Turkish Meze Platter (Printer-Friendly)

A colorful spread of hummus, dolmas, cheeses, and olives offering fresh, bold flavors in every bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Hummus

01 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 tbsp tahini
03 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
06 - ½ tsp ground cumin
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

08 - 12 ready-made stuffed grape leaves

→ Cheese Selection

09 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, cubed
10 - 3.5 oz beyaz peynir (or substitute with feta)
11 - 3.5 oz kasseri or halloumi, sliced

→ Olives

12 - 3.5 oz mixed Turkish olives (green and black), pitted if desired
13 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano

→ Garnishes & Accompaniments

15 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
16 - 1 medium tomato, sliced into wedges
17 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
18 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Warm pita or flatbread, to serve

# How To Make It:

01 - Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil; optionally sprinkle with paprika or sumac.
02 - Place the stuffed grape leaves neatly on the serving platter.
03 - Cut all cheeses into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in distinct groups on the platter.
04 - Toss olives with olive oil and oregano, then place them in a small bowl or scatter around the platter.
05 - Arrange cucumber slices, tomato wedges, lemon wedges, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the platter for freshness and color.
06 - Accompany the platter with warm pita or flatbread, cut into triangles.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No cooking skills required beyond blending hummus, making it impossible to mess up even if you're new to the kitchen.
  • Everything can be prepped hours ahead, so you're free to enjoy company instead of being stuck at the stove.
  • A single platter replaces the need for multiple dishes, turning one effort into an impressive spread that feels generous.
02 -
  • If your hummus tastes too garlicky, you've added too much or the garlic is too old—one tiny clove is enough, and fresh garlic makes a difference you can taste.
  • Room-temperature cheese tastes fuller than cold cheese, so pull everything from the fridge 15 minutes before serving and your guests will taste the difference immediately.
03 -
  • The oil sitting on top of tahini in the jar is your secret weapon—don't discard it, stir it back in for silkier, richer hummus.
  • Pitting olives yourself takes ten minutes but transforms them from pantry ingredient to something special; use the side of a knife to crack them open gently.
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