15+ Greek Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

15+ Greek Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

Greek cuisine offers rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Dishes often feature vegetables, grains, and meats, making them both hearty and healthy. Discover a variety of delicious Greek recipes that can bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.

A rustic kitchen with fresh produce, olive oil, herbs, and traditional Greek cookware

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, trying out Greek recipes can be a delightful experience. These dishes can be simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings with friends. You can enjoy the flavors of Greece with just a few ingredients and a little bit of time.

1) Moussaka

A table set with a steaming tray of moussaka, surrounded by fresh ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs

Moussaka is a delicious Greek dish that layers eggplant, ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a hearty meal that brings together rich flavors and textures.

To make moussaka, you start by preparing the eggplant. Slice it, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit to remove excess moisture. Then, cook the ground meat with onions and garlic until it’s browned.

Next, you’ll layer the cooked meat and eggplant in a baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top for a creamy finish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and bubbly.

It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups béchamel sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice eggplants and sprinkle salt on them. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse and pat the eggplants dry.
  4. In a pan, cook chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  5. Add ground meat and brown it. Stir in tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  6. Layer eggplant and meat in a baking dish.
  7. Pour béchamel sauce over the top.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

2) Spanakopita

A chef preparing and baking spanakopita in a cozy kitchen with traditional Greek decor. Ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo dough are laid out on a wooden counter

Spanakopita is a delicious Greek pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese. The crispy layers of phyllo dough make it flaky and enjoyable. It’s perfect as a snack or as part of a meal.

To make Spanakopita, you will need fresh spinach, feta cheese, and herbs like dill. The combination creates a flavorful filling wrapped in phyllo. This dish is often served warm and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

  • 1 package of phyllo dough
  • 1 pound fresh spinach
  • 1 cup feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté the onion in olive oil until soft.
  3. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let it cool.
  4. Mix spinach, feta, dill, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  5. Layer phyllo sheets and brush with olive oil.
  6. Place filling on one edge and roll up.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

3) Souvlaki

A sizzling grill cooks skewers of marinated meat and vegetables, surrounded by vibrant ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made from small pieces of meat and vegetables grilled on a skewer. You can use pork, chicken, or lamb. It’s tasty and easy to make at home.

To prepare souvlaki, start by marinating the meat. Use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Let it soak for at least an hour for great flavor.

Once marinated, thread the meat onto skewers. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), turning them often. You want a nice char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Serve your souvlaki with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 grams) of meat (pork, chicken, or lamb)
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper
  • Skewers

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the meat into small cubes.
  2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Add meat to the marinade and let it soak for at least 1 hour.
  4. Thread meat onto skewers.
  5. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning often.
  7. Serve with pita and tzatziki.

4) Tzatziki Sauce

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce surrounded by fresh ingredients like cucumbers, garlic, and dill

Tzatziki sauce is a tasty dip that comes from Greece. It’s made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. This cool and creamy sauce is perfect for salads, pita bread, or grilled meats.

To make tzatziki, you’ll want to use plain Greek yogurt. The thicker texture adds to the dip’s creaminess. You’ll also need to peel and grate cucumbers. Squeeze out any extra water so the sauce isn’t too runny.

Fresh garlic gives tzatziki its strong flavor. A sprinkle of dill or mint adds extra freshness. Mix everything together, and your delicious tzatziki sauce is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the cucumber.
  2. Squeeze out excess water from the cucumber.
  3. Mince the garlic cloves.
  4. In a bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
  5. Add salt and olive oil if desired.
  6. Stir well and refrigerate before serving.

5) Greek Salad

A vibrant Greek Salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil

Greek salad is a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines simple ingredients that you can easily find. This salad is not only tasty but also healthy.

To make a classic Greek salad, you’ll need cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. You can dress it with olive oil and vinegar for extra flavor.

Chill your salad for a few minutes before serving to enhance the taste. It’s great as a side dish or a light lunch on warm days.

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 cup olives
  • 4 oz feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and olives.
  3. Crumble the feta cheese on top.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
  5. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
  6. Chill for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

6) Dolmades

A table set with dolmades, olives, and feta cheese, surrounded by Mediterranean herbs and ingredients

Dolmades are delicious stuffed grape leaves. They are a popular dish in Greek cuisine, often served as an appetizer or a main dish.

The filling usually includes rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. It’s seasoned with lemon juice and spices to add flavor. The grape leaves give a unique taste.

To make dolmades, you wrap the filling in grape leaves and then cook them. They can be served warm or cold, often with a side of yogurt or lemon.

Ingredients

  • 1 jar grape leaves
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 pound ground meat (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the grape leaves.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft.
  3. Add rice, herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  4. Place a spoonful of filling on each grape leaf, then roll them up.
  5. Place rolls in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

7) Baklava

A table set with a variety of baklava pastries, surrounded by traditional Greek ingredients like honey, nuts, and filo dough

Baklava is a beloved Greek dessert known for its rich, sweet flavor. It is made from layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with finely chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup.

To start, you will need to prepare the phyllo dough. The layers are brushed with melted butter to create a crispy texture. Then, you sprinkle the nut mixture between the layers.

After baking the baklava in the oven at 350°F (175°C), you pour warm honey syrup over it. Let it soak to absorb the sweetness. Enjoy this delicious treat with friends or family as a special dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 package phyllo dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
  3. Layer half the phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each with melted butter.
  4. Mix the nuts and cinnamon, then spread over the phyllo.
  5. Layer the remaining phyllo sheets, buttering each layer.
  6. Cut into diamond shapes before baking.
  7. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden.
  8. While baking, combine honey, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Boil for 10 minutes.
  9. Add vanilla and pour the syrup over the baklava after removing it from the oven.
  10. Let it cool before serving.

8) Pastitsio

A table set with a steaming tray of pastitsio, surrounded by traditional Greek ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and oregano

Pastitsio is a delicious Greek dish that combines pasta, meat, and a creamy sauce. It is similar to lasagna but has its own unique flavors and textures. You will enjoy making this comforting meal.

For the pasta, you typically use bucatini or penne. The meat sauce usually has ground beef or lamb, cooked with tomatoes and spices. The creamy béchamel sauce on top adds richness.

This dish is often baked in the oven until golden brown. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 ounces (400 g) canned tomatoes, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound (450 g) pasta (bucatini or penne)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups (500 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated cheese (like Parmesan)
  • 2 eggs

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a pan, cook onion and garlic until they are soft. Then, add meat and cook until it turns brown.

  3. After that, stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes.

  4. In another pan, melt butter. Then, stir in flour to make a roux.

  5. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

  6. Stir in cheese and eggs into the béchamel sauce.

  7. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, pasta, and béchamel.

  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden.

9) Briam

A table set with a traditional Greek meal, including a steaming hot pot of Briam surrounded by colorful vegetables and herbs

Briam is a tasty Greek vegetable dish that’s easy to make. It features a mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil, baked until tender. This dish is colorful and healthy, perfect for any meal.

You’ll need vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and potatoes. Tomatoes and onions add great flavor. Use herbs such as parsley and dill to give it a fresh taste. Olive oil drizzled on top makes everything even better.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 2 large potatoes
  • 3 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley and dill

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice all the vegetables thinly.
  3. Layer them in a baking dish.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, onion, and herbs on top.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for about 45 minutes or until everything is tender.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy your Briam!

10) Koulouri

A table set with traditional Greek koulouri bread, olives, and feta cheese, with a backdrop of a sunny Mediterranean village

Koulouri is a popular Greek snack often enjoyed for breakfast. It’s a sesame-covered bread ring that’s crusty on the outside and soft inside. This treat is both delicious and easy to make.

To prepare Koulouri, you first mix flour, yeast, and water to create a dough. After letting it rise, shape the dough into rings. Then, dip each ring in water and roll it in sesame seeds for added flavor.

You bake the rings in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. The result is a tasty snack that pairs well with cheese or olives.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Add flour and salt, and knead until smooth.
  4. Let dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
  5. Shape dough into rings.
  6. Dip each ring in water, then sesame seeds.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

11) Taramosalata

A table set with a spread of Taramosalata, olives, pita bread, and fresh vegetables

Taramosalata is a delicious Greek dip made from fish roe. It has a creamy texture and a light, tangy flavor. This dip is perfect for spreading on bread or served with vegetables.

To make taramosalata, you need just a few simple ingredients. You can find this dish at many Greek gatherings and meze tables. It’s easy and fun to make at home too!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tarama (fish roe)
  • 1 cup stale bread, soaked in water
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Drain the soaked bread and squeeze out extra water.
  2. In a bowl, mix tarama, onion, and lemon juice.
  3. Blend in the bread until smooth.
  4. Slowly add olive oil while blending until creamy.
  5. Add water for the desired consistency. Serve chilled.

12) Kleftiko

A rustic stone oven with a clay pot filled with succulent kleftiko, surrounded by fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon slices

Kleftiko is a delicious Greek dish, known for its tender meat and rich flavors. Traditionally, it’s made with lamb that is slow-cooked in a sealed pot, which helps keep it juicy and full of taste. The meat is often marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs.

You can enjoy Kleftiko with sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh salad. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The cooking method takes time, but it’s worth the wait for the wonderful aroma and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the lamb with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the lamb in a baking dish and add water.
  4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 to 3 hours.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it rest before serving.

13) Gyro

A table set with a platter of freshly grilled gyro meat, pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and assorted vegetables

A gyro is a popular Greek dish made with meat, usually pork, chicken, or lamb. The meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thin. You typically serve it in pita bread with toppings.

To enjoy your gyro, add fresh tomatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce called tzatziki. It’s a satisfying meal that combines flavors and textures nicely. You can easily make this dish at home for your next gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) of meat (pork, chicken, or lamb)
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tzatziki sauce
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season your meat with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  2. Cook the meat on a rotisserie or grill until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Slice the meat thinly.
  4. Warm the pita bread.
  5. Assemble by placing meat, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki in pita. Enjoy!

14) Fasolada

A steaming pot of Fasolada soup surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

Fasolada is a traditional Greek bean soup. It is simple and full of flavor. This dish is often called the national dish of Greece.

You start with a base of olive oil, onions, and garlic. Tomatoes and carrots add sweetness to the broth. White beans are the star ingredient, providing protein and texture.

Fasolada is healthy and can be enjoyed year-round. Serve it warm, topped with fresh parsley, for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white beans (canned or dried)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz or 400 g)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
  4. Stir in carrots, tomatoes, beans, and broth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
  7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

15) Loukoumades

A table covered in loukoumades, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, surrounded by Greek ingredients and utensils

Loukoumades are small, sweet Greek doughnuts that are light and fluffy. They are often drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. You can enjoy them fresh and warm, which makes them a delightful treat.

To make loukoumades, you start with a simple dough. The dough is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Then, you soak them in syrup or honey for added sweetness.

These pastries are perfect for any occasion. You can serve them at parties or enjoy them as a special dessert at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Honey or syrup for drizzling
  • Cinnamon for sprinkling
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour.
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
  6. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side.
  7. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.

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