10+ Greek Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy options. Exploring Greek recipes can open up a world of delicious meals that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to create a traditional dish or try a modern twist, there’s something for everyone.

From vibrant salads to hearty meats, Greek food focuses on simplicity and quality. You can enjoy classic favorites like moussaka or tzatziki while discovering new flavors that will enhance your cooking repertoire.

With a little guidance, you can easily bring these Mediterranean delights to your kitchen.

1) Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish that many enjoy. It features crispy layers of phyllo dough filled with a flavorful mix of spinach and feta cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.

Making spanakopita at home is easier than you might think. You can customize the filling with herbs and spices to match your taste. This dish is great for gatherings or cozy meals.

Ingredients

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or melted butter for brushing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix spinach, feta, ricotta, eggs, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a baking tray and brush with olive oil.
4. Place another phyllo sheet on top and brush again.
5. Spoon filling along one edge of the dough.
6. Roll the dough over the filling to create a log shape.
7. Brush the outside with olive oil.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
9. Cut into triangles and place on a baking tray.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Enjoy your spanakopita!

2) Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce

Gyros are a delicious Greek dish made with meat, usually lamb, beef, or chicken. They are often served in pita bread and topped with fresh veggies. The star of the dish is the creamy tzatziki sauce.

Tzatziki is made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It adds a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the savory meat. You can easily make gyros at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken or beef, sliced
• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 pita bread
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chicken or beef with yogurt, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated meat in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) until fully cooked.
3. Prepare the tzatziki by combining yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and salt.
4. Serve the meat in pita bread, topped with tzatziki and your choice of veggies.

3) Moussaka (Layered Eggplant Casserole)

Moussaka is a delicious Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. It’s a comforting casserole that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Start with slices of eggplant, which can be baked or fried. Then, layer them with a rich sauce made from ground meat, often beef or lamb. A creamy topping made with béchamel sauce adds a nice finish.

This dish is hearty and flavorful, making it a favorite in Greek cuisine. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium eggplants
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 can (15 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplants. Fry or bake them until tender.
4. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
5. Add the meat, cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
6. Layer eggplant, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish.
7. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

4) Baklava (Honey and Nut Pastries)

Baklava is a delicious Greek dessert made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry and a sweet nut filling. The combination of nuts, honey, and spices creates a rich flavor that many people love.

To make baklava, you will need phyllo dough and a mixture of nuts, such as walnuts and pistachios. You will also use butter, cinnamon, and honey syrup to finish it off.

When baked, baklava is golden brown and crispy. The warm honey syrup is poured over it while it cools, making it sweet and sticky.

Enjoy this delightful treat with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 cup melted butter
• 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Chop the nuts and mix them with cinnamon.
3. Layer phyllo dough in a baking dish, brushing with butter each time.
4. Add a layer of the nut mixture.
5. Repeat layering phyllo and nuts.
6. Cut into diamond shapes before baking.
7. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden.
8. In a saucepan, combine honey, water, and sugar, and bring to a boil.
9. Pour the honey syrup over the hot baklava once it comes out of the oven.
10. Let cool before serving.

5) Souvlaki (Grilled Skewers)

Souvlaki is a delicious Greek dish that features grilled meat on skewers. You can use chicken, pork, or lamb, marinated for extra flavor. The marinade usually includes olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.

When cooked on the grill, the meat becomes juicy and charred, making it very tasty. You can serve souvlaki with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

This dish is perfect for parties or family dinners. It’s fun to eat and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken or pork, cubed
• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the meat and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
4. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
5. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Enjoy!

6) Dolmades (Stuffed Vine Leaves)

Dolmades are a classic Greek dish made from grape leaves filled with a tasty mixture. You can enjoy them as a meze or main course. The filling usually contains rice, fresh herbs, and sometimes meat.

To make dolmades, you start by preparing grape leaves. They are typically stuffed with a blend of rice, dill, spearmint, and onion. The flavors are fresh and inviting.

You can serve dolmades with a squeeze of lemon or yogurt on the side. They are delicious warm or cold, so feel free to enjoy them anytime.

Ingredients

• Grape leaves
• Rice
• Fresh dill
• Fresh spearmint
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the grape leaves by rinsing them.
2. Cook rice until tender.
3. Mix rice with chopped herbs, onions, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each leaf and roll them tightly.
5. Arrange in a pot, cover with water and additional lemon juice.
6. Cook on low heat for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Enjoy!

7) Tzatziki (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip)

Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip that is perfect for sharing. It’s creamy, tangy, and pairs well with many dishes. You can enjoy it with pita bread, grilled meats, or simply by the spoonful.

To make tzatziki, you will need yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs like mint or dill. The combination creates a bright flavor that enhances many meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (mint or dill)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber.
2. Add minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Stir in salt and chopped herbs.
4. Mix until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8) Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

Pastitsio is a delicious Greek dish similar to lasagna. It features layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce. The flavors are rich and comforting.

To make Pastitsio, you’ll need large tubular pasta, typically bucatini. The meat sauce usually includes ground beef, tomatoes, and a hint of cinnamon. The béchamel on top adds a smooth, creamy finish.

This dish is often baked until golden and bubbly, making it perfect for gatherings. You can serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) bucatini or similar pasta
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups (500ml) béchamel sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Grated cheese (Kasseri or Parmesan)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
4. Then, add ground beef and brown it thoroughly.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cinnamon, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. In a baking dish, layer pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel.
7. Top with grated cheese.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set. Enjoy!

9) Horiatiki (Greek Salad)

Horiatiki, or Greek salad, is a fresh and colorful dish. It brings together simple ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Add creamy feta cheese for richness and olives for flavor.

You can make it in just a few minutes. Start by chopping your vegetables and placing them in a bowl.

Then, drizzle olive oil and vinegar on top, and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.

This dish is perfect as a side or light meal. Enjoy it with warm bread or on its own for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

• Fresh tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Red onions
• Green bell peppers
• Feta cheese
• Black olives
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and green bell peppers.
2. Place the veggies in a large bowl.
3. Top with feta cheese and olives.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
5. Then, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss gently and serve immediately.

10) Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)

Keftedes are delicious Greek meatballs made from a blend of ground meat, herbs, and spices. They are typically pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. These meatballs make a great appetizer or main dish.

To prepare keftedes, start by mixing ground beef with grated onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs.

Then, add in salt, pepper, chopped mint, and beaten eggs for extra flavor.

Form this mixture into small balls and fry them in olive oil. Serve hot with a side of tzatziki or lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, grated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 and 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint, chopped
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and mint.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Form mixture into small meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
5. Fry meatballs until golden brown on all sides.
6. Serve with tzatziki or lemon wedges.