Pine Forest Winter Mezze

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

This winter mezze board celebrates robust, earthy flavors with roasted beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts enhanced by fresh rosemary. Creamy herbed labneh adds a tangy note, while marinated cremini mushrooms bring depth. A pine nut and olive tapenade provides savory richness, balanced by raw carrots, pickled onions, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. The colorful arrangement on a wooden board invites guests to enjoy a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfect for intimate sharing and cozy winter occasions.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:09:00 GMT
A beautiful Pine Forest Winter Mezze Board, showcasing roasted vegetables and vibrant toppings for guests. Save
A beautiful Pine Forest Winter Mezze Board, showcasing roasted vegetables and vibrant toppings for guests. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A stunning winter mezze platter inspired by the flavors and colors of a pine forest featuring robust flavors earthy vegetables and festive touches perfect for cozy gatherings.

This mezze board brings together winter ingredients in a way that feels warm and inviting suitable for sharing with friends and family during colder months.

Ingredients

  • Roasted Vegetables: 2 small beets peeled and cut into wedges 1 small fennel bulb sliced 1 cup Brussels sprouts halved 2 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper to taste 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • Herbed Labneh: 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 1/2 tsp salt
  • Marinated Mushrooms: 1 cup cremini mushrooms quartered 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic minced 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves salt and pepper to taste
  • Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade: 1/3 cup green olives pitted and chopped 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted 1 tbsp capers rinsed 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 2 tsp lemon zest 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Accompaniments: 1 cup baby carrots raw 1/2 cup pickled red onions 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds 1/2 cup assorted crackers or flatbreads sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine for garnish not for eating

Instructions

Preheat and roast vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss beets fennel and Brussels sprouts with olive oil rosemary salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes turning once until tender and golden. Let cool.
Prepare labneh:
Stir together Greek yogurt lemon juice dill parsley and salt. Spoon into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
Marinate mushrooms:
Combine mushrooms olive oil balsamic vinegar garlic thyme salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Make tapenade:
Mix chopped olives pine nuts capers parsley lemon zest and olive oil in a small bowl.
Assemble board:
Arrange all items artfully on a large wooden board roasted vegetables herbed labneh marinated mushrooms tapenade raw carrots pickled onions dried cranberries pomegranate seeds and crackers. Garnish with fresh rosemary and pine sprigs for a forest effect ensure pine is not consumed.
Serve:
Serve immediately encouraging guests to mix and match flavors.
This festive Pine Forest Winter Mezze Board offers a delightful spread of flavors with fresh herbs. Save
This festive Pine Forest Winter Mezze Board offers a delightful spread of flavors with fresh herbs. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This recipe has become a favorite for holiday gatherings creating warm memories around the table with loved ones.

Wine Pairing

Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the fresh and earthy flavors of the mezze board.

Nutritional Information

Per serving calories 270 total fat 15 g carbohydrates 28 g protein 7 g

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt) contains tree nuts (pine nuts) contains gluten if using wheat crackers use gluten-free options if needed always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Vibrantly arranged, this Pine Forest Winter Mezze Board is perfect for sharing at a holiday gathering. Save
Vibrantly arranged, this Pine Forest Winter Mezze Board is perfect for sharing at a holiday gathering. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This mezze board is a vibrant combination of flavors that brings a festive touch to any winter occasion.

Recipe FAQ

How long should the vegetables be roasted?

Roast the beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until tender and golden, turning once halfway through.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option?

Yes, to make this board vegan-friendly, substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt for the herbed labneh.

What wine pairs well with this mezze board?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the herbaceous and earthy flavors beautifully.

Are pine nuts safe for people with tree nut allergies?

Pine nuts are considered tree nuts and should be avoided by those with tree nut allergies.

How can I add a smoky element to this platter?

Adding smoked cheese or charcuterie provides smoky notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.

Should the pine sprigs be eaten?

Pine sprigs are for garnish only and should not be consumed.

Pine Forest Winter Mezze

An inviting winter board with earthy vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory spreads for festive gatherings.

Time to Prepare
30 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Complete Time
50 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Roasted Vegetables

01 2 small beets, peeled and cut into wedges
02 1 small fennel bulb, sliced
03 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 Salt, to taste
06 Black pepper, to taste
07 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Herbed Labneh

01 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
02 1 tablespoon lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

Marinated Mushrooms

01 1 cup cremini mushrooms, quartered
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste

Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade

01 1/3 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
02 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
03 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 2 teaspoons lemon zest
06 1 tablespoon olive oil

Accompaniments

01 1 cup baby carrots, raw
02 1/2 cup pickled red onions
03 1/2 cup dried cranberries
04 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
05 1/2 cup assorted crackers or flatbreads
06 Sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine (for garnish; remove before eating)

Steps

Step 01

Roast Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and golden. Remove and allow to cool.

Step 02

Prepare Herbed Labneh: Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally drizzle with olive oil.

Step 03

Marinate Mushrooms: Mix cremini mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.

Step 04

Make Tapenade: Combine chopped olives, toasted pine nuts, capers, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir to blend flavors evenly.

Step 05

Assemble Mezze Board: Arrange roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, tapenade, raw carrots, pickled onions, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and crackers attractively on a large wooden serving platter. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine, removing pine before consumption.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately, encouraging guests to combine flavors as desired.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Serving board or platter
  • Small serving bowls

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt)
  • Contains tree nuts (pine nuts)
  • Contains gluten if wheat crackers are used; select gluten-free alternatives if necessary

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 270
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 7 g