You don't need to go to a restaurant to satisfy your Greek food cravings. From chicken souvlaki for dinner to flaky baklava for dessert, Greek recipes are surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
37 Greek Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Updated on Jun. 09, 2024
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Chicken Souvlaki Pitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a favorite at our house, especially in summer. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches that we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
These kabobs taste even better in the summer. If you want to meal prep: Store the tzatziki sauce, kabobs and pita separately, then assemble everything into a sandwich. Serve with a simple Greek salad.
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Moussaka
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
Traditional moussaka often uses lamb as the meat filling, but this twist uses ground beef. Like the Greek version of lasagna, layers of eggplant, potato and tomato make it hearty and delicious.
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Lamb Pitas with Yogurt Sauce
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
A slow cooker helps create this delicious lamb sandwich. If you end up with extra meat, you can freeze it. Allow the lamb mixture to cool, then place it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it partially in the refrigerator overnight, then heat it in a saucepan.
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Baklava
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
This quintessential Greek dessert is a bit time-intensive, but it’s so worth it. The recipe makes four dozen triangles, so be ready to share with your friends and family.
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Greek Sheet-Pan Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love roasted vegetables and keeping things simple. One bowl and one sheet pan, that's it. You could certainly use boneless chicken and add other veggies. Serve it with cucumber salad. —Sara Martin, Whitefish, Montana
If you love cooking dinner but hate doing dishes, this is the meal for you. The chicken thighs, peppers, artichokes and other veggies all cook in the same pan, so you’ll spend less time cooking and more time eating. This Greek salad dressing is our favorite vinaigrette to use with Greek sheet-pan chicken.
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Whipped Feta Dip
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
Now this is a dip for when you’re really looking to impress your guests. You don’t have to tell them that it only takes 10 minutes to make.
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Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I had to bake something from my heritage for school. So, I made this heavenly kourabiedes recipe. —Rebecca Sprague, St. Louis, Missouri
These buttery crescent cookies dusted with confectioners’ sugar are the greatest way to end a meal. Best of all, they’ll keep for a couple of weeks in an airtight container—if they’re not gone by then.
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Nikki's Perfect Pastitsio
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
This easier version of a classic Greek recipe still requires a homemade bechamel sauce, so it’s best for intermediate cooks. To save time, don’t drain the beef or onions after you cook them. The sauce will be slightly richer, but because sirloin is lean, there shouldn’t be much fat in the pan.
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Best Hummus
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Sure, you could buy store-bought hummus. But when you see how easy it is to make, you’ll always want to make it from scratch. Note that most of the ingredients are pantry staples, but you will need to track down some tahini in the international aisle of your grocery store or a specialty market.
Whether you’re sick with a cold or just want a warm hug in a bowl, this traditional Greek soup will hit the spot. The recipe requires you to make your own chicken broth, so it’s best for a lazy afternoon. We promise it’s worth it if you have the time.
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Yes, you can make gyros without a rotisserie! Look for ground beef with 15% fat or more when you’re buying the ingredients for this recipe. The higher the fat content, the more moist the inside of the meat will be while maintaining a nice crispy outside.
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Cannellini Bean Hummus
Total Time
5 min
Servings
10 servings (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it's a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Whirl white kidney beans, lemon juice, garlic and spices in a food processor, then try not to eat the whole thing while you’re waiting for your guests to arrive. Serve with veggies, pita bread or chips.
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Greek Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
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
Believe it or not, this showstopper requires only 10 minutes of prep time. Serve it when you really want to impress for a special occasion or Sunday night dinner.
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Dad's Greek Salad
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
This quick and easy salad is great for lunch or dinner and goes with pretty much anything. Add croutons, chicken, avocado or chickpeas to make it even more filling.
Greek recipes aren’t all savory! Also known as loukoumades, these irresistible donuts are made with honey and chopped walnuts. Mix up the dough the night before you fry them to make the process a little easier.
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Most Greek recipes are packed with vegetables, and this hearty lentil soup is no different. You’ll also find a surprise ingredient we don’t usually see in soup: olives! Check out our taste test to find the best olive brands.
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Nana's Dolmades with Avgolemono Sauce
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
Dolmades aren’t the type of dish you can rush through right before dinner. They take time, but your hard work will pay delicious dividends.
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Greek Beef Pitas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant that's famous for pitas inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Feel free to add olives if you'd like. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Our readers say the pita sandwiches are just as good if you substitute ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles. And because Greek recipes wouldn’t feel complete without them, add some olives to the mix.
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Greek Holiday Cookies
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
Of all the Greek Easter recipes, these swirly cookies might be the most fun (and simple) to make. Butter, eggs, orange juice, flour and vanilla extract join forces to create a festive, flavorful cookie you’ll want to bake year after year.
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Greek Spaghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"Out of all our recipes for pasta, this simple meatless main dish is our favorite," writes Christa and Holley Hageman from Telford, Pennsylvania. "We can hardly wait for summer to arrive so we can use our garden-fresh tomatoes and minced basil in this recipe." The entree's Mediterranean flair comes from feta cheese, oregano, olive oil and lemon.
Imagine slurping up this summery dish al fresco on a warm night. You can even make the recipe a night or two ahead of time, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
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Mediterranean Braised Chicken Thighs
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
Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, and these are no exception. Capers and pitted Greek olives (like Kalamata) give the recipe an added briny tang we can’t get enough of.
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Traditional Pita Bread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 pita breads
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband taught me how to make pita bread when we were first dating. He always has his eye out for good recipes. —Lynne Hartke, Chandler, Arizona
If your pita bread isn’t puffing up as much as you’d like, you probably aren’t heating it quickly enough. Use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s the right temperature (sometimes the oven’s sensors aren’t accurate).
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Melomakarona
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
Bake these traditional Greek Christmas cookies during the holidays or anytime you want something sweet. The secret ingredient, cognac, is optional.
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Mediterranean Kofta Meatballs
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
Serve these meatballs over rice, with pita bread or even on top of a salad. And because they take only 25 minutes to make, you can make them any night of the week. Here are more fresh mint recipes to use up any of the leftover herb.
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Tomato Feta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I combined my love for onions with a bumper crop of tomatoes and a homemade balsamic dressing. The result was this salad that receives thumbs-up approval whenever it's served. —Robert Golus, Greer, South Carolina
This simple and flavorful salad will be the hit of the barbecue thanks to its salty sweetness. You can serve it alongside pretty much anything, from tzatziki potato salad to grilled fish recipes.
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Rosemary Lamb Chops
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
This warm and cozy winter dish gets its flavor from fresh herbs, not pounds of butter. For this recipe, ask for loin lamb chops at the meat counter.
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Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo
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
Often, homemade soup takes hours to prepare. Luckily, this delicious soup is ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
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Stuffed-Olive Cod
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Visit the olive bar in your supermarket to put a new twist on cod in this simple high-protein, low-fat entree that’s a weeknight lifesaver. — Tria Olsen, Queen Creek, Arizona
If you tend to shy away from cooking fish at home because it seems too complicated, dip your toes in with this easy, seven-ingredient fish dish. The fillets cook quickly in a skillet with the other ingredients, so it’s one of those Greek recipes that’s practically foolproof.
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Greek Pita Spread
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
Whether they’re scooping it up with veggies, spreading it on pita bread or eating it on a bagel for brunch, your guests won’t be able to stop raving about this creamy spread. If you don’t have a large serving plate, use two pie plates.
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Tzatziki Potato Salad
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
A jar of store-bought tzatziki sauce makes this shortcut recipe extra quick and easy. Prep it in 25 minutes, then pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in.
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Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
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Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
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
This eight-ingredient wonder is a great Greek-inspired side dish, but you could use it as a flavorful topping for pasta or chicken. Make crispy baguettes if you want to serve as an appetizer.
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Tzatziki Chicken
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
Make this chicken in the air fryer to save some time. Just follow our directions for how to cook a chicken cutlet in the air fryer, then make the tzatziki sauce as directed.
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Lemon-Garlic Lima Beans
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
Serve these beans as a warm salad, or pulse them in a food processor and eat them as a hummus-style bean dip. With 16 grams of protein per half cup serving, you can’t go wrong.
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Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese
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
Feta makes everything better, and buttery roasted potatoes are no exception. If you can’t find dried oregano, a dried Italian seasoning works great too.
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Greek Isle Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to create a pizza that took its inspiration from the salads I enjoyed when I visited the Greek island of Corfu more than 20 years ago. It's so good and so easy to prepare. —Amanda Cooke, Los Angeles, California
It might not be authentic, but this is a comfort food mashup we don’t want to pass up. This delicious homemade pizza can be on the table in just 30 minutes.
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Lemon and Coriander Greek Yogurt
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised how easy it is to make homemade Greek yogurt. Flavored with lemon and coriander, it's amazing on top of gyros or spread on a sandwich. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
If you’ve never made your own yogurt, now is the time to try. You’ll only need five ingredients and a little bit of patience to seriously impress your friends.
