Celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter with a full spread of our best Greek Easter recipes. From traditional braided breads to tender lamb dishes, this collection includes time-honored classics and modern creations showcasing Greek flavors.
41 Greek Easter Recipes
Updated on Feb. 11, 2025
1/41
Rack of Lamb
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rack of lamb is elegant. It’s special. And it will have your guests thinking you went all out. They don’t have to know how simple rack of lamb really is to prepare. —Susan Nilsson, Sterling, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 rack: 307 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
Baked ham is a well-known Easter dinner idea, but lamb is arguably fancier. This one is seasoned with aromatic oregano, lemon and garlic. Roasting the rack of lamb at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes is the key to keeping the meat tender and juicy.
2/41
Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread)
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
While this rich, sweet Greek Easter bread, also known as tsoureki, is traditionally served during the spring, it can be served any time of year without the red eggs. Mahleb and mastic are customary, but they can be difficult to find and are often omitted. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Homemade Easter bread is one of the highlights of a Greek Easter feast. Pronounced “tsoo-REH-kee,” the braided bread is studded with bright red eggs and flavored with orange zest and traditional spices like mahleb and mastic. Don’t worry if you can’t find these seasonings; the bread will still taste great without them.
3/41
Baklava
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made with flaky phyllo dough, chopped nuts and sweet honey. This dessert is very rich, so one pan goes a long way. —Judy Losecco, Buffalo, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 baklava triangle: 271 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
What could be more festive than flaky, sticky, sweet baklava? The recipe for this beloved treat is a bit more intricate than most easy dessert recipes, but the payoff is worth it.
4/41
Spanakopita
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Mediterranean dish is always a crowd-pleaser! Phyllo dough can be tricky to work with, so I always make sure the dough is only briefly thawed before using it. Usually, I take it out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter while I prep the spinach mixture. —Lora Moncure, Portland, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 273 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
Flaky on the outside and soft on the inside, this iconic savory pie features layers of shatteringly crisp phyllo dough, spinach, feta and herbs. Of all the tried-and-true 13×9 recipes, spanakopita is one of the best.
5/41
Roast Lamb
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is very easy to make and requires little attention. It goes well with any rice dish, and it's perfect for just about any occasion. —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked lamb with 1 artichoke wedge: 152 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
This roast leg of lamb has a lot going for it. It features Mediterranean flavors like oregano and zesty lemon, and it gains a crisp exterior from being roasted in a 400° oven. After 30 minutes, the oven temp is reduced to 350° to ensure the lamb stays tender and juicy. Serve the showstopping centerpiece with any rice or orzo side dish.
6/41
Chicken Tzatziki
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
This easy chicken dinner idea isn’t exactly traditional, but it’s packed with some of our favorite Greek flavors. Serve the pan-fried chicken breasts with creamy tzatziki sauce, tangy feta and a crunchy Greek salad on the side.
7/41
Loukoumades
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
29 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These Greek doughnuts are easy enough to make at home but taste like they’re fresh from the bakery! Consisting of fluffy, fried dough soaked in a sweet honey syrup, they’re the perfect bite-size to pop in your mouth one after the other. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 111 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
If you love making doughnut recipes, you’ll love these sweet, puffy homemade doughnuts. After they’re fried to perfection, these Greek doughnuts are drizzled with a rich lemon-honey syrup.
8/41
Spinach & Chicken Phyllo Pie
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a brunch showstopper, we make chicken pie with phyllo and spinach. Our kids go for it, too, especially when we serve it with a minty fruit salad. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 442 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 35g protein.
This twist on spanakopita adds chicken to the equation, turning the flaky spinach pie into main dish material. If you want to make this a frozen spinach recipe, just make sure to squeeze out all the liquid after thawing the spinach.
9/41
Dolmades
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is special to me because while I was growing up, our family always had dolmades for holidays and important events. They are fantastic for parties. You may also serve them as an entree. —Elizabeth Latsis, Tacoma, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 dolma with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These tender stuffed grape leaves are delicious (and beautiful) as an appetizer, side dish or mezze platter addition. Fillings for dolmades vary based on region, but this simple version is stuffed with ground beef and nutty brown rice.
10/41
Greek Orzo Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Take your first bite and set sail for a dinner-table tour of the sunny Greek isles. Sprinkle lemon zest on top to give it a little extra flair. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup orzo mixture: 391 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
This herby slow-cooker chicken recipe combines orzo pasta, plump raisins and bright lemon juice to create a one-pot dinner that’s perfect for a special occasion. The mini pasta absorbs all the robust flavor from the garlic and oregano-infused sauce.
11/41
Koulourakia (Greek Holiday Cookies)
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Koulourakia are a traditional treat in Greece, where they are usually made for Easter and other celebrations. I enjoy making these buttery, golden cookies to keep me in touch with my heritage. —Nicole Moskou, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 79 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Flavored with walnuts, Cognac and a bit of orange zest, these festive Greek Easter cookies are buttery dessert perfection. The crunchy, tender treats get a glossy sheen from an egg glaze, which makes them look stunning on a holiday spread.
12/41
Baklava Tartlets
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a quick treat that's delicious and easy to make? These tartlets will do the trick. You can serve them right away, but they're even better after chilling for about an hour in the refrigerator. —Ashley Eagon, Kettering, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Making baklava can be somewhat time-intensive, but these little walnut-filled treats come together in a flash thanks to frozen mini phyllo tart shells. Believe it or not, the sweet, gooey filling contains no refined sugar—just honey, butter and lemon juice.
13/41
Spinach Rice
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
This Greek-inspired rice side dish is a vibrant accompaniment to any main course, but it’s especially tasty paired with roast lamb. Sweet baby spinach wilts down easily to coat the fluffy rice and add an eye-popping green color.
14/41
Baklava Thumbprint Cookies
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The topping on my sister-in-law's peach cobbler was so delicious that I asked for the recipe; then I decided to use that to top a cookie I developed with the flavors of baklava. My adult son tried one and immediately ate two more—which is unusual for him! It's a good recipe to mix up the night before and bake fresh the next day for company. —Sharon Eshelman, Harrington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 168 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Turn a classic Greek dessert into adorable thumbprint cookies filled with honey, buttery walnuts and aromatic cinnamon. If you’re new to making cookies, take a peek at our ultimate guide to baking cookies, which covers everything from measuring flour to decorating tips and tricks.
15/41
Pastitsio
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom's. —Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 332 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
This Greek casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, pasta and cheese sauce. It may look a bit like lasagna, but it’s impressive enough to serve as a centerpiece for Easter dinner. Make sure to brown the ground beef properly to create the best-ever meat sauce.
16/41
Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. —Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
This soul-warming, feta-topped tomato soup tastes like it was cooked all day, but it comes together in no time with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, chicken broth and orzo pasta. As a bonus, it’s a one-pot recipe, so clean-up is a breeze.
17/41
Greek Veggie Tartlets
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer! —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These zesty little bites are a modern creation that may become a tradition in your household for special occasions like Easter. The filling is a tangy, crunchy Greek salad that contrasts perfectly with the buttery phyllo tart shells.
18/41
Greek Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
No Greek Easter feast is complete without a bright salad—ideally, one filled with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives and salty feta cheese tossed in a simple Greek salad dressing. Once you try the dressing, you’ll want to use it on every salad!
19/41
Rosemary Lamb Chops
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 231 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 4 lean meat.
Lamb loin chops are small, meaty chops that resemble mini T-bone steaks. A fragrant rub of mustard, rosemary, thyme and garlic enhances the richness of the lamb meat.
20/41
Avgolemono Soup
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While “avgolemono” may be tricky to pronounce if you didn’t grow up eating traditional Greek food, the recipe itself couldn’t be simpler. A quintessential Greek dish, this avgolemono soup is made using pantry staples and results in a meal that’s pure comfort food. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 392 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 245mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
This thick, lemony soup is a quintessential Greek recipe. It gets its silky texture from lemons, eggs and chicken broth. The recipe walks you through how to temper the eggs, slowly and gently raising the temperature to avoid scrambling them. If they’re added directly to the soup, the soup would lose its smoothness and take on the texture of egg drop soup (which is also delicious, just different).
21/41
Baklava Cheesecake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events. —Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 339 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Another variation of nutty baklava, this spectacular cheesecake is made with creamy mascarpone and honey. While working with phyllo dough, make sure to keep any unused sheets covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out.
22/41
Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll find this meal is a nice one to prepare for company or to serve your family for Sunday dinner. All you need with it is tossed salad and some crusty French bread. —Pella Visnick, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken with 2 pieces potato: 530 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 45g protein.
Juicy, moist and completely irresistible, this whole roasted chicken is perfect for a crowd. But don’t sleep on the potatoes cooked with it: They absorb all the robust seasonings and chicken drippings to become the tastiest side dish on the table.
23/41
Melomakarona (Greek Honey Cookies)
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up in Cyprus, we would see this cookie everywhere during the holidays. Every year my mother, Thelma, would make plate after plate of these all Christmas long. It's just not the holidays without them. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 172 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These honey-dipped cookies are traditionally served at Christmas celebrations, but they make a festive sweet treat for any holiday—including Greek Easter. Orange juice and zest add a lovely brightness to the cookies.
24/41
Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemony Greek potatoes are a traditional side dish for grilled chicken or steak. When they come out of the oven, we top them with feta for a little melty goodness. —Arge Salvatori, Waldwick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Serve these lemony, feta-covered potato wedges with any Greek main dish, like roasted chicken or a rack of lamb. There’s no need to peel the potatoes for this recipe; they’re meant to be a little bit rustic.
25/41
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. It's my aunt's recipe, and I think of her when I make it. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 132 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
We make this stunning phyllo dessert with walnuts, but you could use another type of nut like pistachios, pecans or almonds. Whatever you choose, just make sure to toast the nuts first to bring out their buttery aromas.
26/41
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Setting out a bowl of olives is always an excellent idea. I mean, who wouldn’t love nibbling on a tasty assortment of olives tossed with roasted garlic, herbs and sweet cherry tomatoes? Mix and match any type of olives you like.
27/41
Spanakopita Appetizer Roll-Ups
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love having appetizers on hand in the freezer, especially when the holiday season is fast approaching. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they're easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 96 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Spanakopita is traditionally baked in a giant tray, but this recipe reduces the cheesy spinach pie into bite-sized appetizers. When entertaining, we like to serve mini spanakopitas on a platter with refreshing tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges and dill sprigs.
28/41
Whipped Feta
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
The base of this whipped feta dip is a fantastic blank canvas for different flavors. This version is flavored with garlic and lemon. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 85 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Briny sheep’s milk feta, Greek yogurt and olive oil are whipped in the food processor to create a wonderfully smooth and indulgent dip. Opt for a high-quality, fruity extra-virgin olive oil for the very best flavor.
29/41
Moussaka
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Moussaka is traditionally made with lamb, but I often use ground beef instead. The recipe looks a bit daunting, but if you prepare one step while working on another, it will save time. —Kim Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.
This showstopping oven-baked casserole is filled with ground lamb, soft eggplant and rich bechamel sauce. To make it vegetarian, skip the meat and make it with lentils, soy crumbles or even zucchini slices. Alternatively, feel free to swap in ground beef for the lamb.
30/41
Roast Rack of Lamb with Herb Sauce
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings (1-3/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
The sauce uses eight of my favorite herbs, but making it is a cinch. The aroma of the lamb while it roasts is amazing. —Mya Zeronis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Lamb recipes are always a good idea for Easter, and this elegant roast rack of lamb gets an extra dose of personality (and color) from a vibrant herb sauce. Serve it over rice or couscous to absorb any extra sauce.
31/41
Garlic Cucumber Dip
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy and full of fresh flavor, this classic Greek cucumber dip is a great appetizer served with pita bread, crackers or vegetables. This dip is also a must-have accompaniment to marinated lamb chunks cooked on a skewer. —Lisa Stavropoulos, Stouffville, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 111 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a side dish, this refreshingly zesty dip tastes heavenly. It’s made with equal parts plain yogurt and sour cream, ensuring the perfect balance of tanginess and richness. Serve it with a side of pita chips, or dollop it on just about anything.
32/41
Plum-Glazed Lamb
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruity and flavorful, this wonderful glaze is simple to prepare, and its hint of garlic really complements the lamb. The recipe makes enough glaze to baste the lamb during roasting and leaves plenty to pass when serving. —Ann Eastman, Greenville, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked lamb: 338 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
During the last hour of roasting, you’ll want to baste this gorgeous bone-in leg of lamb every fifteen minutes with the sweet-savory plum glaze. Then, simmer the reserved basting liquid when the lamb is finished cooking to create a fruity sauce to serve with the tender meat.
33/41
Lamb Pastry Bundles
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was such a hit that my family has now incorporated the Mediterranean flavors into several dishes! —Tess Konter, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bundle with 5 teaspoons sauce: 318 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 352mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
Puff pastry pouches filled with spiced ground lamb make a spectacular (and surprisingly easy) Easter appetizer. Easy puff pastry appetizers like this one have saved me on numerous special occasions.
34/41
Greek Pita Spread
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried this at a family gathering and was blown away! I have since made it for my co-workers, and they just love it. I've gotten many requests for the recipe. —Joyce Benninger, Owen Sound, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 96 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This colorful dip packs in many of our favorite Greek flavors, including zippy olives and creamy feta. Herbaceous Greek salad dressing brings it all together.
35/41
Tzatziki Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son has an egg allergy, so this potato salad is perfect for him. For extra color, add radish, apple and garlic dill pickles. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 128 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
We like to use refrigerated tzatziki sauce to cut down on prep time, but don’t worry; the salad has a homemade feel because of the fresh herbs and crunchy chopped celery. You may never return to mayonnaise-based potato salad recipes again!
36/41
Greek Garlic Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lively flavors of the Greek Isles come through in this mouthwatering chicken entree. I created this dish so my husband and I could have a nice dinner after a busy day out and about. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with 1/4 cup sauce and 3/4 cup couscous: 475 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein.
The slow cooker ensures that chicken breasts become perfectly tender, and chopped Greek olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes and oregano add an incredible taste. Serve the chicken with a crunchy feta garbanzo bean salad or salad greens drizzled with Greek salad dressing.
37/41
Kalamata Cheesecake Appetizer
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
55 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s believed the Greeks served cheesecake at the first Olympics, so why not rewrite history with a Greek cheesecake appetizer? Ingredients in this version “tame” the kalamata olives, so even if you shy away from kalamatas, you’ll be glad you tried this one. For a milder flavor, use the more common black or green olives. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Cheesecakes aren’t just for dessert! This savory cheese bake is studded with juicy kalamata olives and earthy rosemary. You won’t find a prettier appetizer.
38/41
Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 cups (120 chips)
From the Recipe Creator:
Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip with 6 chips: 178 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
This colorful appetizer comes together quickly thanks to premade hummus and Greek yogurt. Layered with feta, crunchy veggies, herbs and olives, this dip will be the life of the party. This is one of our favorite dips that pair with pita chips.
39/41
Mediterranean Kofta Meatballs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a new take on meatballs, try this quick version of kofta—flavorful Mediterranean meatballs full of spices and herbs. Shape meat mixture around soaked wooden skewers and grill them for a more authentic twist. —Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
4 meatballs with 1/4 cup yogurt and 1/2 tomato: 339 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Vibrant seasonings like cumin, coriander, mint and sumac add bold flavor to these juicy lamb meatballs, which look beautiful atop a platter of hot couscous. Garnishes like yogurt, tomato wedges, minced red onion and lemon wedges add an extra “wow” factor.
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Lima Beans
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up on Cyprus, my mother would often make this side dish to have with roast lamb. Although I hated lima beans when I was a kid (who didn't?), I love them now. They always remind me of home. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 326 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 16g fiber), 16g protein.
Creamy lima beans come to life with a zippy lemon dressing and aromatic fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. Turn the bean dish into a creamy hummus-like dip by tossing it all in the food processor and blending until smooth.
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Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken and artichoke dish was inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Santorini for my parents' 40th anniversary. It's cooked in a big skillet until the chicken basically falls of the bone and all the flavors meld together into a sauce that will have you spooning it into your mouth. It’s really a showstopper! —Grace Vallo, Salem, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup artichoke mixture: 378 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
No offense to chicken breasts, but chicken thighs recipes tend to turn out juicier, more tender and richer in flavor. This restaurant-worthy braised chicken recipe includes a zesty white wine pan sauce made with all those tasty bits that got stuck to the pan after browning the chicken.
Greek Easter Recipes FAQ
What is served at an Orthodox Easter celebration in Greece?
Traditional dishes served at Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations include whole-roasted lamb or goat, braided bread, cookies like koulourakia, spanakopita (spinach pie) and an array of smaller bites like olives and tzatziki (a cucumber yogurt dip). The symbolic red-dyed eggs, which symbolize the blood of Christ, usually make an appearance as well. You’ll often see them embedded in tsoureki, a Greek Easter bread.
What Greek Easter recipes can be made ahead of time?
Many of the best Greek dishes can be made in advance, especially the cold or “mezze” dishes like tzatziki, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), olives and whipped feta. You can also assemble larger casserole recipes like moussaka and pastitsio so that they’re ready to pop in the oven right before your company arrives. Making them a day ahead actually makes these dishes taste better because the flavors have a chance to meld together and marinate in the fridge.
How can I make red-dyed eggs for Greek Easter?
Back in the day, people used beets or red onion skins to dye eggs red for Easter, and many still use natural dyes. Today, it’s more common to dye Easter eggs with food coloring and a bit of vinegar.
