Hosting a party, planning a casual dinner, or just craving a taste of something fresh?
If you want to add some Mediterranean flair, think creamy, nutty tahini, briny olives, and sun-ripened vegetables paired with warm bread or crisp bites.
This roundup dives into the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, with small plates that turn any table into a feast.
Pan Tumaca (Spanish Tomato Bread)
Pan Tumaca, also known as Spanish Tomato Bread, is a popular tapas dish you’ll find in many local restaurants.
Tumaca is deceptively simple: toasted bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with salt and sometimes topped with ham.
It originates from Catalonia and is sometimes topped with Spanish ham, such as jamón serrano or jamón ibérico.
You’ll often find it in Spanish breakfasts and tapas menus. Its simple nature captures the fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisines, but it also requires good quality ingredients to get it right.
Zaalouk (Moroccan Roasted Eggplant Salad)
Zaalouk is a simple Moroccan salad made with eggplant, tomato, spices, and olive oil. It’s packed with flavor and can be used as an appetizer, a dipping sauce, or as a spread for bread.
Eggplant and tomato dishes are commonly combined with spices in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines to create salads.
It is very similar to dishes such as baba ganoush (eggplant dip of Levantine origin) or Moutabel (spicy Lebanese eggplant dip).
Zaalouk tastes just as good as these recipes and with just a few ingredients, it can bring out some intense yet delicious flavors.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are a refreshing appetizer perfect for any gathering or as a healthy snack.
Crisp cucumber slices serve as a base for creamy herb and garlic cream cheese, topped with savory smoked salmon and garnished with fresh dill, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
They capture the essence of summer in every bite.
Easy Tzatziki Greek Cucumber Salad
This Tzatziki Greek Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Crunchy mini cucumber slices are tossed with creamy tzatziki sauce, tangy pickled red onions, and crumbled feta, then garnished with fresh dill, sea salt, and black pepper.
Perfect as a light summer side or paired with grilled dishes, this salad combines crisp textures and zesty flavors for a dish that’s simple to prepare and always a hit.
Easy Greek Flatbread
This Greek Flatbread combines classic Mediterranean flavors on a versatile base.
Using naan, pita, or artisan flatbread, it’s topped with pesto, fresh mozzarella, feta, shrimp (or chicken), Kalamata olives, and prosciutto.
Sliced tomatoes are lightly salted to prevent sogginess, and a final drizzle of cucumber ranch dressing or Greek yogurt sauce adds a little extra to the dish.
Finished with fresh basil and diced cucumbers, this easy-to-make flatbread is perfect for a quick dinner or shareable appetizer.
Bake for crispy perfection and enjoy a slice of the Mediterranean at home!
Spicy Rosemary and Orange Marinated Olives
These Italian Marinated Olives are a simple yet elegant appetizer, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
A blend of garlic, rosemary, orange zest, and chili peppers infuses olive oil, creating a spicy-sweet marinade that enhances the rich flavors of mixed olives.
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Serve these marinated olives with crusty bread or cheese for an instant crowd-pleaser!
Italian White Bean Dip
This creamy Italian White Bean Dip is a quick, flavorful appetizer made with cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian herbs.
Blend canned white beans with olive oil and seasonings for a smooth dip, and serve with toasted crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Whether used as a party appetizer, sandwich spread, or paired with a crudité platter, this five-minute recipe is a healthy crowd-pleaser!
Kalamata Olive Tapenade
This Kalamata Olive Tapenade is a bold and flavorful Mediterranean appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining.
Made with briny Kalamata olives, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, it delivers a savory punch.
Blended to a coarse texture and served on toasted crostini or crackers, this dip is an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.
A quick and elegant appetizer ready in just minutes!
Creamy Roasted Eggplant Dip
This smoky roasted eggplant dip offers a rustic twist on baba ghanoush without the need for a food processor.
Charred eggplant is mashed and mixed with tahini, lemon juice, and seasonings, then served right in the roasted eggplant skin for a unique presentation.
Topped with diced tomatoes and fresh parsley, it’s the perfect blend of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors.
Serve this Mediterranean-inspired dip with warm pita, challah, or fresh veggies for an impressive appetizer that’s deceptively simple to make.
Italian Zucchini Latkes
Italian Zucchini Latkes offer a savory twist on traditional Hanukkah fare with the addition of Parmesan or ricotta cheese.
These crispy fritters are made from grated zucchini and onion, bound together with egg and flour, and pan-fried golden.
A perfect way to use up summer zucchini, these latkes can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main.
Top them with marinara sauce for an Italian flair, or stick to traditional accompaniments like sour cream or applesauce.
Classic Basil Pesto Crostini
Crispy baguette slices topped with a zesty, homemade basil pesto make these crostini a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Fresh basil, garlic, Pecorino Romano, and toasted pine nuts blend into a rich pesto spread, while a topping of diced tomatoes adds a festive touch.
Perfect for entertaining, these bites can be prepped ahead of time and assembled quickly before serving.
Whether paired with a Sauvignon Blanc or enjoyed on their own, these crostini are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Taralli – Italian Black Pepper Cookies
Taralli are a traditional Italian snack with a crisp exterior and a flaky interior, seasoned with coarse black pepper for a savory kick.
These ring-shaped bites originated in Puglia and are often enjoyed with wine.
Made from a simple dough of flour, olive oil, black pepper, and salt, this recipe skips the traditional boiling step, making it easy to prepare at home.
Perfect as a standalone snack, part of a breadbasket, or served on a charcuterie board with cheese, fruit, and salumi, these cookies are a delightful blend of rustic flavor and convenience.
Fig and Brie Bruschetta
This Fig and Brie Bruschetta combines creamy brie, fresh figs, and a drizzle of hot honey atop toasted garlic bread for a sweet and savory treat.
The crispy bread, creamy cheese, and chewy figs create a harmony of textures, while the hot honey adds a touch of spice.
Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, this recipe is quick to assemble and offers a gourmet flair with minimal effort.
Spinach Feta Pinwheels
These Spinach Feta Pinwheels offer a flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a savory filling of spinach, feta, and mozzarella cheese.
The result is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
With a touch of garlic salt and a hint of nutmeg, these pinwheels deliver a perfect balance of flavors. A twist on traditional spanakopita, they’re ideal for gatherings or as a quick snack.
Bake them fresh or prep ahead for convenience—this recipe guarantees flaky, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
This Creamy Whipped Feta Dip blends tangy feta cheese, rich labneh, and a hint of lemon for a smooth, zesty Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Topped with za’atar and olive oil, it’s ready in just 5 minutes. Serve it with pita, fresh vegetables, or use it as a versatile spread for wraps, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
This quick and healthy dip is perfect for parties or a simple snack, showcasing the bold flavors of the Mediterranean diet.
Baba Ganoush
This Baba Ganoush is a smoky, creamy Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
Easy to prepare and naturally vegan, it’s perfect for serving with pita bread, fresh veggies, or as part of a mezze platter.
Garnished with olive oil and parsley, this flavorful dip is a lighter, smokier alternative to hummus and a must-try for any Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)
This Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish tapa featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant olive oil infused with garlic, red chili flakes, and parsley.
Finished with a splash of dry sherry and a hint of lemon zest, this sizzling dish is served bubbling hot, perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
Simple yet packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s an irresistible appetizer that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
These Albondigas, or Spanish meatballs, are tender, flavorful bites simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce made with sweet paprika, garlic, and a splash of white wine.
Traditionally served as a tapa in small clay plates, they pair perfectly with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Made with a mix of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are lightened with breadcrumbs soaked in milk for a soft texture.
Greek Baked Feta Appetizer – Bougiourdi
This Greek Baked Feta Appetizer, known as bougiourdi, combines tangy feta cheese, ripe tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and spicy chili, baked to bubbly perfection.
Enhanced with oregano, olive oil, and optional smoked cheese, this dish is rich in Mediterranean flavors and perfect for sharing.
t’s simple to prepare and endlessly customizable for any occasion.
Chunky Zucchini Pesto Bruschetta with Lemon
This Chunky Zucchini Pesto Bruschetta combines raw, salted zucchini, fresh basil, roasted nuts, Pecorino cheese, and a burst of lemon for a no-cook appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.
The chunky, textured pesto is paired with grilled bread brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic, creating a perfect base for this deconstructed twist on classic pesto.
Enjoy it as a light summer snack, appetizer, or even a quick lunch—it’s a versatile way to celebrate zucchini season!
Atom Meze (Turkish Yogurt Dip with Chili)
This Atom Meze combines the cool, creamy richness of strained yogurt with the fiery crunch of dried chili peppers toasted in a buttery, paprika-infused olive oil.
A Turkish favorite, it’s a quick and simple dish that balances heat and soothing creaminess, making it the perfect accompaniment to fresh bread or a spread of meze dishes.
With just a handful of quality ingredients—yogurt, dried chili peppers, butter, olive oil, and paprika—this dip is a must-try for fans of bold, vibrant flavors.
No-Bake Mediterranean Spinach Artichoke Dip
This No-Bake Mediterranean Spinach Artichoke Dip combines creamy ricotta and parmesan cheese with tender spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and a burst of fresh lemon and basil.
The dip is prepared quickly on the stovetop, creating a light yet flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
Finished with a touch of olive oil and red pepper flakes, this healthy dip is both Mediterranean diet-friendly and irresistibly delicious.
Hummus
This Homemade Hummus combines creamy chickpeas, nutty tahini, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of garlic and cumin for a smooth, flavorful Mediterranean dip.
Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for pairing with pita, fresh veggies, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Garnish with olive oil, paprika, and parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Easy to store and freezer-friendly, this healthy, protein-packed recipe is a versatile staple for snacking, meal prep, or entertaining.
Gambas Pil Pil (Spanish Chili Garlic Prawns)
Gambas Pil Pil, a classic Spanish tapas dish, combines succulent prawns with a flavorful blend of garlic, chili, paprika, and olive oil for an irresistible appetizer.
This quick and easy recipe takes just 10 minutes, creating juicy prawns cooked to perfection in a spicy garlic-infused oil.
Serve warm with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a must-have for tapas nights or as a standalone starter.
Tzatziki Sauce
This creamy Tzatziki Sauce blends Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill for a refreshing Mediterranean favorite.
A touch of lemon juice and olive oil adds brightness and richness, making it perfect for wraps, gyros, or as a dip for veggies and pita bread.
Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a versatile and healthy condiment to elevate grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even burgers.
Simple to prepare and full of zesty flavor, Tzatziki is a must-have addition to your table.
Mutabal (Middle Eastern Roasted Eggplant Dip)
Mutabal (also known as moutabal or Mtabbal) is a Middle Eastern appetizer or side dish that is often served as part of a mezze platter. It is very similar to baba ganoush.
It is made from eggplant (aubergine), tahini, garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice. Its distinct smoky flavor from roasting the eggplant makes it a delicious dip worth trying!