Mediterranean Antipasto with Lemon Herb Mozzarella & Olives
A vibrant Mediterranean-style antipasto platter featuring creamy lemon-herb mozzarella, marinated olives, fresh vegetables, and cured elements. Perfect for snacking, entertaining, or a light, balanced Mediterranean meal. It’s bright, fresh, and full of herbaceous flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marination/rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes
Serves: 2–4
Ingredients
Lemon Herb Mozzarella
1 ball fresh mozzarella (~125 g)
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Olives & Extras
½ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, Castelvetrano)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, sliced
4–6 thin slices of prosciutto or salami
1–2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
Optional Garnishes
Fresh arugula or spinach leaves
Toasted pine nuts
Fresh parsley or microgreens
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Lemon Herb Mozzarella
Slice mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, toss mozzarella with lemon zest, basil, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Let marinate 5–10 minutes to infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Antipasto Components
Arrange olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and optional cured meats on a serving platter.
Step 3: Assemble Platter
Place marinated mozzarella in the center or alongside vegetables.
Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top.
Garnish with arugula, herbs, or pine nuts if desired.
Tips
Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for best flavor and creaminess.
Marinate olives briefly in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra depth.
Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a complete antipasto experience.
Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes—marinate mozzarella 1–2 hours in advance and store olives in a sealed container.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes—replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or marinated tofu cubes.
Q: Is this healthy?
Yes—high in healthy fats from olive oil, protein from cheese, and fiber from veggies and olives.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g