Mediterranean Greek Halloumi Mezze Platter with Pomegranate Drizzle
A Greek mezze platter is all about variety, color, and fresh flavors. This version highlights grilled halloumi, a salty cheese that pairs beautifully with creamy dips, crisp vegetables, and juicy pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate drizzle adds a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the whole platter. Perfect as a light meal, party appetizer, or a centerpiece for entertaining.
Time:
25 minutes (prep + grilling)
Ingredients
Halloumi Cheese: Sliced into thick strips (about 8 oz / 225 g)
Olive Oil: For grilling the halloumi and drizzling
Hummus: A generous portion for spreading
Tzatziki: Classic cucumber-yogurt dip
Marinated Olives: A mix of green and black olives
Vegetables:
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber slices
Roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)
Feta Cheese: Crumbled or cubed
Pomegranate Seeds: For garnish and bursts of flavor
Fresh Mint Leaves: For garnish
Pita Bread: Warmed and cut into wedges (optional)
Pomegranate Drizzle/Syrup: Store-bought or homemade reduction of pomegranate juice with a touch of sugar
Instructions
Grill the Halloumi:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Brush halloumi slices lightly with olive oil.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and lightly charred. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables:
Halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumbers, and prepare roasted peppers if using.
Warm the Pita Bread:
Heat pita wedges briefly in a dry skillet or oven until warm and slightly crisp.
Assemble the Platter:
Place hummus and tzatziki in small bowls on the platter.
Arrange grilled halloumi slices, olives, fresh vegetables, feta, and pita wedges around the dips.
Finish with Garnish:
Scatter pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves across the platter.
Drizzle lightly with pomegranate syrup for a sweet-tart finish.
Serve Immediately:
Enjoy warm halloumi with dips, veggies, and bread, mixing and matching flavors.
Tips & Variations
Make your own pomegranate drizzle: If you don’t have store-bought syrup, reduce 1 cup of pomegranate juice with 1–2 teaspoons sugar (and a squeeze of lemon juice) over medium heat until thick and syrupy. Cool before drizzling.
Serving temperature: Halloumi tastes best served warm right after grilling. If it cools, you can quickly reheat it in a hot pan.
Switch up the dips: In addition to hummus and tzatziki, add baba ghanoush, muhammara, or whipped feta for extra variety.
Add more crunch: Include toasted nuts like walnuts, pistachios, or almonds for a different texture and Mediterranean flair.
Make it vegetarian-friendly feast: Everything in this platter is already vegetarian, but you can expand it with falafel, stuffed grape leaves (dolmas), or roasted chickpeas for more protein.
Go seasonal: In summer, add grilled zucchini or eggplant slices. In cooler months, include roasted root vegetables like carrots or beets.
Bread options: Swap pita for lavash, seeded flatbread, or rustic sourdough for variety.
Herb upgrade: Garnish with fresh basil, dill, or oregano alongside mint for extra color and aroma.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prep the vegetables, dips, and pomegranate drizzle ahead. Grill the halloumi just before serving since it tastes best warm.
Q: What can I use instead of halloumi?
A: Paneer, queso blanco, or even grilled feta work as alternatives, though they’ll have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: Is this platter a full meal or an appetizer?
A: It can be either. Served with warm pita, it’s hearty enough for a light meal. It also works beautifully as a shared appetizer for a crowd.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes. Replace halloumi and feta with vegan cheese alternatives, use plant-based yogurt for tzatziki, and keep the hummus as is.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Grilled halloumi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days. Dips and veggies will keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1/4 of platter)
Calories: 380–420
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 7 g
(Varies depending on halloumi portion size, dips, and whether pita bread is included.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Greek Halloumi Mezze Platter with Pomegranate Drizzle is a vibrant mix of salty, creamy, sweet, and fresh flavors. Warm grilled halloumi pairs perfectly with hummus, tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and olives, while the pomegranate drizzle adds a bright, tangy-sweet contrast. Whether you serve it as a centerpiece for entertaining or a casual weeknight meal, this platter is as visually stunning as it is delicious.