Your favourite Mediterranean starter please...

[fortyplus]

Going to friends NYE - we all take something. Hosts are making Mediterranean style chicken main course - with tomatoes/olives etc.

I need a starter that will be easy to prepare in advance and transport round on the evening - though last-minute assembly would be ok.

Any ideas for me please?

What about roasted pepper stuffed with tomatoes. Can be served room temp. Or Aoli with crudities.

Thanks! I like the look of the peppers, though a couple of my friends don't like fish. I was wondering whether I could get hold of some lovely fresh figs and base a starter around those, but I'm lacking inspiration!

Tinned tuna with chopped red onion and cannellini beans,mixed with a salad dressing,(from a bottle if in a rush).

What about antipasti, Parma ham, salami, grilled artichokes, grilled peppers etc? Could raid a delicatessan/ supermarket? Very easy? And some nice Mediterranean bread that could go in the oven?

Bruscetta - Slice ciabatta, rub with raw garlic (not too much or it will overpower) then top with a salsa of chopped tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, a little wine vinegar. Drizzle with balsamic.

Easy and delicious!

Escalivada [http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/10004/escalivada-from-mam-i-teca here] and I add Serrano ham and naice bread.

sorry here

Mmmmm! Works well with goat's cheese too.

Roasted tomato and goat cheese tarts?

Halloumi cheese with lime and caper dressing from Delia's summer book.

Fried Squid

Spanish style tapas

Some great ideas here - I love bruschetta, especially with tomato and basil

Dolmades, yum

This sounds mediterranean and not too hard.

I don't like fish so I leave the hairy fish out.

Yes - that sounds lovely but not really the season for fresh asparagus!

How about a salad caprese - the avocado/tomato/mozzarella one with a few basil leaves scattered about and drizzled with oil (which you do there..). Always a winner and very tends not to offend the fussies.

Avocado isn't good for preparing ahead (but my mouth is watering!)

if it's a good friend you just borrow their kitchen . Good point though Grimma. Gazpacho?

Mmmmm... I love avocado/mozzarella/tomato. Friend's kitchen is small so I wouldn't want to get in her way, but last-minute assembly would be fine.

Loving all these suggestions - only problem is it's going to be so hard to choose!

Hey look ladies - I found this easy recipe using fresh figs, rocket and halloumi. Might go for that if I can find the figs!