If you’ve ever found yourself enchanted by the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean, you’ll love exploring its side dishes and mezze. These small plates, bursting with fresh herbs, bright citrus, creamy cheeses, crisp vegetables, and warm spices, bring people together around the table, inviting conversation and connection. From silky hummus and crisp Greek salads to lemony potatoes and marinated olives, Mediterranean side dishes and mezze add color, nutrition, and irresistible flavor to any meal, making everyday dining feel like a celebration.
Mezze Platter
A mezze platter is the perfect solution for feeding a crowd. This Middle Eastern tradition of serving a medley of appetizers and small plates before a meal (or even as a meal) ensures that there’s always something for everyone. Folks can munch on fresh veggies, salads, bread, cheese, dips, spreads, and more. Recipe: Mezze Platter
Marinated Olives and Walnuts (Zeytoon Parvardeh)
Zeytoon Parvardeh, or Persian marinated olives with walnuts, is a bold, tangy, and easy-to-make combination that’s utterly irresistible. Make it once and you’ll want to enjoy it with everything. Briny green and kalamata olives meet crunchy walnuts, bright lemon zest, and a sweet-tart marinade of pomegranate molasses and red wine vinegar. Warm extra virgin olive oil helps all those bold Mediterranean flavors meld together, while mint and oregano add freshness, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper just the right amount of warmth. Recipe: Marinated Olives and Walnuts (Zeytoon Parvardeh)
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat and lots of chopped fresh parsley. It’s a cinch to make. The thing that requires the most work actually is just the chopping up of the parsley. Don’t skimp on the olive oil. The salad needs it or it will be dry. Feel free to add some chopped cucumber, or even chili for a little heat. A good winter-time substitute for the fresh tomatoes is some canned roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Recipe: Tabbouleh
Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
This recipe is for the popular Greek salad and summertime treat, Horiatiki. To make it perfect, all you need is crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onions, briny olives, capers, feta, and a simple herb dressing, and combine everything just beautifully. This authentic Greek salad pairs great with Greek mains like moussaka, souvlaki, and much more, or you can enjoy it as a part of your mezze platter. Recipe: Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Roasted Garlic Hummus
If you like classic homemade hummus, you will love this roasted garlic hummus that’s kicked up a couple notches. Creamy. Sweet. Smoky. And just a touch spicy. This time, cooked chickpeas—skins removed for a smoother dip—share the glory with two heads of garlic. Recipe: Roasted Garlic Hummus
Roasted Sweet Potato Salsa
Add this warming, zesty twist to your meals with our delicious sweet potato salsa. Shake up your table with this fun recipe. Try pairing this exciting salsa with chicken or with quinoa and beans for a complete source of vegetarian protein. Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salsa
Grilled Eggplant with Basil and Parsley
This Italian side dish (aka ‘contorno’) couldn’t be easier. We make this often during the summer, when we have an abundance of basil and parsley growing in our garden. Works well with zucchini, too. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature. Recipe: Grilled Eggplant with Basil and Parsley
Quinoa with Peas & Lemon
Green peas add a pop of color to this bright whole-grain side dish. Plus, choosing frozen saves you time—no shelling required! Want to save even more time? Use a pouch of precooked quinoa. Recipe: Quinoa with Peas & Lemon
Crumbed Asparagus with Saffron Yogurt
This asparagus idea is crumbed instead of battered, which helps retain a wonderful texture. The saffron yogurt is a simple version of an aïoli but Middle Eastern style. Recipe: Crumbed Asparagus with Saffron Yogurt
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta
Whole wheat orzo is a tasty way to include a serving of whole grains in your meal. Orzo is a shortcut pasta that is typically overlooked. However, this grain pairs well with vegetables, beans, and cheeses like other pastas! This salad can be prepared ahead and served cold, making it a great make-ahead option. Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta
FAQ: Mediterranean Side Dishes and Mezze
What are Mediterranean mezze?
Answer: Mediterranean mezze are small plates or appetizers served before a meal or as a light meal themselves. They include dips like hummus and baba ganoush, fresh salads, marinated vegetables, olives, cheeses, and warm breads, offering vibrant, fresh flavors that invite people to gather and share around the table.
What are some easy Mediterranean side dishes to start with?
Answer: Easy Mediterranean side dishes include Greek salad, tabbouleh, roasted garlic hummus, marinated olives, and grilled eggplant. These dishes require minimal ingredients and preparation, making them perfect for bringing fresh, healthy flavors to your meals without much effort.
Can Mediterranean side dishes be made ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, many Mediterranean side dishes can be made ahead of time. Dishes like hummus, marinated olives, Greek salad, and orzo pasta salad can be prepared a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop while making entertaining or meal prep easier.
What should I serve with a Mediterranean mezze platter?
Answer: A mezze platter pairs well with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes, cheeses such as feta, and spreads like hummus and baba ganoush. You can also add marinated olives, nuts, and light salads to create a balanced and inviting spread for gatherings.
Are Mediterranean side dishes healthy?
Answer: Yes, Mediterranean side dishes are often packed with vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fresh herbs, healthy fats like olive oil, and lean proteins, making them nutrient-dense and satisfying. They align with the Mediterranean diet, which is known for promoting heart health and overall wellness.
Final Thoughts
Bringing Mediterranean side dishes and mezze to your table is a simple way to add vibrant flavor, freshness, and a sense of celebration to your meals. Whether you’re serving creamy dips with warm pita, crisp salads with bright herbs, or savory vegetable sides, these dishes invite you to slow down and savor each bite. They’re more than just sides—they’re an invitation to gather, share, and enjoy the nourishing, colorful spirit of Mediterranean cooking in your everyday life. If you try any of these recipes or have a favorite Mediterranean side dish, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!