10+ Greek Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. You can create a variety of delicious meals that everyone will enjoy.

Greek recipes offer something for every taste. A blend of herbs, vegetables, meats, and cheeses is used to make these dishes.

From savory dishes like moussaka to refreshing salads and sweet desserts, there’s much to explore.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you can easily make Greek dishes at home that will impress your family and friends.

1) Spanakopita – Spinach Pie

Spanakopita is a tasty Greek dish that combines spinach and feta cheese in a flaky pastry. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. You’ll enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in each bite.

Preparing spanakopita involves using layers of phyllo dough, which creates a crunchy outside. The filling features spinach, feta, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley.

This dish is baked until golden brown, making it a beautiful addition to any table. Serve it warm and watch it disappear quickly!

Ingredients

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 pound fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pan, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let it cool.
4. Mix spinach, feta, herbs, and eggs in a bowl. Add salt and pepper.
5. Lay a few sheets of phyllo in a baking dish, brushing with olive oil.
6. Place the filling in the center.
7. Fold the phyllo over the filling and brush the top with oil.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

2) Moussaka – Layered Eggplant Casserole

Moussaka is a delicious Greek dish that features layers of eggplant, ground meat, and creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal that brings rich flavors to your table.

To make moussaka, you will need eggplant, which can be sliced and either baked or fried. The ground meat, often beef or lamb, is mixed with tomato sauce and spices for added taste.

A creamy béchamel sauce sits on top, giving the dish its signature richness. This layered casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplants. Fry or bake until tender.
4. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cinnamon. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, meat sauce, and béchamel. Repeat layers.
7. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

3) Souvlaki – Grilled Skewered Meat

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with marinated meat, often served on skewers. You can enjoy it with chicken, pork, or beef, depending on your preference. The meat is typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, and lemon juice, giving it a fresh and bold flavor.

Grilling the skewers adds a nice char, enhancing the taste. You can serve souvlaki with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a tasty tzatziki sauce for dipping. It’s perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) of chicken, pork, or beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the meat to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
6. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

4) Tzatziki – Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce

Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek sauce that you can enjoy with many dishes. It combines yogurt and cucumber with herbs for a flavorful dip.

To make tzatziki, start with plain yogurt and drain the cucumber to remove excess water. You can use fresh herbs like dill or mint to add a burst of flavor.

Garlic and lemon juice are key ingredients that bring brightness to the sauce. Tzatziki is perfect for serving with grilled meats or as a dip for veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh dill or mint (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and finely chop the cucumber.
2. Drain the cucumber for 15 minutes to remove excess water.
3. In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
4. Add the drained cucumber and mix well.
5. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy chilled!

5) Baklava – Honey and Nut Pastry

Baklava is a delicious Greek dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and honey. It’s known for its sweet and rich flavor, making it a favorite for many.

To make baklava, you’ll need phyllo dough, chopped nuts like walnuts and pistachios, and a honey syrup. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful treat that is crispy and sticky.

When baked, baklava has a golden-brown color and a delicious aroma. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect dessert experience.

Ingredients

• 1 package phyllo dough
• 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts and pistachios)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
3. Layer phyllo sheets in a baking dish, brushing each with melted butter.
4. Spread a thin layer of nuts and sprinkle with cinnamon.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, combine honey, water, and vanilla in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Pour the honey syrup over the hot baklava once out of the oven.

6) Horiatiki – Greek Village Salad

Horiatiki, also known as Greek Village Salad, is a fresh and colorful dish. It features simple ingredients that make it a perfect side or light meal. You can enjoy it any time of the year.

The main ingredients include juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese. Kalamata olives and a drizzle of olive oil add extra flavor. Don’t forget the red onions and oregano for seasoning!

This salad is healthy and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and great for sharing with friends or family.

Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, sliced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives
• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, and red onion.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables.
3. Add the Kalamata olives and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss gently to mix. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

7) Keftedes – Greek Meatballs

Keftedes are delicious Greek meatballs that you can easily make at home. They are made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and a mix of herbs and spices. The key flavors come from garlic, onion, and mint.

You can pan-fry them until they’re crispy on the outside. Some recipes finish them in a light lemon sauce, adding a bright touch. Keftedes make for a great appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and mint.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
5. Fry the meatballs until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

8) Koulouri – Greek Sesame Bread Ring

Koulouri are delicious Greek bread rings coated in sesame seeds. They have a crispy outside and a soft inside, making them perfect for breakfast or snacks. You can enjoy them with butter, cheese, or even plain.

These bread rings are easy to make at home. You’ll love the nutty flavor the sesame seeds provide. They pair well with coffee or tea and can be a fun treat to share with family.

Ingredients

• 500g all-purpose flour (19 oz.)
• 2 tsps salt
• 300g lukewarm water (10.5 oz.)
• 8g dry active yeast (0.3 oz.)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• Sesame seeds for coating

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Divide the dough into pieces and shape them into rings.
8. Dip each ring in water and then coat with sesame seeds.
9. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

9) Galaktoboureko – Custard Pie with Syrup

Galaktoboureko is a delicious Greek dessert that features a creamy custard filling. This filling is wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough. The pie is soaked in a sweet syrup, adding extra flavor.

To make Galaktoboureko, you will need to prepare the custard carefully. A mix of milk, sugar, eggs, and semolina creates a rich and creamy texture.

The layers of phyllo should be brushed with melted butter for a golden finish.

Once baked, the pie is drizzled with syrup made from sugar, water, and a hint of lemon. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup of semolina
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar until dissolved.
3. Whisk in semolina and cook until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and mix in eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest.
5. Layer phyllo in a baking dish, brushing with butter between layers.
6. Pour custard over phyllo layers.
7. Cover with more phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.
8. Bake until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
9. In another pot, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Boil for 10 minutes.
10. Pour warm syrup over baked Galaktoboureko.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving.

10) Avgolemono Soup – Egg and Lemon Chicken Soup

Avgolemono is a delicious Greek soup made with chicken, rice, eggs, and lemon. This comforting dish is rich and creamy, perfect for any meal. It combines the bright taste of lemon with the warmth of chicken soup.

To make avgolemono, you start by cooking a whole chicken. Once the chicken is tender, you can add rice to the broth.

The final touch is the egg and lemon mixture that gives the soup a smooth texture.

This soup is not only tasty but also quite easy to prepare. You’ll enjoy the unique flavors and comforting warmth in every bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• Juice of 2 lemons

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, boil the chicken in water until tender.

2. Remove the chicken and strain the broth.

3. Cook the rice in the strained broth until tender.

4. Beat the eggs and mix in the lemon juice.

5. Slowly whisk in hot broth to the egg mixture.

6. Add this mixture back to the pot and stir well.

7. Shred the chicken and add it back to the soup.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.