Greek cuisine blends fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks. From savory chicken souvlaki to flaky baklava for dessert, these recipes bring Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen.
Whether you’re planning a party with meze platters or craving a dinner that transports you to Santorini, these dishes add tradition and timeless appeal to your table. The combination of olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and yogurt creates meals that are both satisfying and healthful.
1. Classic Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
A classic Greek salad, also known as horiatiki, brings together simple, fresh ingredients for a refreshing dish. You’ll need cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives as the base.
Crumbled feta cheese goes on top, giving the salad its distinctive flavor. A simple dressing of red wine vinegar and olive oil completes this Mediterranean favorite.
Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats. For the most authentic experience, use the freshest vegetables and high-quality feta cheese.
2. Spanakopita – Greek Spinach Pie
Spanakopita features a savory filling of spinach and feta cheese wrapped in crispy, flaky layers of phyllo dough. This traditional pie makes an impressive addition to any meal.
You’ll need fresh spinach, feta cheese, onions, herbs, and phyllo pastry. Spread the filling mixture between layers of buttery phyllo sheets.
The outside becomes golden and flaky while the inside stays rich and comforting. Serve spanakopita as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.
Many Greek families pass down their own special recipes for this beloved dish.
3. Moussaka – Layered Eggplant Casserole
Moussaka is a classic Greek casserole that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. The dish features layers of sliced eggplant and sometimes potatoes, topped with a rich meat sauce.
Ground beef or lamb cooked with tomatoes and aromatic herbs forms the meat component. A creamy béchamel sauce crowns the entire dish.
Baking melds the layers together, creating a hearty meal for family dinners. Some variations include cheese between layers for extra richness.
Traditional moussaka takes time to prepare, but the combination of tender eggplant and savory meat creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
4. Souvlaki – Grilled Meat Skewers
Souvlaki features skewered and grilled meat marinated to perfection. Use chicken, beef, or pork, depending on your preference.
Create the marinade with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours for the best taste.
Thread the marinated meat onto skewers and grill until juicy inside with a charred exterior. The result is tender, caramelized meat with smoky notes.
Serve souvlaki with tzatziki sauce and fluffy pita bread for an authentic Greek meal.
5. Tzatziki – Yogurt Cucumber Sauce
Tzatziki is a creamy Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. This versatile condiment pairs perfectly with many dishes.
For authentic tzatziki, use Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. Add a touch of salt for flavor balance.
Serve tzatziki as a dip with pita bread, as a sauce for gyros and lamb dishes, or as a refreshing side. The cool, tangy flavor makes it especially popular during warm weather.
Let the sauce chill for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
6. Pastitsio – Greek Baked Pasta
Pastitsio, often called “Greek lasagna,” has its own unique character. This hearty dish features layers of tubular pasta, a cinnamon-spiced meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping.
Bucatini is the typical pasta, with a hole running through the center. The meat sauce combines ground beef with tomatoes and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Baking forms a golden crust on top while keeping everything underneath moist and delicious. You’ll find pastitsio served at family gatherings and traditional Greek restaurants.
This comfort food is perfect for feeding a crowd and makes excellent leftovers.
7. Avgolemono Soup – Lemon Egg Chicken Soup
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek soup that combines chicken broth, tender chicken, rice, and a special lemon-egg sauce. The result is a silky, creamy texture without using any cream.
Prepare this comforting soup in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The basic recipe includes chicken broth and lemon, but many Greek families add carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
The unique combination of tangy lemon with rich egg creates a velvety consistency. This soup is more vibrant and refreshing than regular chicken soup.
8. Keftedes – Greek Meatballs
Keftedes are juicy, flavorful Greek meatballs that make a perfect appetizer or main dish. Use ground beef or a beef-lamb mixture for the best results.
Season keftedes with red onion, fresh parsley, mint, and dried oregano for their distinctive Greek flavor. Serve them as part of a meze platter with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
They’re also delicious as a main course alongside a Greek salad and pita bread. For a complete meal, bake meatballs and potatoes together in a lemony garlic sauce.
9. Kalamari – Fried Squid
Kalamari is a beloved Greek seafood dish featuring lightly floured and fried squid rings. Quick cooking keeps the texture tender, not rubbery.
Cut squid tubes into rings, coat them in flour, and fry for just 3-4 minutes until crispy. Season simply with sea salt.
Serve kalamari immediately with fresh lemon wedges. Pair it with tzatziki, a cucumber-yogurt dip, for a classic Greek touch.
10. Gigantes Plaki – Baked Giant Beans
Gigantes Plaki features giant white beans baked in a rich tomato sauce. Soak and boil the beans until tender but not mushy.
Combine the beans with a chunky tomato sauce infused with herbs like parsley, celery, oregano, and mint. Add a hint of cinnamon for depth.
Use plenty of good quality olive oil to create the dish’s signature flavor and texture. Serve this naturally vegan and gluten-free meal as a main dish or meze (appetizer).
Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
11. Dolmades – Stuffed Grape Leaves
Dolmades are a classic Greek mezze dish made of vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture. These bite-sized treats are both delicious and surprisingly simple to make at home.
The filling includes rice, fresh herbs, lemon, and sometimes corn kernels. Some regional variations add different ingredients for unique flavors.
Wrap the filling in grape leaves and arrange them tightly in a pot. Cook with a bit of liquid until tender and serve warm or at room temperature.
Dolmades often come with avgolemono, a rich egg-lemon sauce that adds another layer of flavor.
12. Baklava – Honey Walnut Pastry
Baklava is a beloved Greek dessert made from layers of crispy phyllo dough and nuts soaked in sweet honey syrup. This traditional treat combines simple ingredients for a special result.
Layer thin sheets of phyllo dough with chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and sometimes pistachios or hazelnuts. Brush each layer with melted butter for richness.
After baking until golden brown, pour hot honey syrup over the pastry. The honey soaks into each layer, creating a sweet treat that’s perfect with coffee or tea.
13. Loukoumades – Greek Honey Donuts
Loukoumades are delicious Greek donuts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. These little fried dough balls are crispy and golden on the outside and soft and chewy inside.
Honey syrup drenches the loukoumades after frying, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Sprinkle them with chopped walnuts, cinnamon, or even chocolate for variety.
These Greek donuts are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re a popular street food in Greece and a treat you’ll want to try making at home.
14. Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes
Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes are a mouthwatering side dish found in tavernas throughout Greece. These potatoes deliver tangy lemon flavor and perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Poach the potatoes in salted water, then bake them in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. Use waxy potatoes cut into wedges for the best results.
The potatoes absorb the lemony broth as they cook, infusing them with incredible flavor. Make them crispier by using a half sheet pan and ensuring the potatoes aren’t overcrowded during roasting.
15. Horiatiki – Traditional Village Salad
Horiatiki, the authentic Greek village salad, is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases fresh ingredients. Unlike Americanized versions, it contains no lettuce.
Use ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a block of feta cheese. Cut the vegetables into chunky pieces.
Dress with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, seasoning with salt to taste. Place the block of feta on top of the vegetables instead of crumbling it into the salad.
This traditional presentation lets you enjoy the pure, fresh flavors of each ingredient.
16. Kakavia – Greek Fisherman’s Soup
Kakavia is a traditional Greek soup that fishermen make with their fresh catch of the day. You can use any white fish like red snapper, cod, or monkfish to prepare this simple yet flavorful dish.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and leeks in olive oil. Add white wine and let it reduce, then add the fish and water.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to highlight the freshness of the fish. Traditionally, fishermen made this soup right on their boats using basic ingredients.
17. Fasolada – Greek Bean Soup
Fasolada is the national dish of Greece and features small white beans as its main ingredient. The soup combines beans with carrots, celery, and onions sautéed in olive oil.
Some recipes include leeks for extra flavor. A generous amount of extra virgin olive oil gives fasolada its rich, comforting quality.
Orange slices and tomato paste can create a more complex flavor profile. Brighten the broth with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
18. Galaktoboureko – Custard-filled Phyllo
Galaktoboureko is a Greek dessert that combines crispy phyllo dough with creamy semolina custard. A lemony syrup soaks into the layers, adding sweetness and brightness.
The custard filling uses milk, semolina, and eggs for a smooth texture that contrasts with the flaky phyllo. The dessert is typically served at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop.
You’ll find this dessert at special celebrations and family gatherings throughout Greece. The combination of buttery layers, sweet custard, and citrus-infused syrup makes galaktoboureko beloved across the country.
19. Saganaki – Fried Cheese
Saganaki is a popular Greek appetizer featuring pan-seared cheese with a golden, crunchy exterior and gooey interior. You can make it with just a few ingredients.
Traditional saganaki uses firm Greek cheeses like halloumi or kefalotyri that withstand high heat without melting completely. Some recipes use feta cheese for a different flavor.
To prepare saganaki, coat cheese slices with flour and pan-fry them in olive oil until a crispy crust forms. The dish is ready in less than 10 minutes.
Try a variation with a sesame seed crust drizzled with honey and balsamic vinegar for a delicious sweet and savory combination.
20. Greek Chicken with Oregano and Lemon
Greek chicken with oregano and lemon combines simple ingredients for big flavor. The marinade features fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and dried oregano.
You can use any chicken parts, but thighs stay juicier. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until the skin is crispy and golden. Some recipes include potatoes cooked alongside the chicken to soak up the flavorful juices.
Serve this rustic meal with a Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete dinner.
21. Kounoupidi Kapama – Braised Cauliflower
This Greek dish transforms cauliflower into a flavorful main course. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty vegetarian meal.
To prepare Kounoupidi Kapama, use cauliflower florets, olive oil, onion, garlic, and a cinnamon stick. Braise the cauliflower in tomato sauce until tender so it absorbs all the aromatic flavors.
This traditional village dish takes about 45 minutes to make. It’s a great option for Meatless Monday or any day you want a simple, delicious meal.
Key Ingredients in Greek Cuisine
Greek food relies on a handful of essential ingredients that bring fresh, vibrant flavors to every dish. These ingredients form the backbone of Mediterranean cooking and contribute to both taste and health benefits.
Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs
Olive oil forms the foundation of Greek cooking. Greeks use it in almost every dish—for cooking, dressing salads, or dipping bread.
They mainly use extra virgin olive oil, which has a rich, fruity flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats. Fresh herbs give Greek food its distinctive taste.
Oregano is the most iconic Greek herb, used both fresh and dried to season meats, vegetables, and salads. Dill brightens yogurt-based sauces and fish dishes.
Mint, parsley, and thyme are other common herbs. Greeks often use these herbs generously, not just as garnishes.
Garlic and lemon also enhance many dishes with acidity and depth.
Cheeses and Dairy Products
Feta cheese stands as the star of Greek dairy products. This brined, crumbly cheese made from sheep’s milk (or mixed with goat’s milk) has a tangy, salty flavor that complements many dishes.
You’ll find feta crumbled over salads, baked with vegetables, or used in pastries. Other important Greek cheeses include:
- Mizithra: A fresh, soft cheese similar to ricotta
- Kasseri: A semi-hard cheese with a slightly sweet taste
- Graviera: A hard cheese with nutty flavors
Greek yogurt deserves special mention for its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Enjoy it as breakfast with honey and nuts or use it as the base for tzatziki sauce.
Legumes, Grains, and Vegetables
Legumes play an important role in the Greek diet. Lentils, chickpeas, and white beans appear in many soups and stews.
These protein-rich ingredients have sustained Greek people for centuries. Grains like rice and wheat are staples.
You’ll see rice stuffed into vegetables (yemista) or cooked with herbs. Wheat appears in breads, pastries, and as bulgur in dishes like tabbouleh.
Fresh vegetables star in Greek cuisine. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers form the base of the classic Greek salad.
Eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes feature in dishes like moussaka and briami (roasted vegetables). Olives, both Kalamata and green varieties, add briny flavor to many dishes or appear on mezze platters.
Traditional Cooking Techniques
Greek cuisine relies on time-honored cooking methods that bring out the natural flavors of fresh ingredients. These techniques have been passed down through generations and remain central to authentic Greek food preparation.
Grilling and Roasting
Grilling, or “psisimo” in Greek, is one of the most popular cooking techniques. Greeks use this method for souvlaki, threading meat onto skewers and cooking it over hot coals.
The smoke adds a distinctive flavor that other cooking methods can’t replicate. Roasting is essential for traditional dishes like lamb.
During Easter celebrations, Greeks spit-roast whole lambs outdoors for hours. This slow-cooking process lets fat render and flavors develop fully.
For everyday cooking, you can achieve similar results by marinating meats in olive oil, lemon, and herbs before grilling. Use medium heat for even cooking without burning.
Let meats rest after cooking to redistribute juices.
Baking and Stewing
Baking in clay pots, called “gastra,” is a technique that dates back to ancient times. Dishes like moussaka and pastitsio develop complex flavors when you bake them slowly in the oven.
Stewing, or “mageirema,” transforms tough cuts of meat and hearty vegetables into tender, flavorful meals. You use this method for classics like youvetsi (beef or lamb stew with orzo) and fassolada (white bean soup).
Traditional Greek stewing follows these principles:
- Start with a base of good olive oil.
- Build flavor with onions and garlic.
- Add herbs and spices gradually.
- Simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld.
Cooks continue to use clay cookware for these techniques. Clay pots distribute heat evenly and help food retain moisture.
