Indulge in the rich flavors of Greece without sacrificing nutrition with these vibrant and delicious side dishes. By incorporating fresh ingredients like eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, cheese, lemon, and a variety of herbs and seasonings, Greek cuisine proves that healthy can be just as exciting as indulgent. From salad to rice to chickpea fritters, explore the Mediterranean’s culinary charm with these easy-to-make recipes.
What goes Well with Greek Food?
Greek cuisine is renowned for its harmonious blend of bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. The classic combination of olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers is a staple in many Greek dishes, contributing to the creation of a well-rounded and delectable meal. Moreover, the pungency of garlic, the sweetness of onion, the tanginess of lemon, and the earthy undertones of oregano are all integral components that come together to form the distinctive character of traditional Greek cooking.
These flavors not only complement each other but also bring out the best in one another, resulting in a truly unique and mouthwatering gastronomic experience.
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
This Italian-inspired pasta salad is a game-changer when you want to elevate your usual quick fixes. The combination of juicy grape tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, al dente pasta, crumbly feta cheese, and salty olives, all tossed in a zesty Greek dressing, is a match made in heaven. Letting it marinate for at least two hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an ideal side dish for your next backyard barbecue or potluck gathering.
Greek Cucumber Salad
Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of this refreshing Greek salad, which combines the crispness of cucumbers and sweetness of red onions. The real showstopper is the tangy dressing, crafted with a blend of lemon juice, garlic, dill, and rich Greek yogurt. A pinch of salt and pepper adds the perfect finishing touch to bring out the full flavor profile.
Greek Broccoli Salad
This vibrant salad recipe combines the nutritional power of broccoli with the rich flavors of Greece. The combination of shallots, olive oil, almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta or kalamata olives creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. This easy-to-make side dish is an excellent accompaniment to light main courses like fish or chicken, adding a burst of Mediterranean flair to any meal.
Crispy Greek Oven Roasted Potatoes
Indulge in the perfect harmony of texture and taste as you savor these roasted potatoes, boasting a satisfying crunch on the outside and a rich, savory interior. The medley of Greek seasonings – including dried oregano, minced onion, thyme leaves, black pepper, garlic powder, dried marjoram, and dried basil – meld together to create an unparalleled flavor profile that’s sure to elevate any meat dish.
Simply serve these roasted potatoes hot alongside your favorite grilled meats or savory entrees for a truly satisfying dining experience.
Greek Green Beans
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with this mouthwatering Greek green beans recipe, boasting a symphony of fresh, vibrant hues that will leave you mesmerized. This delectable creation not only satisfies your palate but also provides a nutritious boost, making it an ideal addition to any meal or snack.
Parmesan Lemon Orzo
Indulge in the rich flavors of Greece with this delectable side dish that’s as quick to prepare as it is to devour. In just 20 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece featuring orzo, butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. This versatile Greek-inspired delight can be served alongside Greek lemon chicken or Peruvian chicken, making it an excellent addition to any themed dinner party.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
What sets this coleslaw apart is its unique flavor profile, which stems from the traditional Greek yogurt seasoning used in its preparation. While the dish may not necessarily evoke the essence of Greece, its charm lies in the subtle nuances that emerge from the harmonious blend of flavors.
The cranberries infuse a pop of ruby red color and a tangy sweetness that beautifully counterbalances the richness of the slaw, making it an excellent accompaniment to moussaka or other dishes where a refreshing contrast is desired.
Roasted Greek Asparagus with Dill and Feta
This mouthwatering roasted vegetable medley brings together the vibrant, tender essence of asparagus, the creamy richness of avocado, and the subtle savory nuances of kosher salt and black pepper. A burst of fresh flavor is added by the dill, feta cheese, and lemon zest atop this colorful dish. Not only is it a cinch to prepare, but its robust flavor profile makes it an ideal companion for a roast or pie, providing a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a masterpiece of flavors, combining the richness of spinach, tanginess of feta cheese, pungency of scallions, sweetness of onions, and creaminess of egg in one delectable pie. The savory delight is elevated by the use of filo pastry as its vessel. Crisp and flaky, this pastry provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the filling, harmonizing the flavors in a culinary symphony.
Fried Feta Honey and Sesame Seeds
Imagine a culinary symphony where the harmony of sweet and salty notes comes together in perfect resonance. Crisp fried feta cheese, sprinkled with sesame seeds and drizzled with honey, creates a delightful cacophony on the palate. The combination is nothing short of sublime, leaving you craving another bite.
Roasted Greek Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with a burst of Mediterranean flair. By infusing them with the brightness of lemon, pungency of fresh garlic, and nutty undertones of parmesan cheese, you’ll create a show-stopping side dish that’s sure to impress. The harmonious union of these flavors not only enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes but also adds an air of sophistication. For added depth, consider incorporating rosemary and paprika for an earthy, herbaceous note.
This delectable combination is sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Greece.
Tzatziki
Indulge in the rich flavors of tzatziki, a velvety cucumber-based dip teeming with pungent garlic notes. This versatile condiment is perfect for pairing with crispy snacks like chips or pita bread, while its tangy essence also complements grilled meats and vegetables beautifully.
Greek Chickpea Fritters
With their satisfying crunch on the outside and fluffy, flavorful interior, chickpea fritters are a culinary delight that’s hard to resist. While they share some similarities with falafel, these Greek-inspired treats have a few key differences – chief among them being the use of actual chickpeas, which yields a crisper exterior and a softer center.
In Greece, these tasty morsels are known as Revithokeftedes, a name that’s derived from ‘revithi,’ the Greek word for chickpea, and ‘keftedes,’ the plural form of ‘kefete,’ or fried patty. With their many variations, keftedes have become a beloved part of Greek cuisine, offering a budget-friendly and easy-to-prepare meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. And with each bite, you can expect to be treated to a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Skordalia Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of Skordalia, a timeless Greek sauce that’s sure to delight your taste buds and become an instant party favorite. Gather your friends, snacks, and snacks’ companions – crackers, biscuits, and chips – as this creamy dip is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The magic behind this irresistible sauce lies in its harmonious blend of mashed potatoes, pungent garlic, crushed almonds, zesty lemon juice, and an abundance of extra virgin olive oil.
Whisked until silky smooth, Skordalia’s potent garlic flavor demands a spoon-feeding experience. When served chilled or at room temperature, this tantalizing treat makes for an exemplary starter to a satisfying Greek meal or a scrumptious accompaniment to grilled souvlaki or fish.
Greek Spinach Rice
Indulge in another mouthwatering rice dish with Spanakorizo, a harmonious blend of long-grain rice, fresh spinach, sautéed onions and garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The mere appearance of this dish is enough to tantalize your taste buds! Spanakorizo’s unique combination makes it an excellent accompaniment to any fish, chicken, or lamb dinner. Its popularity stems from its irresistible flavor, ensuring that seconds will be eagerly requested by your guests.
This recipe presents a delightful way to savor the union of rice and spinach.
Greek Salad
Greek salad has earned its place as a beloved dish not only in Greece but globally. Its irresistible charm lies in the harmonious blend of vibrant colors, varied textures, and delectable flavors. Even those who typically avoid salads can’t help but be won over by this delightful creation. My husband, for instance, is an unlikely salad enthusiast, yet he ranks Greek salad among his favorite side dishes.
The secret to its scrumptiousness lies in the thoughtfully combined fresh ingredients: juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, refreshing cucumbers, pungent red onion, crumbly feta cheese, savory olives, and fragrant herbs. A simple yet effective dressing comprising balsamic and rice wine vinegar perfectly complements these components. This meal is at once visually stunning and flavor-packed, making it a worthy addition to any regular menu.
Greek Tomato Fritters
The irresistible fusion of flavors in Domatokeftedes, combining juicy tomatoes with aromatic herbs like dill, mint, oregano, and parsley, is a true culinary delight. This beloved dish has been passed down through generations, with my father being particularly fond of it. His grandmother would frequently prepare it for him when he was young.
As a quintessential summer treat, these crispy fried tomatoes pair impeccably with crumbly feta cheese and warm pita bread or serve as a satisfying side to grilled meats. To achieve the perfect texture, simply mix the tomato mixture with self-rising flour and fry until golden brown. The intense tomato flavor will emerge, and they’ll be crunchy on the outside, tender within.
A valuable cooking tip for this recipe is to use firmer, greenish tomatoes rather than overly ripe ones, as the latter can affect the fritters’ consistency. Opting for the former will yield the best results.
Greek Lemon Rice
Indulge in the unparalleled delight of this Greek lemon rice dish, a culinary masterpiece that has won over even the most discerning palates! The harmonious fusion of fragrant rice, tangy lemon, pungent onions and garlic, and savory herbs creates a side dish that is at once vibrant, flavorful, and irresistible. This delectable concoction is anything but bland and boring, earning it a place as one of the most beloved Greek side dishes.
Whether served alongside a hearty main course or enjoyed on its own, this mouthwatering rice dish is sure to leave you craving more.
Greek Kolokithokeftedes (Fried Zucchini)
Indulge in the delightful world of Greek cuisine with a mouth-watering recipe for kolokithokeftedes – crispy fried courgette balls that will leave you craving more. This beloved side dish is crafted by combining grated courgette, crumbly feta cheese, refreshing mint, and flour, then frying them to a golden brown perfection.
Savor the warm, comforting treat with a dollop of creamy yoghurt on top, and discover why this flavorful fusion has earned its place as one of Greece’s most cherished starters.
Greek Fava
Fava is a rich and creamy Greek dip that originated from fava beans. The key ingredient, yellow split peas, requires an overnight soaking to soften its texture. This allows for a smooth and velvety consistency when cooked and blended with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant olive oil. As a versatile condiment, fava can be enjoyed as a dip or spread, paired with grilled meats or fish, or even used as a flavorful accompaniment to pita bread or crackers.
To prepare this delectable Greek delight, start by soaking the yellow split peas in water overnight. This crucial step helps break down the peas’ natural fibrousness, making them easier to cook and blend. The next day, drain the peas and simmer them in fresh water for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until they have reached a tender and creamy consistency.
Once cooked, allow the peas to cool before blending them with minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy, then serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For added flair, drizzle fava with olive oil and enjoy its bold flavors as part of your Greek culinary experience.
Bamies
Bamies, a Mediterranean masterpiece, harmoniously blends okra with fresh or canned tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and olive oil. This luscious dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Bamies is an ideal choice for those seeking to elevate their well-being.
The subtle sweetness of red onions, the freshness of dill and parsley, and the depth of wine and olive oil come together to create a rich, savory, and utterly delightful vegetarian dish. While okra’s slimy texture may be off-putting to some, a simple Greek cooking technique can eliminate this issue: simply soak the okra in vinegar for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Briam
Briam, a quintessential Greek vegetarian delight, is born from the harmonious union of sliced potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, and zucchini, elevated by the pungency of fresh garlic, the freshness of parsley, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. This delectable dish is not only a testament to the power of simple ingredients but also a showcase for the importance of using only the freshest produce.
The key to achieving perfection lies in cooking the vegetables just right, allowing them to retain a satisfying firmness while still absorbing all the glorious flavors. Whether served as a main course or side dish, Briam is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and nutritional value.
In a world where culinary excellence is often associated with elaborate techniques and costly ingredients, Briam proves that sometimes, it’s the humblest of dishes that can produce the most extraordinary results.
Gigantes Plaki
Gigantes plaki is a hearty and satisfying winter meal made with large dried white beans in a rich tomato-based sauce. The slow-cooked beans absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a deliciously filling dish. The name ‘gigantes’ is Greek for ‘gigantic’, which aptly describes both the size of the beans and the bold flavor profile. This popular small plate is a staple of Greek cuisine, offering a taste of the Mediterranean that’s hard to resist.
Instructions
For a flavorful twist, pick any of the delicious Greek sides that caught your eye. Simply click on the link beneath the photo to access the full recipe and instructions. Don’t forget to share a photo of your culinary creation under my pin on Pinterest, featuring the best Greek side dishes!