Turkish Meze Platter (Printable format)

A colorful assortment of creamy hummus, dolmas, cheeses, and olives served with fresh garnishes and pita.

# List of ingredients:

→ Hummus

01 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 tablespoons tahini
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon 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 additional feta, cubed
11 - 3.5 oz kasseri or halloumi, sliced

→ Olives

12 - 3.5 oz mixed Turkish olives (green and black), pitted if preferred
13 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Garnishes & Accompaniments

15 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
16 - 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges
17 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Warm pita or flatbread, cut into triangles, 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 stuffed grape leaves neatly onto the serving platter.
03 - Cut cheeses into bite-sized pieces and arrange in distinct groups on the platter.
04 - Toss olives with olive oil and oregano, then place in a small bowl or distribute around the platter.
05 - Arrange cucumber and tomato slices alongside lemon wedges on the platter; sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
06 - Accompany the assortment with warm pita or flatbread cut into triangles.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but most of it comes together in minutes—the secret is just arranging beautiful things thoughtfully.
  • Everyone finds something they love on the platter, whether they're drawn to creamy, salty, tangy, or crunchy.
  • It's the perfect excuse to open a bottle of wine and gather people around the table without stress.
02 -
  • Hummus needs more salt and acid than you think it does—taste as you blend and keep adjusting until it makes you want to eat another bite immediately.
  • Warm bread changes everything; cold or room-temperature bread feels like an afterthought, but bread that's still steaming transforms the whole experience.
  • A platter doesn't need to be perfectly symmetrical to look beautiful—asymmetry and generous spacing actually make things feel more intentional than cramming everything in.
03 -
  • Make the hummus earlier in the day and let it sit at room temperature before serving; it tastes better and more developed after a few hours of the flavors getting to know each other.
  • Keep everything else assembled just before guests arrive so the vegetables stay crisp, the cheese stays cool, and the platter looks intentional rather than like it's been sitting around.
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