15-Minute Mezze Plate with Toasted Za’atar Pita Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mezze Plate is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful spreads, and salty, savory toppings creates a wonderfully balanced plate that can be served as a light appetizer, a party dish, or a simple weeknight snack. The toasted pita rounds, sprinkled with za’atar, add a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy yogurt, rich hummus, and marinated artichokes. It’s a quick, customizable, and satisfying dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 whole-wheat pita rounds
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons za’atar
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup hummus
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts
• 1 cup sliced roasted red peppers
• 2 cups assorted olives
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 4 ounces salami

Directions

1. Toast the Pita Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pita rounds on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle each pita with 1 teaspoon of za’atar. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes or until the pita is crispy and golden brown. Once toasted, cut the pita rounds into wedges and set aside.
2. Prepare the Greek Yogurt: In a small bowl, season the Greek yogurt with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
3. Arrange the Mezze Plate: On a large platter or serving board, arrange the toasted za’atar pita wedges, Greek yogurt, hummus, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and slices of salami. Feel free to mix and match the placement of the items on the plate for a colorful and appealing presentation.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mezze plate with the toasted pita wedges on the side for dipping into the hummus and yogurt. Enjoy the variety of flavors with each bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size.
• Timing:
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-10 minutes (for the pita bread)
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use a dairy-free hummus. Omit the salami or replace it with a vegan alternative.
• Add More Veggies: You can add other Mediterranean veggies such as cucumber slices, radishes, or pickled onions to enhance the platter.
• Cheese Option: Add cubes of feta cheese or goat cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and tang.
• Spicy Twist: Drizzle the hummus with a little chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the yogurt for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers. The pita bread will lose its crunch, but you can store it separately in a paper towel to maintain texture. The dips and toppings can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the pita, place the wedges in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use white pita instead of whole-wheat?

Yes, you can use white pita if you prefer. Whole-wheat pita adds extra fiber, but the recipe will still be delicious with white pita.

2. Can I prepare this Mezze Plate ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dips and toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Toast the pita just before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I substitute za’atar with another seasoning?

Yes, if you don’t have za’atar, you can use a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, or just sprinkle the pita with garlic powder and dried oregano for a different flavor.

4. Can I add more protein to the plate?

Yes, you can add more protein like grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or falafel balls to make the plate more filling.

5. Can I use store-bought hummus?

Yes, store-bought hummus works perfectly in this recipe. However, making homemade hummus can add an extra layer of freshness and flavor.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh sliced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are often used for their sweetness and color, but any tomato variety will work.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can drizzle the hummus with hot sauce, add fresh chili slices, or include some spicy marinated olives to give it a spicy kick.

8. Can I make the pita chips in advance?

Yes, the pita chips can be toasted in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp until you’re ready to serve.

9. Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, feel free to use any type of olives you prefer, such as Kalamata, green olives, or black olives.

10. How can I make this Mezze Plate more filling?

To make the Mezze Plate more filling, add additional protein sources like grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpea-based dishes like falafel or roasted chickpeas.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Mezze Plate with Toasted Za’atar Pita Bread is an easy-to-make, vibrant dish full of Mediterranean flavors. It’s a fantastic option for sharing with friends, serving at parties, or enjoying as a light meal. With its balance of creamy dips, savory meats, fresh veggies, and crispy pita, this plate is sure to satisfy your taste buds in just 15 minutes. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors that come together beautifully in this quick and delicious dish!

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