I will declare to the internet with a bullhorn that you do not need to be vegetarian to love these beauties.
Today at the party we have smoky roasted vegetables, juicy-sweet tomatoes loaded with herbs, and hearty grains that are flavorful and delicious just like their meaty counterparts. How about a big ol’ Y-E-S to that?.
This is just really, really delicious food that happens to be healthy.
1. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Vegan Feta
I am officially obsessed with pasta salads right now. They are nutritious, filling, and just so fresh. This one is loaded to the max with orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, and chopped onions.
Plus kalamata olives and vegan feta? Yes please. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic that ties it all together.
2. Greek Honey Cookies
These cookies are soft and cakey but still have a nice little crunch. They are sweet, sticky, and completely addictive. We are talking orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves for that perfect spice level.
The crushed walnuts add crunch while the honey brings a sticky contrast that I just love.
3. Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
This dish features layers of filo pastry, spinach, and feta cheese. It is the perfect mashup of flaky crust, creamy spinach, and rich cheese.
No wonder it is so popular! This recipe uses a vegan feta alternative so everyone can get in on the fun.
4. Greek Chickpea Soup
Revithia soupa is a hearty, comforting bowl that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is packed with chickpeas, carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery.
The flavors come from lemon juice, olive oil, and thyme. It is simple but totally delivers.
5. Tzatziki
I have mentioned tzatziki a few times, but now it is taking center stage. This is a super rich and creamy sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.
You can use it as a dip, a dressing, or a sauce. It is a total staple that you need to learn how to make.
6. Greek Rice
If white rice feels a little boring, this is for you. Spanakorizo mixes basmati rice and spinach with lemon juice, fresh dill, and cumin.
How can something this simple be such a showstopper? The cumin and dill give it a bright, refreshing flavor.
7. Jackfruit Gyro
Vegetarians can totally get in on the gyro fun. If you miss meat, just turn to jackfruit! This recipe shows you how to make an amazing jackfruit pork substitute.
It is stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and rich tzatziki sauce inside a soft fluffy tortilla.
8. Briam (Greek Baked Zucchini and Potatoes)
Briam is proof that humble ingredients can be extraordinary. We are talking potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, and zucchini drizzled with olive oil.
Season it with salt and pepper and let the oven do the work.
9. Greek Butter Cookies
These serve as Christmas cookies or wedding cookies. They are sweet, crumbly, and buttery.
Basically, they bring all the holiday joy to your kitchen.
10. Skordalia
Get ready for a life-changing dip experience. Skordalia is a blend of mashed potatoes, crushed almonds, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
It looks simple, but it is creamy, savory, and nutty with a kick of garlic and tang. Grab some chips or just use a spoon.
11. Bamies
Okra and tomatoes are the main event in this flavorful dish. It gets flavored with wine and olive oil for a sweet and savory combo.
Worried about sliminess? This cooking method eliminates that icky consistency completely.
12. Greek Baklava
Baklava is a total classic for a reason. This cake features layers of crispy flaky phyllo and a chopped walnut filling.
It gets drenched in sweet honey syrup. It is sweet, crunchy, buttery, and just plain amazing.
13. Greek Tomato Fritters (Domatokeftethes)
These are simple fried tomatoes flavored with dill, oregano, and parsley. They get coated in batter and deep fried until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Pro tip: use firm green tomatoes instead of red ripe ones so they do not get mushy.
14. Greek Salad
This recipe will change your mind about salads. It is packed with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, and olives. Plus feta cheese makes it 100% delicious.
The dressing is a simple balsamic and rice wine vinegar vinaigrette that brightens everything up.
15. Fava
Fava is another rich and creamy dip from the Greeks. It is made from fava beans and is basically an elevated version of hummus.
If you want to jazz up your chips, this is richer and creamier than what you are used to.
16. Chickpea Gyro
This gyro is packed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and creamy tzatziki. But the chickpeas are the real hero here.
Roasting a can takes just 20 minutes. You get a crispy exterior with a soft and hearty inside.
17. Greek Lemon Potatoes
This one-pot recipe is the bomb! Roasting creates a crispy outer crust that pairs perfectly with the soft starchy flesh.
Flavor comes from olive oil, broth, lemon juice, oregano, and rosemary. It is salty and earthy with just the right amount of tang.
18. Revani Cake
Revani cake is a luscious Mediterranean treat made with semolina. It gets drenched in sweet lemon syrup for major moisture and flavor.
Sprinkle some coconut flakes on top for a little crunch.
19. Gigantes Plaki
Gigantes plaki features dried white beans cooked in tomato sauce. It hits those sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Gigantes means gigantic, which refers to the bean size. And the flavor is just as big.
20. Moussaka
Moussaka is a total personal favorite. It is kind of like lasagna but honestly even more flavorful.
This vegan version features layers of roasted eggplant and cashew bechamel. The tomato lentil filling will make your mouth water.
21. Milopita (Greek Apple Spice Cake)
Milopita is a next-level cake topped with apples. Cinnamon and cloves bring the warmth while walnuts and raisins add texture.
You can make it as a soft fluffy cake or a moist dense loaf.
22. Stuffed Vine/Grape Leaves
Dolmades are a total vegetarian stunner made of herbed rice wrapped in vine leaves. They are boiled until soft but still have a nice chew.
They are great on their own but even better dipped in yogurt.
23. Greek Green Beans
Fasolakia is a hearty mix of green beans and potatoes braised in tomato sauce and olive oil. There are no fancy ingredients, but the flavors might just change your life.
It is tasty, vegan, and gluten-free so everyone can enjoy.
24. Chickpea Fritters
These fritters are going to rock your world. They are like a Greek version of falafel but use actual chickpeas instead of ground ones.
That creates a soft and crispy texture contrast. They have a milder flavor than falafel which is nice.
25. Greek Eggplant Dip
Tzatziki is great, but melitzanosalata is a whole mood too. It uses roasted eggplant mashed with garlic, oil, and lemon juice.
Use it as a dip for chips or spread it on bread for breakfast.
