17 Traditional Greek Foods Everyone Should Try
Take a trip to Greece without leaving your kitchen! These recipes for authentic Greek food will take you on a tasty journey and keep your family coming back for more.
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Greek Salad
Everyone loves a Greek salad. But did you know that if you order one in Greece you likely won’t get any lettuce? Just the good stuff—feta, veggies and olive oil.This recipe goes great with a bowl of authentic Greek avgolemono soup.
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Kourabiedes
Like any traditional Christmas cookie recipe, every Greek family has their own version of kourabiedes. Add chopped almonds or spritz them with orange blossom water before dredging them in powdered sugar to give them your own personal touch.
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Easy Spanakopita Appetizers
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 4 / 17
Olives
Kalamata olives aren’t the only olives that come from Greece. You’ll find large green Halkidikis, wrinkled black throubes and more. Mix up a few Greek olives and marinate them to pair with your next cheese board. 5 / 17
Paidakia
Lamb seasoned with lemon, oregano, salt and pepper is a favorite in tavernas all over Greece. Grill them over charcoal for the most authentic flavor. 6 / 17
Moussaka
Moussaka is the ultimate Greek comfort food, baked with layers of ground meat, potatoes or eggplant and a creamy bechamel sauce. Tuck in to this hearty dish on a cold winter day.
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Melitzanosalata
A meze is a popular way to dine in Greece. Instead of a large entree, several small dishes are served and shared. Roasted eggplant dip, called melitzanosalata, often makes an appearance on the table. 8 / 17
Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a popular treat all day long in Greece. It’s eaten for breakfast, after-school snacks and dessert. Be sure to top it with cinnamon for the most traditional flavor! 9 / 17
Stuffed Peppers
Who can resist these colorful peppers filled with lamb, feta, olives and Greek oregano? Make these and you’ll feel like you’re dining at an outdoor cafe in Athens. 10 / 17
Pasta
When we say pasta, you say Italy, but Greeks love it, too. You will often find one-pan baked pasta dishes made with tomato sauce and meats that range from veal to pork to beef at family gatherings. 11 / 17
Gyros
Gyros are quite possibly the most beloved Greek food, and for good reason. Whether they’re made with chicken, pork or lamb, they’re packed with flavor and highly portable. Sprinkle with hot paprika for a spicy kick! 12 / 17
Baklava
Traditional baklava is made with layer upon layer of crispy phyllo dough with sweet, nutty filling in between. This six-layer version speeds up the process because who wants to wait longer for baklava? No one. 13 / 17
Roasted Potatoes
Greek potatoes absorb so much flavor and aroma from lemon and oregano as they cook, that you may be surprised at how easy they are to prepare. Serve them alongside everything from burgers to roast chicken. 14 / 17
Pastitsio
It may sound like a pastry, but pastitsio is actually Greek lasagna. It’s topped with a beautiful bechamel sauce that browns in the oven. A bit of cinnamon in the meat sauce gives it that uniquely Greek flavor. 15 / 17
Koulourakia
You’ll find these beautifully twisty cookies at every holiday celebration in Greece, especially Easter. But don’t save them just for special occasions! They make a great after-school snack or accompaniment to afternoon coffee.
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Classic Hummus
We love hummus, and this version is really amazing. If you have a pressure cooker, this is an easy, tasty reason to pull it out! We pair hummus with fresh veggies for a meal or snack. —Monica and David Eichler, Lawrence, Kansas 17 / 17
Zucchini Fritters
This popular appetizer comes from the island of Crete and is served with tzatziki sauce or plain Greek yogurt. Mix in some fresh mint and feta cheese to capture the authentic flavor of the Greek Isles.
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