Ideas for nibbles/canapes before this main please

[snauralaura]

I'm not the most imaginative/capable of cooks. 6 of us for dinner next Friday and I'm using a tried and tested recipe for main - salmon in a harissa and coconut sauce with lime and coriander rice and flat breads. Desert will be nigellas lemon polenta cake with raspberry coulis. Would like suggestions for a substantial canape or two to pass around with pre dinner drinks rather than doing a starter. Not just crisps and olives. So something with a vaguely middle eastern vibe I think. Can heat up last minute but would want to make well ahead. Any ideas please oh wise ones?

A veggie dish ? You don't mention veg as part of the main course.

Personal choice, but I would not serve rice AND bread AND polenta at the same meal.

Falafel with dips super easy. Your menu sounds delicious and accomplished!

The polenta is in the cake. It's just a lovely sounding dessert.

@snauralaura I love the sound of your main. I don't suppose you could post the recipe?

I would. People can ask for small helpings or to skip the carbs.

I second the idea of having something involving vegetables or salad, either with the main or in the canapes. Any or all of hummus, tzatziki, taramasalata and baba ghanoush with sticks of pepper, carrot, celery etc? Or (and I'm winging this) what about putting a spoonful of dip in a lettuce leaf, or lettuce cup, and arranging them nicely on a plate?

The sauce has onions, green beans and red peppers in it. Big bowl of salad on the table too! Flat breads are optional. Fruit salad as an alternative if they don't want the cake! Falafel is a great idea thank you!

Falafel, dolmades and maybe some whipped feta on toasted thin baguette slices would be nice.