- Ina Garten’s mezze platter assembles in about 20 minutes using store-bought components.
- Small finishing touches — olive oil, toasted pine nuts, pomegranate arils — elevate the spread.
- Minimal prep and no complex cooking make it ideal for last-minute holiday hosting.
- A modest $30 grocery run can yield a spread that looks and tastes premium.
Why Ina Garten’s Mezze Platter Works
Ina Garten’s Mediterranean mezze platter proves that entertaining doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The idea is simple: start with quality store-bought dips and components, then add a few thoughtful garnishes to make everything look and taste homemade. I tried the recipe myself and was surprised by how festive and elevated the final board looked after only 20 minutes of assembly.
What to buy
Most items are easy to find at a supermarket. Ina recommends hummus and baba ghanoush (store-bought is fine), Kalamata olives, stuffed grape leaves, a block of Greek feta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pita, good olive oil, pine nuts and pomegranate arils. Fresh herbs and a jar of quality olives go a long way for visual appeal.
How to assemble (20 minutes)
Start by toasting pine nuts in a small skillet over low heat until golden — this takes only a few minutes but adds a nutty aroma. Scoop hummus and baba ghanoush into small bowls, drizzle each with extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkle the hummus with the toasted pine nuts. Top the baba ghanoush with pomegranate arils for color and contrast.
Arrange the bowls on a wooden board or large platter. Cluster the feta block, olives, stuffed grape leaves, cucumber spears and cherry tomatoes around the dips. Add warmed or toasted pita on the side. Finish with a scattering of fresh thyme or herbes de Provence and another light drizzle of olive oil for shine.
Tipping the scales from store-bought to special
The trick is in presentation and contrast: different shapes, heights and colors make the board look abundant. Use bowls for dips, leave some items whole (a feta block, olive bowl), and slice or spear others for easy grazing. The toasted pine nuts and pomegranate arils add texture and brightness that make store-bought dips feel handcrafted.
Verdict: Fast, flexible, guest-ready
Ina’s mezze platter is ideal for holiday hosting or any impromptu gathering. It requires almost no cooking, suits vegetarian guests, and can be scaled up or down depending on crowd size. For my $30 grocery run, the final spread looked far more expensive and took only minutes to plate. If you want a stress-free, impressive appetizer, this is a reliable shortcut that actually tastes like effort.
Ready for more? Pair the board with a crisp rosé or Ina’s giant cosmopolitan to complete the Mediterranean mood.
Image Referance: https://parade.com/food/ina-garten-mediterranean-mezze-platter-recipe-review