This falafel platter features some of the most delicious Mediterranean flavors. It combines some crispy falafel with different dips, fresh veggies and warm pita bread. It's the kind of meal that brings people together and can easily be made at home, let me show you how!
Creating a stellar veggie platter is all about balancing flavors and more importantly, textures.
Just like my Vegetarian Charcuerie Board, this mezze platter also plays with different textures. It includes different types of spreads, soft feta crumbles and some raw veggies for a crunch. I give lots of other food options to include so feel free to mix and match according to your own preferences.
Ingredients to include
When it comes to crafting your own falafel platter, the beauty lies in the flexibility to tailor it to your tastes. Here's what I love to include:
- Falafel: Both homemade and store-bought falafels work for this recipe.
- Spreads & Dips: When it comes to dips, you can save time by using store-bought ones or if you have more time on your hand, make your own. The advantage of making them at home is that it's more budget-friendly. The downside is that it takes more time. I love using this Homemade Hummus, Tahini-Free Baba Ganoush or my Curry Yogurt Dip. Other popular options include a Tzatziki sauce, tahini sauces or you can also add some Guacamole.
- Veggies: Make sure your veggies are fresh and opt for a variety of different flavors. We chose red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and olives (I used a mix of kalamata and green olives). Roasted red pepper, pickled veggies, shredded lettuce or carrot sticks would also be a great option. I sometimes also include stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) if we can find them. Just choose your favorite veggies and you're good to go.
- Bread: I love fresh pita bread or this Naan would also work perfectly. If you can't have gluten, choose a gluten-free alternative.
- Cheese: I recommend feta cheese or grilled Halloumi but feel free to use your favorite type of cheese. Choose vegan feta to keep this falafel plate vegan.
More options:
- Fruits: they add a touch of sweetness. I recommend middle eastern fruits such as pomegranate seeds, figs, persimmon, grapes or pear and apple slices.
- Dried Fruit: Think dates (or even Chocolate Covered Dates), dried apricots or dried figs.
- Nuts: for some crunchiness. Both plain and roasted nuts would work here. I recommend cashews, pecans or walnuts.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-step: How to assemble a falafel platter
Below you'll find detailed step-by-step photos and instructions on how to build a beautiful falafel mezze platter.
Step 1: Assemble the bowls. I always start by assembling the bowls first. Add all the spreads and the falafel patties to individual bowls and assemble on your board.
Step 2: Add the veggies. I used a small bowl for the olives. I positioned the other veggies just next to the bowls.
Step 3: Add the cheese. I chose cubed feta and put them between the veggies.
Step 4: Add pita wedges and fresh garnish. I added some fresh mint leaves and sprinkled the hummus with extra virgin olive oil and some red pepper flakes.
Katie's expert tips
- Choose a stylish platter: Start with a large, flat platter or serving board. Opt for something visually appealing to enhance the overall presentation.
- Crispy falafel: The secret to delicious falafels is the cooking method. Use enough oil and make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A sizzle upon contact is what you're aiming for. Fry until golden brown and crunchy at the outside. Feel free to sprinkle with some freshly squeezed lemon juice or tahini sauce just before serving.
- Fresh veggies are key! Make sure the tomatoes are ripe. This will ensure maximal flavors.
- Warm pitas: Warm the pitas briefly before serving, either in the oven or on a hot skillet.
- Garnish: I love to garnish with fresh herbs such as fresh mint leaves, cilantro or parsley. Make sure to add them shortly before serving. I also love to add some extra virgin olive oil and red or black pepper on top of the hummus.
Serving ideas
I always place the platter right in the center of the table and serve it as is. This way, guests can customize their own wraps or plates according to their preferences.
However, a falafel platter is versatile and can be complemented with a variety of side dishes. Here are some idea:
- Tabouleh: This refreshing parsley and bulgur salad with tomatoes, mint, and a lemony dressing adds a light and zesty element to the platter.
- Fattoush Salad: Try this fattoush as a side dish- a colorful salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pieces of toasted pita bread.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve a fragrant rice pilaf with toasted nuts and aromatic spices on the side.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs and spices can be a great option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs for a savory side.
- Flatbread or Naan: In addition to pita bread, include some warm flatbreads or this yogurt-free naan.
- Homemade drinks: I love serving this platter alongside some homemade drinks. This is probably the best homemade lemonade recipe you'll find! Perfectly refreshing and easy to make.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and the preferences of your guests. It's all about creating a diverse and satisfying spread!
It's always hard to assess portion sizes. Sometimes the amount listed below is exactly what I need for 4 people, sometimes it's less and sometimes more.
FAQs
You can cut the veggies and spoon the spreads and dips into small bowls. Store the veggies in separate containers in the fridge and assemble the platter right before serving. I would recommend frying the falafel patties shortly before serving to make sure that they are still hot.
I love serving it as an appetizer. I always place the platter right in the center of the table. This way, guests can customize their own wraps or plates according to their preferences.
It's always hard to assess portion sizes. Sometimes the amount listed below is exactly what I need for 4 people, sometimes it's less and sometimes more.
More recipes to try
- Vegetarian Shakshuka
- Vegan Couscous Salad
- Watermelon Salad with Feta and Red Onion
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Sweet Potato Red Lentil Curry
📖 Recipe
Falafel Platter
Equipment
- 1 large wooden plate or other serving plate
- 5 small bowls
Ingredients
Falafel & Bread
- 12 falafel patties (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 pita bread slices (or other bread of choice)
Veggies
- 1 handful of cherry tomatoes , halved
- ½ cucumber , sliced
- 1 red onion , thinly sliced
- 1 handful of olives (green and/or Kalamata olives)
Cheese
- ½ cup cubed feta
Dips & Sauces
- ½ cup hummus *homemade Hummus or store-bought
- ½ cup baba ganoush *homemade Baba Ganoush or store-bought
- ½ cup curry yogurt sauce *homemade Curry Yogurt Sauce or store-bought
Instructions
Prepare the falafel
- If using store-bought falafel, follow the package instructions for cooking. If making homemade falafel, cook them according to your preferred method. Arrange the warm falafel in the center of the platter (see step-by-step photos or video).
Dips & Sauces
- You can either use my recipes below and make them from scratch or use store-bought dips.
- Spoon the hummus into a bowl and create a well in the center. Fill it with a drizzle of olive oil. Place the baba ganoush in a separate bowl, garnished with some fresh pomegranate seeds. Add the curry yogurt sauce into a separate bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper. Assemble the spreads around the falafel patties.
Prep the veggies
- Give them a good wash. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Arrange them on a platter next to the bowls.
Cheese
- Cut the feta cheese into cubes. Then add it to the platter.
Warm the pitas
- Heat the pita slices in the oven or on a skillet until warm. Keep them covered with a kitchen towel to maintain their softness.
Garnish
- I love to garnish with fresh herbs such as mint leaves, cilantro or parsley. Make sure to add them shortly before serving. I also love to add some extra virgin olive oil and red or black pepper on top of the hummus.
Serve
- Invite everyone to assemble their own falafel wraps or simply enjoy the components on the platter.
Video
Notes
- Prep time will vary depending on if you're making the falafel and spreads from scratch or using store-bought.
- Make it vegan: By using vegan feta and vegan yogurt for the curry sauce.
- Fresh veggies are key!
- Crispy falafel: The secret to delicious falafels is the cooking method. Use enough oil and make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A sizzle upon contact is what you're aiming for. Fry until golden brown and crunchy at the outside. Feel free to sprinkle with some freshly squeezed lemon juice or tahini sauce just before serving.
- Prep ahead option: You can cut the veggies and spoon the spreads and dips into small bowls. Store the veggies in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the platter right before serving. I would recommend frying the falafels shortly before serving to make sure that they are still hot.
- Nutritional values are a rough estimate and calculated without falafel patties.
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