How to Make Grain Free Tabbouleh for Mezze Platter
Mezze platters were the OG to the now ubiquitous charcuterie boards. They are a collection of small bites eaten as an appetizer before a meal or as a small meal by itself. To show you how to make a mezze platter paleo, I've got a new recipe for both a grain-free tabbouleh and dairy-free tzaziki.
What’s Included on a Typical Mezze Platter?
Typically, a mezze platter contains:
Dips such as Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Tzaziki
Salads such as Greek or Shepherd’s Salad, Tabbouleh, or Fatoush
Cheeses - feta, halloumi
Plus an assortment of Olives, Vegetables and Dried Fruits
Pita
How to Make Mezze Dishes Paleo-Friendly
For those eating paleo or other grain-free diets, this version of mezze is for you. This Paleo Mezze Platter has no grains, beans and dairy.
Tabbouleh is made with carrots instead of grains
Hummus is veggie based instead of chickpeas
Tzatziki is made with dairy free yogurt
Veggies or grain free bread instead of pita bread
Grain Free Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is typically made with couscous or for those who are gluten-intolerant, quinoa is used like in my Quinoa Tabbouleh. However, to avoid all grains, I found using finely chopped carrots and sunflower seeds mimics the texture. Lots of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and parsley really bring it to life and bring the balance to the sweet carrots and earthy seeds. You can also use finely grated cauliflower in place of the carrots and seeds.
Paleo Hummus
Hummus is chickpea based, so for those who follow the paleo lifestyle or are doing a round of Original Whole30, regular hummus is out. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are every bit as good. I have created a bean-free hummus. It has the same flavoring agents as chickpea hummus and no one I've served it to could tell the difference until I told them.
Dairy Friendly Tzaziki
Tzaziki is a yogurt based dip that offers a creamy counterpart to earthy hummus and sweet tabbouleh. You can buy tzaziki but it’s not going to be dairy free. I have included a bonus recipe below which features coconut yogurt or here’s a great recipe using cashews.
How to Serve Mezze Platter Paleo Style
Fill out your mezze platter besides the tabbouleh, hummus and tzaziki with:
Serve a variety of colorful vegetables such as baby bell peppers, cucumbers and radishes. They can be raw or cooked.
Include olives of different colors and maybe some pickles. Use my quick-pickled veggie recipe for inspiration or buy at the store.
Finally, if you want bread and are not doing Whole30, try this Simple Mills Mix that makes two small flatbreads and tastes amazing.
Grain Free Tabbouleh for Paleo Mezze Platter
Ingredients
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 lb ' data-amount-secondary='454 g'>1 lb carrots, washed and peeled or 1 lb cauliflower
- 1 lemon
- 1 bunch parsley, leaves removed and finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds, optional
- sea salt to taste
- 1/2 cup Dairy-Free yogurt (I love Kite Hill)
- 1 Persian Cucumber
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dill weed
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Flatbread or large lettuce leaves
- Paleo Hummus
- Mixed olives (buy good quality olives)
- Pickles
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced, optional
- Roasted peppers, optional
- Grilled vegetables, optional
- Raw vegetables, optional
Instructions
- Using a food processor with chopping blade, run the carrots or cauliflower through to produce pieces the size of couscous. (Alternatively you can use the smallest holes on a grater but it will have a little different texture, more like angel-hair coleslaw.) Wipe out processor and set aside.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix with the green onions, lemon juice, chopped parsley, garlic, olive oil and sunflower seeds if using. Season to taste with salt.
- Grate or finely chop the cucumber, toss with salt and sit in a colander over a bowl for ten minutes. Squeeze cucumber dry with paper towels. Mix the cucumber and all remaining ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Transfer the tabbouleh, hummus and yogurt to decorative serving bowls. Surround them with any of the optional accompaniments you are using.