Last year, about ‘vegan mezze recipes’ during a rainy weekend in Cornwall, I found myself craving something light yet comforting. I opened the fridge and spotted a few aubergines, a half tub of tahini, some olives, and leftover roasted carrots. Suddenly, inspiration struck — I decided to build a spontaneous vegan mezze platter. It turned out to be the perfect indoor feast, and since then, vegan mezze has become my favourite way to serve guests and enjoy plant-based food without the stress.
If you love vibrant flavours, colourful presentations, and dishes you can mix and match, then a vegan mezze platter is your new best friend. This article explores seven easy vegan mezze recipes, along with tips to build the perfect mezze platter vegan-style, no matter where you are — UK, Ireland, or the United States.
🧄 What Is Vegan Mezze?
“Mezze” (or “meze”) refers to a collection of small dishes commonly served in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Traditionally, a mezze platter might include grilled meats and yoghurt-based sauces — but when done plant-based, it transforms into a vegan mezze platter, bursting with colour, texture, and flavour.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a weekend brunch, or planning a festive spread, vegan mezze recipes offer variety, nutrition, and universal appeal.
🌱 Why Go for a Mezze Platter Vegan Style?
There are several benefits to preparing your mezze the vegan way:
✅ Healthier options: Low in saturated fat, high in fibre and antioxidants
✅ Inclusive dining: Perfect for guests with dairy or meat restrictions
✅ Easy prep: Most recipes can be made ahead and require minimal cooking
✅ Beautiful presentation: Great for entertaining or weekend grazing
✅ Cost-effective: Uses simple, affordable ingredients like pulses and vegetables
With a vegan mezze platter, you don’t need to compromise on taste or nutrition — you get the best of both worlds.
🍽️ The Ultimate Vegan Mezze Platter Formula
Before we dive into the recipes, here’s a quick structure to help you create a balanced mezze experience:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dips | Hummus, baba ghanoush, vegan tzatziki |
| Protein | Falafel, lentil patties, bean salad |
| Veggies | Roasted aubergine, courgette, peppers |
| Crunch | Pita chips, crackers, toasted nuts |
| Fresh | Cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions |
| Garnish | Herbs, lemon wedges, pomegranate seeds |
🧆 7 Delicious Vegan Mezze Recipes You Must Try
1. Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Ingredients:
1 tin chickpeas
1 roasted red pepper
2 tbsp tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove
Salt & olive oil
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with smoked paprika and fresh parsley. Serve with warm pita or veggie sticks.
2. Baba Ghanoush (Smoky Aubergine Dip)
Ingredients:
2 large aubergines
1 tbsp tahini
1 garlic clove
Juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil, salt
Instructions:
Roast aubergines until soft and blistered. Scoop out flesh and blend with remaining ingredients. Serve chilled or room temp with flatbread.
3. Crispy Baked Falafel
Ingredients:
1 tin chickpeas (drained)
1 small onion
2 garlic cloves
Handful fresh parsley
1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander
2 tbsp flour
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients, form small patties, and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Great with tahini sauce or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
4. Quick Vegan Tzatziki
Ingredients:
1 cup plant-based yoghurt
1/2 cucumber (grated)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh dill or mint
Instructions:
Mix everything together and chill before serving. Refreshing and cooling, ideal for summer mezze.
5. Herby Lentil Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked green lentils
Chopped parsley, mint, red onion
Lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper
Instructions:
Toss everything together. This salad is protein-packed, zesty, and great as a base layer on your platter.
6. Grilled Veggie Medley
Ingredients:
Sliced courgette, peppers, mushrooms
Olive oil, sea salt, thyme
Instructions:
Grill or roast veggies until tender. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of lemon or balsamic vinegar.
7. Spicy Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients:
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tsp sugar, pinch of salt
Chilli flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Let everything sit in a jar for 30+ minutes. These add colour and punch to your vegan mezze platter.
🧠 Nutritional Breakdown of a Vegan Mezze Platter
| Nutrient | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Lentils, chickpeas, falafel | Muscle support, satiety |
| Fibre | Vegetables, pulses | Digestive health |
| Iron | Spinach, tahini, legumes | Vital for energy |
| Calcium | Plant yoghurt, tahini | Bone health |
| Antioxidants | Herbs, peppers, aubergine | Cell protection, inflammation control |
⚠️ Common Mezze Mistakes & Easy Fixes
Mistake: Everything tastes the same
Fix: Vary flavours — mix creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy elements
Mistake: Too soft
Fix: Add crunch with nuts, seeds, or baked falafel
Mistake: Lack of freshness
Fix: Use herbs, lemon zest, or pomegranate seeds for a fresh finish
Hosting a Mezze Platter Vegan-Style in the U.S.
If you’re serving vegan mezze in the United States, consider the following:
Add avocado slices for a California-style touch
Include salsas or hot sauce to meet local spice expectations
Use corn chips or tortillas alongside pita for variety
Serve with iced mint tea or lemonade
You can find great ingredients at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or international markets.
🎨 Styling Your Mezze Platter
Visual appeal is everything! Use:
Wooden or stone boards
Small ceramic bowls for dips
Fresh herbs for garnish
A central theme (colour or region)
Textures: creamy dips, crunchy veg, soft breads
📸 Pro Tip: For social media, use natural light and shoot top-down for the best look!
🌞 When to Serve Vegan Mezze
🥂 Dinner parties
🧺 Picnics
🍳 Weekend brunch
🍽️ Potlucks
🏡 Family lunches
🎉 Birthday gatherings
It works year-round and scales easily — serve two people or twenty!
📌 Related Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
Explore more plant-based dishes that pair beautifully with mezze:
Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole (perfect for brunch)
❤️ Final Thoughts: Mezze as a Lifestyle
Whether you’re building a simple lunch board or hosting a festive dinner, a vegan mezze platter invites joy, generosity, and global flavours to your table. It’s not just food — it’s a form of expression, a celebration of plant-based living, and a delicious way to care for others. 🌱
👉 Try this colourful spread now: Vegan Mezze Platter Recipes to Try Today
And if you’re planning a full menu, don’t miss these reader favourites:
🍇 Wake up to comfort with this Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole
🍳 Need a quick breakfast? Grab these Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins
🍞 Soft, fluffy, irresistible — try these Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
🍫 Craving dessert? Bake the iconic Mary Berry Brownie Recipe
✨ Explore, cook, and share the love — one recipe at a time.
