- 1 large bell pepper: Use multiple colors if you can find them, it makes the board look stunning
- 1 cup assorted olives: Mix kalamata with green olives for variety in both color and brininess
- 1 cup feta cheese: Buy a block and crumble it yourself, it tastes fresher than pre-crumbled
- 1 cup mixed nuts: Almonds add crunch, walnuts bring earthiness, pistachios look beautiful scattered throughout
- 1 cup assorted pita breads and flatbreads: Cut them into triangles before arranging, easier for guests to grab and dip
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A final drizzle ties everything together and makes the vegetables glisten
- Fresh herbs: Oregano, parsley, and dill add freshness and make the whole board feel garden-fresh
Instructions
- Make the hummus base:
- Blend drained chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until completely smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your ideal consistency.
- Prepare the tzatziki:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out all the excess water, then mix with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, and salt. Let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Roast the eggplant:
- Cook the whole eggplant at 400°F for about 35 minutes until it collapses completely. Scoop out the flesh and blend it with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Arrange your foundation:
- Spoon each dip into its own small bowl and place them on your serving board first, leaving space between them for everything else.
- Add the vegetables:
- Arrange the cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips in sections around the dips, clustering each vegetable together for visual impact.
- Scatter the toppings:
- Distribute olives and crumbled feta across the empty spaces, letting them fall naturally rather than placing them too precisely.
- Fill in the crunch:
- Create small piles of mixed nuts in any remaining gaps, adding texture and variety throughout the board.
- Finish with bread:
- Arrange the pita triangles and flatbread pieces around the edges so guests can reach them easily without knocking over the dips.
- Add the final touches:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil and scatter fresh herbs generously across the entire platter.
Save My daughter now requests this for her birthday celebration every year. She says it feels like eating a rainbow, and honestly, I can't argue with that.
Making It Your Own
Once you've made this a few times, you'll start noticing what your guests gravitate toward. I always add more olives now because that's what disappears first at my table.
Timing Your Prep
The dips can all be made two days ahead and stored in airtight containers. Just bring them to room temperature and give them a good stir before arranging the board.
Serving Suggestions
This board works beautifully as a light dinner when paired with a simple green salad. I've also set it out as an appetizer and watched it become the entire meal because no one could stop eating.
- Keep some extra pita warm in the oven for refills
- Put out small plates so guests can build their own combinations
- Don't worry if it looks messy, that's part of the charm
Save There's something deeply satisfying about feeding people this way, watching them discover new combinations and reach across the table for just one more taste. That's the real magic here.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I prepare the dips ahead of time?
Absolutely! The hummus, tzatziki, and baba ganoush can all be prepared a day or two in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and significantly reduces your preparation time on the day of serving.
- → What are some good additions to a Mediterranean board?
To enhance your board, consider adding marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even grilled halloumi cheese. Fresh fruit like grapes or figs can also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory elements.
- → Is this board suitable for dietary restrictions?
This board is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan option, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative, and ensure your flatbreads are dairy-free. Always check store-bought dip ingredients for hidden allergens.
- → What beverages pair well with a Mediterranean platter?
Light and crisp beverages are ideal. Consider a chilled dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon and mint, or a refreshing iced tea.
- → What's the best way to arrange the board for visual appeal?
Start by placing your dip bowls on the board, then build around them. Arrange larger items like vegetables and flatbreads first, then fill in gaps with olives, nuts, and feta. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs as a finishing touch adds color and aroma.
- → Can I make my own flatbreads?
While store-bought flatbreads are convenient, you can certainly make your own! Simple pita or unleavened flatbread recipes are readily available and can add a wonderfully fresh, warm element to your platter. Serve them warm for the best experience.