Mezze Feast with Falafel and Tzatziki
This mezze feast brings together crispy homemade falafel, creamy tzatziki, and a colorful assortment of classic Mediterranean accompaniments. It’s vibrant, healthy, and made for sharing — a balanced mix of fresh vegetables, dips, breads, and savory bites that celebrate Middle Eastern and Greek flavors.
Time
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Falafel
2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, not canned)
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves
½ cup fresh parsley
½ cup fresh cilantro
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp baking soda
Salt & pepper, to taste
Neutral oil, for frying (or spray for baking/air frying)
For the Tzatziki
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated & squeezed of excess water
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Mezze Accompaniments
Hummus
Baba ganoush (roasted eggplant dip)
Warm pita bread or flatbread
Stuffed grape leaves
Marinated olives
Feta cheese with olive oil & herbs
Roasted or fresh veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, radishes, carrot sticks, roasted peppers)
Pickled turnips or pickled cucumbers
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley) for garnish
Instructions
Falafel
Soak chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain well.
In a food processor, pulse chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper until coarse and combined (not a paste).
Add baking soda, mix, and let rest in fridge 30 min.
Shape into small balls/patties.
Fry in hot oil until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes each side), or bake/air fry at 200°C (390°F) for ~20 minutes until crispy.
Tzatziki
Combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill in a bowl.
Mix well and season to taste. Chill until serving.
Assembly of the Mezze Feast
Place falafel in the center of a large platter.
Surround with small bowls of tzatziki, hummus, and baba ganoush.
Arrange pita wedges, olives, feta, dolmas, and veggies around.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes & Tips
Crunch boost: Add roasted nuts like almonds or pistachios.
Vegan option: Use a plant-based yogurt for tzatziki.
Shortcut: If pressed for time, use good-quality store-bought dips and focus on fresh falafel.
Serving idea: Serve family-style on one large tray or on individual mezze boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can falafel be made ahead?
A: Yes! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate (up to 24 hours). Fry/bake just before serving.
Q: How do I keep falafel crispy?
A: Place fried falafel on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
Q: What drinks pair well?
A: Mint tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc/rosé for wine lovers.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 10g