Looking for authentic Greek side dishes that are easy to make? From salad to rice to chickpea fritters, these recipes will give you a taste of the Mediterranean!
Greek food is known for being simple, yet full of color and flavor.
Using only the freshest ingredients such as eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, cheese, lemon, and a variety of herbs and seasonings, Greek dishes are both delicious and nutritious.
Greek cuisine is proof that healthy doesn’t necessarily mean boring. They can be just as fun, vibrant, and delicious as more indulgent dishes, too!
If you’re looking for a healthy way to satisfy your taste buds, you have come to the right place. These tasty Greek side dishes will knock your socks off.
1. Gigantes Plaki
Let’s start this list off with a plant-based dish that tastes so good, you might consider going vegetarian.
Gigantes plaki is a dish made of large dried white beans in a rich tomato-based sauce.
The word “gigantes” is Greek for “gigantic,” hence the use of huge white beans. Just like its size, this dish is also huge in flavor!
It’s so good that it’s one of the most popular “mezedes” (small plates) in Greek cuisine.
2. Briam
Briam is a combination of potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, and zucchini flavored with fresh garlic, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil.
The vegetables are then roasted, which brings out their flavors even more.
Both the ingredients and cooking method are very basic, yet they yield such amazing flavors.
It goes to show that you don’t need fancy things to create a stunning dish.
3. Bamies
Bamies is an incredibly nutritious dish that combines okra and tomatoes.
Flavored with red onions, dill, parsley, wine, and olive oil, it’s a rich, savory, and delightful veggie dish.
Hate okra’s slimy consistency? I do, too. But don’t worry, this Greek cooking method gets rid of that mucky fiber we all can’t stand.
How do they do it? The key is to let okra soak in vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
4. Fava
Looking for a new dip to accompany your favorite chips? Fava is an ultra-rich and creamy Greek dip that will elevate your snack to a whole new level.
Fava is a popular dip made from fava beans. It’s a lot similar to the beloved hummus, only richer and tastier!
Serve it as-is or drizzled with olive oil! It’s definitely a must-try.
5. Greek Kolokithokeftedes (Fried Zucchini)
Kolokithokeftedes, or courgette balls, are another tasty Greek side dish.
It may be a strange-sounding name, but I’m sure you will fall in love with it once you try it.
These delectable balls are made of zucchini, feta cheese, and mint.
The flavor combination of savory, salty, and minty creates such a wonderful explosion in your mouth!
No wonder it’s one of the most popular Greek starters there is.
6. Greek Lemon Rice
Greek lemon rice is absolutely to die for!
Whoever says rice is bland and boring has never tried this dish!
A combination of rice, lemon, onions, garlic, and herbs, Greek lemon rice is a bright and flavorful side that’s impossible to resist.
7. Greek Tomato Fritters
Domatokeftedes are a seriously addictive side dish that consists of tomatoes, herbs, dill, mint, oregano, and parsley.
The recipe mixed with self-rising flour and fried into golden brown fritters. These tomato fritters are incredibly crisp and bursting with flavor.
Here’s a tip when whipping up this starter: don’t use tomatoes that are too ripe, otherwise, the consistency will be off.
Pick ones that are still firm and greenish for the perfect fritters.
8. Greek Salad
Greek salad is not only commonly eaten in Greece, but all over the world as well.
Full of colors, textures, and flavors, even salad-haters won’t be able to say no to this one.
What makes Greek salad so tasty is the combination of fresh ingredients.
It features tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and herbs.
The simple dressing made of balsamic and rice wine vinegar ties them all together perfectly.
9. Greek Spinach Rice
Here’s another scrumptious rice dish. Spanakorizo is a recipe made of rice, spinach, onions, garlic, and olive oil.
You don’t need to taste it to know it’s incredibly amazing!
Whether you’re having fish, chicken, or lamb for dinner, this spinach rice is the perfect side. It’s so good, your friends will ask for seconds!
10. Skordalia Recipe
Skordalia is another classic Greek sauce that will give you the ultimate chip-dipping experience.
Gather your friends and get your chips, crackers, and biscuits ready. This dip is a certified crowd-pleaser.
It’s made from mashed potatoes, garlic, crushed almonds, lemon juice, and extra olive oil, and is blended until smooth.
It’s so rich, creamy, and garlicky, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!
11. Greek Chickpea Fritters
Chickpea fritters are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor all throughout.
These fritters are the Greek version of falafel, and they’re insanely delicious.
Unlike falafel, though, the fritters are made from actual chickpeas, making them crisper and softer.
12. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a creamy, dreamy cucumber dip that’s loaded with garlic flavor.
You can use tzatziki in a variety of ways, from accompanying chips and pita bread to dressing grilled meats and vegetables.
13. Roasted Greek Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are flavored with lemon, fresh garlic, and parmesan cheese.
This Greek side transforms the humble potatoes into a celebration-worthy side dish!
The combination of lemon, cheese, and garlic makes the potatoes taste even more amazing than ever before.
You can even add rosemary and paprika to add an earthy flavor!
14. Fried Feta Honey and Sesame Seeds
In this mouthwatering dish, salty feta cheese is fried to crisp perfection and sprinkled with sesame seeds, and drizzled with honey. One word: wow!
I can already imagine devouring this dish in minutes! The flavor contrast between sweet and salty is pure heaven.
15. Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, scallions, onions, and egg in one fantastic pie. It’s all the savory pie you need.
Filo pastry serves as the perfect vessel for this filling. Wonderfully crisp and flaky, it adds an outstanding contrast to the soft filling.