Greek cuisine offers a world of flavors that you can easily bring into your home kitchen.

From classic dishes to modern twists on traditional recipes, Greek food is known for its fresh ingredients and bold tastes.

You can explore a variety of options, from hearty main courses to light appetizers and refreshing salads.

These 15+ Greek recipes will help you create delicious meals that capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

You’ll find ideas for savory pies, grilled meats, vegetable-based dishes, and more. Many of these recipes are simple to make and use common ingredients, making it easy to add Greek flavors to your regular meal rotation.

1. Moussaka

Moussaka is a beloved Greek dish that combines layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

To make moussaka, you’ll start by frying sliced eggplants.

Next, prepare a flavorful meat sauce with ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Some recipes also include potatoes or zucchini for extra texture.

Layer the fried eggplant and meat sauce in a baking dish. Top it all with a rich béchamel sauce and grated cheese. Bake until golden brown and bubbling.

Moussaka tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

2. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish you’ll love. It features bite-sized pieces of meat, often pork or lamb, marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.

The meat is threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. You can serve souvlaki in a pita with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies.

To make souvlaki at home, marinate your chosen meat for at least 2 hours.

Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning often. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

Pair your souvlaki with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.

3. Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a creamy Greek dip that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Start by grating and draining the cucumber. Mix it with thick Greek yogurt, minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and chopped dill or mint.

Add lemon juice and salt to taste. Let the tzatziki chill for a few hours before serving to let the flavors blend.

Serve tzatziki with pita bread, vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats. It’s great in wraps and sandwiches too.

You can customize your tzatziki by adjusting the garlic or adding different herbs. Make a big batch – it keeps well in the fridge for several days.

4. Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish you’ll love. It’s a savory pie filled with spinach and feta cheese.

The filling is wrapped in layers of thin, crispy phyllo dough. This creates a golden, flaky crust that’s irresistible.

To make spanakopita, you’ll mix cooked spinach with feta, herbs, and eggs. Then you’ll layer the phyllo sheets with the filling.

Bake the pie until it’s golden brown. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. You can enjoy spanakopita as a main dish or appetizer.

5. Baklava

Baklava is a sweet Greek pastry that will satisfy your sweet tooth. You’ll love the layers of crisp phyllo dough and chopped nuts soaked in honey syrup.

To make baklava, start by layering phyllo sheets in a baking pan, brushing each with melted butter. Mix chopped walnuts with cinnamon for the filling.

Add more phyllo layers on top, then bake until golden brown. While it cools, make a syrup with honey, sugar, and water. Pour this over the warm baklava.

Let it sit for a few hours to soak up the syrup. The result is a rich, sweet treat perfect for special occasions or as a decadent dessert.

6. Dolmades

Dolmades are a beloved Greek dish made from grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful filling. You’ll typically find rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat inside these small, rolled parcels.

To make dolmades, you start by blanching grape leaves to soften them. Then, you prepare the filling with rice, onions, lemon juice, and seasonings like dill and mint.

You place a spoonful of filling on each leaf and carefully roll it up. The rolls are then arranged in a pot and cooked in a mixture of water and lemon juice.

Dolmades can be served warm or cold as part of a meze platter. They’re often enjoyed with a dollop of tzatziki sauce or a drizzle of olive oil.

7. Fasolada

Fasolada is a beloved Greek white bean soup that will warm your heart and fill your belly. This comforting dish is simple to make and packed with flavor.

To prepare fasolada, you’ll need cannellini beans, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. These ingredients create a hearty base for the soup.

Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the broth. A generous drizzle of Greek extra virgin olive oil at the end brings everything together.

You can make fasolada with canned beans for a quicker meal or soak dried beans overnight for a more traditional approach. Either way, you’ll end up with a satisfying and nutritious soup.

8. Avgolemono Soup

Avgolemono soup is a Greek favorite that combines chicken, rice, and a creamy egg-lemon sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days.

To make it, start by simmering chicken with vegetables to create a flavorful broth. Cook rice in the broth until tender.

The magic happens when you add the avgolemono sauce. Whisk eggs and lemon juice together, then slowly mix in some hot broth to temper the eggs.

Pour this mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly. The result is a velvety, tangy soup that will warm you from the inside out.

You can easily adjust the lemon to suit your taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a delicious Greek meal.

9. Pastitsio

Pastitsio is a Greek dish often called “Greek lasagna.” It has layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel.

To make pastitsio, you cook pasta and set it aside. Then you prepare a meat sauce with ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, and spices like cinnamon.

Next, you create a thick béchamel sauce. Layer the pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish. Top it with more béchamel and cheese.

Bake the pastitsio until golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

10. Koulouri

Koulouri is a popular Greek bread ring. It’s often eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack on the go. These sesame-coated rings are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To make koulouri, you’ll need flour, yeast, water, and salt for the dough. The rings are typically covered in sesame seeds before baking. Some recipes add a touch of sugar or olive oil for extra flavor.

You can find koulouri sold by street vendors in many Greek cities. They’re especially famous in Thessaloniki. You can eat them plain or split them open and add cheese or other fillings.

11. Galaktoboureko

Galaktoboureko is a beloved Greek dessert that combines crispy phyllo dough with a creamy custard filling. You’ll love this sweet treat that’s soaked in a delicious syrup.

To make galaktoboureko, you start by preparing a custard using milk, sugar, and semolina. This mixture is cooked until thick and smooth.

Next, you layer sheets of phyllo dough in a baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter. The custard is poured over the phyllo, then topped with more buttered phyllo sheets.

After baking until golden brown, you pour a cooled syrup made of sugar, water, and lemon over the hot pastry. This creates a perfectly sweet and sticky dessert.

12. Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki salad is a classic Greek dish that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love this simple, fresh mix of vegetables and cheese.

To make it, chop ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and green bell peppers into large chunks. Add thinly sliced red onions and Kalamata olives.

Top the salad with a big piece of feta cheese. Drizzle olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar over everything. Sprinkle some dried oregano on top.

This salad is easy to put together and doesn’t need a fancy dressing. It’s great as a side dish or light meal on its own.

13. Feta Cheese Pie

Feta cheese pie, also known as tiropita, is a beloved Greek dish you’ll want to try. This savory pastry features crispy layers of phyllo dough filled with a tangy feta cheese mixture.

To make tiropita, you’ll crumble feta cheese and mix it with eggs. Some recipes add other cheeses for extra flavor.

You’ll then layer or wrap this filling in phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter or olive oil.

Bake your tiropita until golden brown, usually about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The result is a flaky, cheesy treat perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.

You can shape tiropita into individual triangles or make a large pie to slice. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

14. Kleftiko

Kleftiko is a beloved Greek dish featuring tender lamb. The meat is slow-cooked with potatoes and vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal.

Traditionally, kleftiko was prepared in underground pits. Today, you can make it at home using your oven.

To make kleftiko, wrap lamb, potatoes, and seasonings in parchment paper. Cook it low and slow for several hours. This method keeps the meat moist and infuses it with herbs and spices.

Kleftiko is perfect for special occasions or family dinners. You can serve it with a Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

15. Kourabiedes

Kourabiedes are beloved Greek butter cookies often enjoyed during Christmas. These crumbly treats melt in your mouth with their rich, buttery flavor.

To make kourabiedes, you’ll cream butter until light and fluffy. Then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of brandy or cognac. Fold in finely chopped toasted almonds for extra texture.

Shape the dough into crescents or balls before baking. Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar. The sugar coating gives them their signature snowy appearance.

Serve kourabiedes with coffee or tea for a delightful Greek dessert experience. Their delicate texture and sweet taste make them a perfect holiday treat.

Exploring Greek Cooking Techniques

Greek cuisine relies on simple yet effective cooking methods that bring out the best flavors in fresh ingredients. These techniques have been passed down through generations, creating dishes that are both delicious and healthy.

The Art of Grilling

Grilling is a cornerstone of Greek cooking. You’ll find it used for meats, vegetables, and even fruit. The key is to use high-quality olive oil and simple seasonings like oregano, lemon, and garlic.

For meat, souvlaki is a popular dish.

You’ll thread chunks of pork or chicken onto skewers and grill them over charcoal. This gives the meat a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.

Grilled vegetables are also common. You can brush sliced zucchini, eggplant, or peppers with olive oil and grill until tender. These make great sides or additions to salads.

Fish is often grilled whole in Greek cuisine.

You’ll stuff it with lemon slices and herbs before cooking. The skin crisps up nicely while the flesh stays moist.

Traditional Baking Methods

Greek baking often involves phyllo dough, a paper-thin pastry. You’ll find it in sweet and savory dishes alike.

Spanakopita, a spinach and feta pie, uses layers of phyllo brushed with olive oil or butter.

For bread, you might try your hand at pita. You’ll make a simple yeast dough and bake it at high heat. This creates a pocket perfect for stuffing with meats or vegetables.

Greek cookies and pastries often use nuts and honey. Baklava, for example, layers phyllo with chopped nuts and is soaked in a honey syrup after baking. You’ll bake it slowly to achieve the right texture.

Wood-fired ovens are still used in some parts of Greece. These give breads and pies a unique flavor and crispy crust.

At home, you can mimic this by using a pizza stone in your oven.

Key Ingredients in Greek Cuisine

Greek food uses fresh, flavorful ingredients. Olive oil and herbs are crucial to many dishes. They add taste and health benefits to Greek cooking.

Olive Oil and Its Uses

Olive oil is the foundation of Greek cuisine. You’ll find it in almost every recipe.

Greeks use it for cooking, dressing salads, and dipping bread. Extra virgin olive oil is best for its rich flavor and health perks.

Try drizzling olive oil over grilled fish or roasted vegetables. It’s also great for making dips like tzatziki.

When cooking, use olive oil instead of butter for a Greek twist.

Herbs and Spices in Greek Dishes

Greek food bursts with flavor thanks to herbs and spices.

Oregano, mint, and dill are common in many recipes. You’ll also taste garlic, lemon, and cinnamon in Greek dishes.

Fresh herbs work best in Greek salads and meat marinades.

Dried herbs are good for long-cooking stews and soups.

Try adding fresh mint to your Greek yogurt or oregano to grilled meats.

Spices like cumin and coriander give depth to Greek food.

Use them in small amounts to enhance, not overpower, your dishes.