Greek cuisine is renowned for its delectable side dishes, which are deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage.
These delicious accompaniments often feature a symphony of fresh herbs, combined with love and care in their preparation. For those seeking to recreate the essence of Greece at home, this collection of 27 vegetarian Greek side dishes is the perfect starting point.
Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape where land and sea meet, these side dishes celebrate the region’s bounty. From hosting a traditional Greek gathering to seeking the ideal accompaniment to your main courses, this list provides an exhaustive guide to suit every occasion.
Delve into the world of natural ingredients and loving cooking as they converge in these mouthwatering best Greek side dishes.
Greek Boiled Leafy Greens
In Greece, ‘Horta vrasta’ – also known as leafy boiled greens – is a beloved staple on dinner tables everywhere. What’s remarkable about this humble dish is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of cooking and some basic seasoning, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh, earthy, and incredibly healthy side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The best part? It won’t take up much of your time in the kitchen at all. In fact, boiling the greens and dressing them with olive oil and lemon juice is about as complicated as it gets – a true testament to the power of simplicity in cooking.
Greek Lettuce Salad
In the heart of Greece, a refreshing summer salad reigns supreme. Dubbed ‘Maroulosalata,’ this delectable green creation requires just six ingredients to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
The simplicity of this traditional recipe lies in its three main components: crisp lettuce, sweet onions, and fragrant fresh dill. The remaining trio of ingredients takes center stage as a light and herby vinaigrette, carefully crafted to bring out the best in each component.
Seeking a classic side dish that is not only simple but also bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients? Look no further than this delightful recipe! A true taste of Greece, it’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal or standalone delight for a hot summer evening.
Lemon Kale Salad with Garlic and Parmesan
A Greek-inspired twist on simple green salads is achieved by highlighting kale as the base ingredient. This recipe builds upon the previous one, but takes it a step further by incorporating pungent garlic and nutty parmesan cheese into the dressing. The result is a satisfyingly hearty and filling salad that’s sure to please. To get the most out of this dish, be liberal with your vinaigrette application, allowing the kale leaves to absorb the flavors and become soft and tender, infused with the unmistakable tang of Greek seasoning.
Edamame Hummus
Give classic hummus a modern twist by substituting chickpeas with edamame, blending Japanese flavors with traditional Greek cuisine. This innovative variation not only adds an exciting new dimension to the dish but also reduces its carbohydrate content, making it an excellent option for those looking to lower their carb intake. To elevate this meze, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the top and let the bold flavors meld together.
Smashed Cucumber Salad
What makes this smashed cucumber salad truly exceptional is its ability to elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The liberal use of fresh herbs and crunchy pistachios infuses the dish with a depth of flavor and satisfying texture that’s hard to resist. As a refreshing summer side, it’s perfectly suited for hot days when you need something cooling and revitalizing by your side. Whether paired with grilled meats or seafood, this salad’s unique charm makes it an excellent companion for any outdoor gathering. And the best part? It’s astonishingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal time and effort to bring together.
Greek Rice
In addition to its simplicity, this Greek lemon rice stands out for its bold Mediterranean flavors. The combination of kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a standout side that can elevate any meal. Not only is it a great accompaniment to your favorite main course, but it’s also an excellent base for meal prep recipes or even as a foundation for future meals. What’s more, scaling up this recipe is a breeze, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing for a special occasion.
Spiralized Greek Style Salad
There’s something undeniably appealing about the visual appeal of spiralized salads – their playful, whimsical vibe is infectious! Why not infuse that same energy into some timeless Greek flavors? This spiralized Greek salad makes for an unbeatable centerpiece at your next gathering. The vibrant array of vegetables adds a pop of color, while the pungent aroma wafting from the feta and herbs scattered throughout only adds to its appeal. It’s the perfect side dish to bring outside on a warm summer day with family – a true showstopper!
Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes
Indulge in the irresistible charm of this next recipe, which has earned its spot on the list for being utterly addictive. Not only does it tantalize your taste buds, but its simplicity is a major draw too! These vibrant lemon potatoes are so bursting with flavor that they practically leap off the plate. You can enjoy them as either a satisfying side dish or a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to prep and then bake when the mood strikes. Simply chop and season the potatoes, letting them rest until you’re ready to unleash their golden-brown goodness.
Greek Lemon Potato Salad
Looking for a refreshing twist on classic potato salad? This cooling Greek lemon potato salad is the perfect solution for scorching summer days. The best part? It’s not only delicious but also healthier than traditional recipes, minus the guilt-inducing mayonnaise. Instead, this dish is packed with bold Greek flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
Greek Chickpea Salad with Tzatziki Dressing
This Greek chickpea salad gets a boost from the addition of protein, but the real star of the show is the tzatziki dressing – a refreshing blend of creamy and fragrant herbs that will leave you craving more. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time, freeing up your kitchen for other tasks. Simply make the salad the night before your big gathering to save yourself some stress and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Zucchini Fritters
Savoring the sweet essence of summer, zucchini fritters – or ‘kolokithokeftedes’ in Greece – are an unbeatable treat. With an abundance of fresh zucchinis on hand, these crispy delights truly come alive. Their light and airy texture, coupled with a subtle yet satisfying zucchini flavor, makes them irresistible. This recipe’s versatility knows no bounds; serve the fritters as a side dish, appetizer, or even a casual snack, all with equal ease. As a self-proclaimed zucchini enthusiast, I wholeheartedly endorse these fritters – their simplicity and charm make them an absolute delight.
Loaded Greek Fries
The allure of loaded fries is undeniable – a comforting culinary classic with a Greek twist that has won me over. What’s more, using an air fryer to prepare this dish means significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying methods, making it possible to indulge guilt-free. With these easy-to-make fries and their flavorful toppings, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your guests on game day.
Greek Lentil Salad
Indulge in this captivating Greek lentil salad, where every morsel presents a new surprise. The harmonious blend of delectable components creates an unpredictable yet thrilling experience with each bite. As the flavors meld together, you’ll be treated to a delightful journey that will leave you wanting more. This refreshing summer classic combines the richness of protein-packed lentils with the authentic taste of Greece, making it a staple for repeated enjoyment.
Greek Orzo Salad
Orzo pasta, a Greek staple with numerous applications, forms the foundation for this fresh and flavorful salad. By combining the orzo with an assortment of Greek ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s not only addictive but also perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings. The best part? This salad can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick and satisfying meal or as a side dish to accompany your favorite fish.
Greek Potato Casserole
Greek cuisine relies heavily on oregano as one of its core ingredients. In this dish, it plays a starring role! When you serve a Greek potato casserole at your next social gathering, be prepared for rave reviews from your guests who will devour it in no time. Unlike many traditional potato side dishes that can feel overwhelming due to their richness or filling nature, this Greek-inspired casserole strikes the perfect balance between lightness and indulgence, making it a fantastic addition to any Greek-themed feast.
Crispy Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
In addition to the light and flavorful Greek potatoes mentioned earlier, another recipe worth mentioning is for air fryer potatoes that are remarkably easy to prepare. Requiring minimal hands-on time, this dish allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal while still achieving perfectly crispy results every time thanks to the efficiency of an air fryer.
Greek Pasta Salad
Kickstart your summer BBQ season with a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads. This Greek-inspired recipe bursts with vibrant vegetables and zesty citrus, transporting the essence of the Mediterranean to your gathering. With its simplicity and flavor profile, this salad is sure to impress your guests. Simply combine the ingredients in minutes, then refrigerate until ready to serve and let it be the star of your outdoor soiree.
Greek Spinach Rice
Spanakorizo, or Greek spinach rice, is a culinary delight that effortlessly transitions from a side dish to a satisfying vegetarian main course. The vibrant green hue of the cooked rice grains adds an instant pop of color to any table setting, drawing you in with its promise of a flavorful experience.
But it’s not just the visual appeal that makes Spanakorizo shine – every spoonful is infused with the rich, earthy essence of spinach, tempered by the brightness of citrus and the salty tang of feta. The result is a dish that evokes the warm, sun-kissed atmosphere of a vineyard on a bright summer day, transporting you to a place where the stresses of everyday life melt away.
Lagana Bread
Kick-start your dinner party with a delicious and satisfying Lagana bread that’s sure to impress your guests. This Italian-inspired flatbread, similar to focaccia, boasts a crunchy texture on top. To ensure the proofing process goes smoothly, start early – this recipe requires a couple of hours to rise. Despite its simplicity, the end result is well worth the wait. With minimal hands-on time needed, even beginners can master this bread recipe. As an added bonus, it pairs perfectly as a side dish for pasta.
Crispy Roasted Greek Potatoes
Roasted potatoes have a special place in my heart as a side dish. They offer a depth of flavor that’s hard to match without overpowering the main event. When it comes to combining classic Mediterranean flavors with roasted potatoes, I’m thrilled. This Greek-inspired recipe is a masterclass in balancing citrusy zing from lemon, pungency from garlic, brininess from olives, and creaminess from feta. Together, these elements create a harmonious marriage of taste and texture that’s quintessentially Greek.
Spanakopita
Imagine the essence of a traditional Greek evening distilled into a single dish – that’s what you get with a warm, flaky, and utterly delicious spanakopita. This spinach-filled pastry is often served in small, bite-sized pieces, perfect for sharing with friends or family as an appetizer. What’s more, this recipe makes a big pie that can easily feed a crowd of guests, making it the ideal choice for hosting gatherings or events.
Cucumber Red Onion Feta Cheese Salad
Enhance your table setting with a delightfully easy-to-make side salad that exudes the essence of Greece. This recipe boasts a symphony of bold, vibrant flavors that transport you to the sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – just seven ingredients come together to create a fragrant and nutritious delight that’s as healthy as it is delicious.What I adore about this salad is how effortless it is to prepare. With minimal fuss, you can craft a salad that bursts with the authentic taste of Greece, accompanied by an abundance of wholesome vegetables. Whether served alongside lasagna or enjoyed on its own, this refreshing side dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Crunchy Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
Indulge in a flavorful medley with this vibrant Greek salad, where each mouthful is a sensory delight. The harmonious blend of heirloom tomatoes, crumbly feta, and an array of textures will keep you coming back for more. This quick-to-prepare masterpiece can be whipped up in no time, allowing you to focus on the rest of your culinary creations.
Slow Cooker Greek Baked Beans
As the cornerstone of any busy home cook’s arsenal, slow cookers offer a convenient way to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. Take, for instance, these scrumptious Greek baked beans, which can be prepared ahead of time and served as a satisfying side dish without breaking the bank. Simply load your ingredients into the cooker and let it work its magic, returning to find perfectly cooked beans smothered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce.
Tzatziki Sauce
Mastering the art of making tzatziki sauce is crucial when cooking authentic Greek cuisine. This revitalizing condiment can be prepared in under ten minutes, and its simplicity allows it to remain fresh in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. With only seven essential ingredients, this classic dip is easily recreated. Enjoy it as a accompaniment to your favorite Greek dishes or use it as a vegetable dip for a delightful appetizer.
Greek Pasta Salad
The pièce de résistance of our culinary journey is a refreshing Greek pasta salad, perfect for potlucks and barbecues. This medley of flavors will surely impress your friends and family. As with any recipe, feel free to adapt this one to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. With its versatility and zest, it’s no wonder this dish is a crowd-pleaser. So, which Greek delight has caught your eye? Do you have a go-to Greek dish that’s always a hit at gatherings? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! If you’re looking for more international inspiration, why not try these mouthwatering Italian side dishes?
