Mediterranean Appetizers – Do you want to make a stunning appetizer that is sure to please any dinner guest?
Mediterranean cuisine has some of the most delicious and flavorful dishes, making them perfect for your next gathering!
From savory hummus paired with pita bread to amazing Spanish tapas, there are plenty of recipes to choose from.
Here’s a roundup of our favorite easy-to-prepare Mediterranean appetizers that everyone will love.
Mediterranean Appetizers:
1. Greek Chicken Souvlaki
You’ll love this popular Greek street food, Souvlaki, as it makes the perfect appetizer for any pot luck, party or dinner.
And to make this Mediterranean treat, all you need are a few simple ingredients and about 25 minutes of time. Start by marinating your chicken bites with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano and salt and pepper. Skewer and cook on the grill, oven or stovetop and enjoy!
Serve Souvlaki on a mezze platter, wrap them in pitas with tomatoes, cucumber and tzatziki or add them to salads.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Souvlaki
2. Cherry Tomato Confit (Under 30 Minutes)
Cherry Tomato Confit is a dish of beautifully roasted and blistered tomatoes that you can use for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
This dish is possibly the easiest recipe you will ever make in your kitchen. Just throw everything in your baking pan, let your oven do all the work, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
So try this incredibly delicious Mediterranean confit as it makes a great condiment, appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Confit
3. Antipasto Pasta Salad
Impress everyone at your next potluck or dinner with this tempting and satisfying Antipasto Pasta Salad. It’s a delicious twist on the classic Mediterranean antipasto and makes a great appetizer, starter or even a main dish.
This Italian-themed pasta salad is loaded with salty meats, sweet tomatoes, red drop peppers, briny olives, and fresh mozzarella balls. Serve with a rustic bread and you’ll have a complete meal.
It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser, so make a huge bowl!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad
4. Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
Meet your new star party dip, Melitzanosalata! It’s a delicious Greek Eggplant Dip which is super simple to make at home.
To create this perfectly creamy, smoky dip, you’ll need roasted eggplant along with a good dose of EVOO, garlic, lemon juice, parley, red chili flakes and salt and pepper.
Serve this flavorful dip with lots of pita bread, crostini, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Melitzanosalata
5. Authentic Falafel
Make Authentic Falafel with ease and simplicity using our recipe and get the iconic Middle Eastern flavors in your own kitchen.
This trending, famous dish consists of fried balls of mashed chickpeas or fava beans mixed with spices and herbs to get the best flavors. It’s also vegan, vegetarian and full of protein.
Enjoy them in a pita, with your favorite dipping sauces or added to a salad.
Get the Recipe: Falafel Recipe
6. Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
These Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs) are a famous tapas dish and can be the trendiest party appetizer for your get-togethers.
Albondigas are beautifully seasoned meatballs that are smothered in the tastiest tomato sauce. All you’ll need is some crusty , rustic bread to sop up the sauce!
Enjoy with a good glass of Spanish wine.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Meatballs
7. Shish Tawook
This summer, try grilling Shish Tawook and bring the roots of Lebanese and Turkey cuisine to your own backyard.
The marinade for this Mediterranean kebab is the hero of this dish. You simply need yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and a variety of spices to get the best flavors for your chicken cubes. Next, simply grill to a juicy, charred perfection and you’re done.
We guarantee this appetizer will be a huge hit at your next cook out.
Get the Recipe: Shish Tawook
8. Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
How about trying something new to jazz up your favorite summer vegetable with these Mediterranean Zucchini Boats. They’re light, they’re fresh, they’re delicious!
The perfectly seasoned ground meat stuffing combined with cherry tomatoes, feta, and pine nuts makes this dish super flavorful. And it’s also quick and easy!
Serve as an appetizer, starter or side dish and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats
9. Baked Feta
Introducing: Heavenly Baked Feta Medley – cheese like you’ve never known before! Get ready for a game-changer appetizer for your next get together!
Have you ever wondered what pure joy tastes like? Look no further than this sensationally creamy, astonishingly flavorful, Baked Feta!
10. Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
This colorful and tasty Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto is going to be a new show-stopper for your upcoming parties, potlucks, or get-togethers.
This salad is a breeze to make. It’s filled with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, sweet red peppers, kalamata olives, herbs and prosciutto. All your favorite things, tossed with a light Italian dressing.
This Mediterranean pasta salad can easily feed a large crowd and can be served as an appetizer, side or main.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
11. Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey
Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey is a gooey, cheesy and decadent appetizer that deserves a place on your holiday table. And, best of all, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef for producing it for your guests!
This recipe will jazz up your favorite creamy brie with dried figs, nuts, a drizzle of honey, and some fresh herbs. And, start to finish, in just 15 minutes of your time. You can also customize the toppings with your own favorite fruit and nuts..
This Mediterranean appetizer will be a beautiful start to your holiday meal. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie
12. Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach with Chick Peas)
Try something ethnic and regional with this Spanish classic, Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach with Chick Peas).
These warm and cozy tapas are a combination of spinach, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, garlic, raisins, and almond slivers.
Pair with rustic bread, other tapas favorites and a glass of Spanish wine.
Get the Recipe: Espinacas con Garbanzos
13. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers will make a stunning addition to your mezze platter and also works well as an appetizer, main or side.
These exotic, vibrant, and colorful bell peppers have all the essence of Mediterranean flavors. And briny kalamata olives, feta, couscous, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and ground beef make the perfect stuffing.
A great meal prep recipe that would win the prize at any pot luck, party or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
14. Tzatziki
If are you looking for some new cool dip ideas, try this Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce.
This Mediterranean classic is made with cool refreshing grated cucumbers folded in a lusciously thick creamy yogurt. Add a hint of zingy garlic and lemon along with fresh herbs and it’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Serve with fresh or roasted veggies along with pitas and crackers or use it as sauce or spread.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki
15. Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
You won’t be able get enough of these traditional Greek Meatballs, Keftedes. This amazing dish is slightly crispy, full of Mediterranean flavors and totally delicious!
These are often enjoyed as part of a mezze platter with pita bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce. Or you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy as a tasty appetizer.
These meatballs are totally addictive, so make a big bunch!
Get the Recipe: Keftedes
16. Loaded Layered Hummus Dip
Loaded Layered Hummus Dip is not only the perfect Mediterranean appetizer, it’s also super delicious and a real crowd pleaser.
Imagine your creamy hummus topped with seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, a good amount of EVOO and toasted pine nuts. It’s not only great to look at, it’s also full of vegetable protein and super healthy.
Pair with pitas, crackers or veggies strips and feel good about serving this healthy appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Hummus Dip
17. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
If you’re in the mood for a fresh new salad, try this classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki).
This traditional Mediterranean salad has crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onions, briny olives, capers, and creamy feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple yet zesty home made herb dressing and enjoy.
A perfect appetizer or starter for your favorite Greek dinner.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki
18. Mediterranean Flatbread
Mediterranean Flatbread is the quick and easy answer when pizza cravings hit. No more delivery of soggy pizza, no more pizza dough disasters, just a delicious meal that everyone will love.
There’s a lot to love about flatbread. It’s easy to make, can be whipped up by almost anyone and is super customizable. It can serve as an easy appetizer or as a complete meal when served with a salad.
A perfect weeknight meal when you’re in a rush and out of time.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Flatbread
19. Baba Ganoush
Need something more exciting than your regular hummus? Then try this Eastern Mediterranean dip, Baba Ganoush.
You’re going to love this classic dip that is made with mashed roasted eggplant combined with nutty tahini, aromatic garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Jazz it up with any of your favorite add-ins and and serve with pitas, crackers or fresh veggie sticks.
Packed with nutrients, this is a perfect dip for vegan and gluten-free dieters.
Get the Recipe: Baba Ganoush
20. Pan con Jamón
Get ready for this totally additive appetizer from Spain, Pan con Jamón! This popular tapas is super simple to make but is oh so good!
Pan con Jamón needs only three ingredients , but don’t cut corners! You’ll need a good quality baguette, extra virgin olive oil and dry cured ham (jamon iberico, serrano ham or prosciutto. )
Serve with a good Spanish wine and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Pan con Jamon
21. Portuguese Mussels (Moules à la Portugaise)
Need to make something special for a fancy event? Then try these Portuguese Mussels.
The mussels, delicious little morsels, get drenched in a fantastic sauce that is the star of this recipe. Plus, this restaurant-worthy meal is quick, easy and ready in a mere 30 minutes! It can be served in small portions as an appetizer or as a main.
Serve this Mediterranean delight with a crispy salad, a good baguette and a bottle of Portuguese wine.
Get the Recipe: Portuguese Mussels
22. Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Dip)
Morocco’s tasty Eggplant dip, Zalouk is a delicious appetizer that you can feel good about. It’s not only delicious, it’s healthy and nutritious too!
Zaalouk is pretty simple to make. It’s an irresistible combination of eggplant, accompanied by tomatoes, garlic, warm spices, fresh herbs, and lot s of olive oil.
Serve this easy Mediterranean dip with pita bread, chips, or crostini. It also pairs well with grilled meats or can be used a spread.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk
23. Kofta Kebab
Planning to throw a Mediterranean feast? Add these easy crowd pleasers to your menu, Kofta Kebabs.
These Mid eastern kebabs take a minimum of effort to make. They can be cooked on a grill, stovetop or oven and are ready to serve in a mere 20 minutes.
These fun hand held meals can serve as an appetizer or used as a main with salad, pita bread or saffron rice.
Get the Recipe: Kofta
24. Antipasto Salad
Antipasto Salad is huge crowd pleaser that will win your rave reviews at your next potlucks, picnics, or parties.
This absolutely no-cook recipe is super easy to make but looks fancy and tastes gourmet. It’s a beautiful mix of meats, cheese, vegetables, olives, and artichokes served in a cheeseboard fashion.
Serve this delicious Mediterranean salad as an appetizer or main and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
25. Homemade Hummus
Are you on the hunt for a perfect hummus recipe? Then end your search here with our amazing Homemade Hummus recipe.
You’ll love the richness of this creamy, delicious hummus. Tahini and chickpeas are blended with tangy fresh lemon juice, a hint of garlic and toasty pine nuts for this healthy appetizer.
Serve with pita, crackers or fresh veggies and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Hummus
26. Spanish Summer Salad (Pipirrana)
Try this authentic and colorful Spanish Summer Salad, Pipirrana, all the way from the South of Spain!
This delicious salad features sweet tomatoes, crunchy peppers, cucumbers, olives, and hard-boiled eggs all drizzled with easy and quick garlic vinaigrette. It’s the perfect example of simple ingredients that can create something so magical, fresh and delicious.
Serve as an appetizer, starter or main dish and enjoy with a glass of Spanish wine.
Get the Recipe: Pipirrana
27. Olive Tapenade
This summer, get the earthy, robust flavors of France with this delightful Olive Tapenade. It’s a simple, quick, and addictive appetizer bursting with delicious Mediterranean flavors.
This simple recipe highlights olives, capers, garlic and a few other flavorings. Just chop or puree all the ingredients together with plenty of olive oil and it’s done.
Serve this classic with toasted bread, crackers, baguette or pita and enjoy with a fine French wine!
Get the Recipe: Olive Tapenade
28. Cherry Tomato Gratin
This holiday season introduce this colorful and flavorful Cherry Tomato Gratin to your guests. Just don’t tell them how easy it was to make!
This recipe couldn’t get any simpler than this. It’s just the perfect combination of blistery tomatoes, cubes of baguette, herbs, parmesan, and olive oil.
Enjoy as an appetizer or served with the main course.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Gratin
29. Caponata
If you’re a fan of eggplant, then you’ll want you to try this traditional and popular dish from Sicily, Caponata.
This delicious Mediterranean appetizer starts with eggplant that is cooked with fresh summer veggies. Add sweet raisins, honey, briny capers, olives, and vinegar and you get an incredibly flavorful and addictive dish.
Traditionally, this dip is served with crostini or crusty bread, but can also be paired with pitas or crackers as well.
Get the Recipe: Caponata
30. Spanish Clams with Chorizo
Spanish Clams with Chorizo is one of those simple recipes where a few ingredients combine to make a dish that is unbelievably delicious.
Spanish clams are simmered with cannellini beans, chorizo sausage, onions, tomatoes and other flavor enhancers. The result is an amazing dish that can served as a tapas, appetizer or main dish.
Try this easy Mediterranean skillet dinner with some rustic bread to sop up the sauce and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Spanish Clams
31. Greek Meatballs (Soutzoukakia)
Give these Greek Meatballs a try if you’re looking for a tasty and more exotic twist to your traditional meatballs.
Turkish in origin, these oblong shaped meatballs are now a true Greek comfort food. They’re packed with aromatics and herbs and then smothered in a cinnamon, cumin, and wine-enhanced tomato sauce.
Traditionally paired with rice for a main dish, they can be served alone as an appetizer or tapas.
Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Soutzoukakia
32. Chicken Gyros
Chicken Gyros are a fun and easy way to get dinner on the table in no time. It’s also healthy and nutritious, but don’t tell the kids!
This hand held meal starts by stuffing succulent chicken into warmed pitas. Add crisp veggies, feta cheese and a creamy tzatziki sauce and this Mediterranean treat is ready for a casual meal or good enough for company.
A perfect meal for a hectic weeknight when you’re flat out of time!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gyros
33. Moutabal
A classic Middle Eastern eggplant dip, Moutabal, is Mediterranean in origin and similar to the famous Baba Ganoush.
It traditionally starts with a charred eggplant that is mashed and then mixed with a dash of lemon juice, a hint of garlic and plenty of tahini or yogurt. It’s super simple, quick and easy and makes a delicious appetizer.
Garnish with fresh parsley, pomegranate arils and scoop up with pitas or crackers. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Moutabal
34. Tyrokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
If you’re looking for a spicy, exotic new appetizer, it’s time to try tzatziki’s fiery and zingy cousin, Tyrokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip).
This spicy Mediterranean dip is totally addictive, fresh, and flavorful. It’s made with your favorite feta cheese which is spiced up with hot peppers along with creamy Greek yogurt and olive oil. Serve with .pitas, crackers and maybe, a glass of ice water! Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Tyrokafteri
35. Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)
The Mediterranean is famous for it’s seafood and Gambas al Ajillo is one of the reasons why!
This delicious Spanish Garlic Shrimp dish is full of plump and lush shrimp sizzling and bubbling in an insanely delicious sauce. Serve with a rustic, crispy bread to soak up the amazing and enjoy.
This fantastic dish will be the star of your tapas night or can serve as an appetizer or main dish for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gambas al Ajillo
36. Mediterranean Pasta
This super quick and tasty Mediterranean Pasta can make an easy weeknight dinner but is fancy enough for a special occasion.
This is the simplest recipe ever! Just boil the pasta, do a little chopping, mix and that’s it. The combination of cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, feta cheese, herbs and olive oil is delicious! And, it’s a super versatile recipe you can easily make it your own.
It’s so quick and easy, you’ll have time to relax with a glass of wine! Enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta
37. Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
Lets wrap up this list of Mediterranean appetizers with a real bang!
Mediterranean Mezze Platter – a lavish spread that is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes as well!
We will tell you how to make a Mezze Platter that will wow your guests the next time you have a get together…
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
We hope you enjoyed this list of Mediterranean Appetizers. There’s so many yummy recipes to choose from!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Mediterranean Recipes
Mediterranean Side Dishes
Mediterranean Fish Recipes
Mediterranean Chicken Recipes
Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Mediterranean Desserts
Mediterranean Appetizers (35+ BEST Starters)
This collection of easy Mediterranean Appetizers includes all your favorite dips, kebabs, meatballs and more!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15oz) chickpeas or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 1 .5 to 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 3-4 Tbsp cold water
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts - divided
- Pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Soak and cook chickpeas according to package directions, if using dried. If using canned, boil for additional 20 minutes to soften. Remove skins.
- Mix tahini, cold water, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, half of pine nuts, cumin and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Add chickpeas and puree for 3-4 minutes, stopping a few times to scrape the hummus down off the sides of the blender. Blend until ultra smooth. If needed, add additional cold water to get that creamy smooth hummus.
- Taste and adjust the lemon juice, cumin and salt according to your taste.
- Scoop the hummus into a bowl. Make a well, or some design into the hummus with a spoon. Drizzle in additional olive oil. Garnish with paprika and remaining pine nuts.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 168Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 0mgSodium 153mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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