30 Minute Meals

Easy Greek Recipes

A white oval plate with roasted chicken thighs seasoned with herbs, surrounded by lemon slices, potato wedges, and garnished with fresh mint leaves and dill. - 1

If you’re craving the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, then look no further. You don’t need to book a flight to Greece to enjoy authentic meals. You can recreate them right in your kitchen. Greek cuisine is so good because of the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, herbs, and creamy feta cheese. I have so many go-to Easy Greek Recipes on rotation in my house that I’ve grown up on and still love to this day. Whether it’s a quick and easy Greek salad or grilled chicken souvlaki, there is so much Greek cuisine has to over, so let’s talk about it.

A baking dish of Soutzoukakia filled with roasted meatballs, chunks of potatoes, and diced white cheese, all garnished with fresh herbs. A hand holds a spoon, poised to serve the dish. The ingredients are generously covered in a rich red sauce. - 2

History of Greek Cuisine

The history of Greek cuisine dates back thousands of years. The “Mediterranean triad” of olive oil, wheat, and wine formed the base of a Greek diet in ancient times and reflects Greece’s agricultural abundance, which rings true even today. Greeks in the early days prioritized simplicity and seasonal eating. They relied on fresh, in-season produce and seafood and consumed minimal meat.

Over centuries, Greek cuisine has absorbed influences from various empires and cultures. The Byzantine era, for example, introduced spices from the East, while the Ottoman rule introduced yogurt, stuffed veggies, and many dishes that are now staples in Greek cuisine.

In the modern era, Greek cuisine has kept its core identity but embraces contemporary trends. The influx of refugees from Asia in the 20th century has also further influenced the food. Today, Greek cuisine is rooted in history and celebrated for its vibrant, fresh ingredients and flavors.

Easy Greek Recipes - 3

Greek Appetizers

Easy Greek Recipes - 4 A hand holds a fork over a bowl of salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and crispy bread pieces. Nearby are a bowl of Feta Stuffed Olives (fried), a small bowl of herbs, and a jug of olive oil on a pink surface. - 5 Easy Greek Recipes - 6 A bowl of creamy hummus garnished with black olives and fresh herbs, drizzled with olive oil. The dish is set on a neutral-colored surface, with a small bowl of black olives in the background. - 7 Skordalia in a bowl with bread dipping into it - 8 A person holding a bowl made from pita bread filled with sliced grilled chicken, chickpeas, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, and feta cheese, garnished with fresh dill. - 9

Easy Greek Lunch Recipes

A person holding a bowl made from pita bread filled with sliced grilled chicken, chickpeas, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, and feta cheese, garnished with fresh dill. - 10 Easy Greek Recipes - 11 Easy Greek Recipes - 12 Easy Greek Recipes - 13 Greek lentil soup being scooped with a spoon - 14 A hand uses a knife and fork to carve juicy slices from a stack of roasted meat on a plate. The sliced meat appears tender and is surrounded by various small bowls in the background. - 15

Greek Dinner Recipes

A baking dish of Soutzoukakia filled with roasted meatballs, chunks of potatoes, and diced white cheese, all garnished with fresh herbs. A hand holds a spoon, poised to serve the dish. The ingredients are generously covered in a rich red sauce. - 16 Easy Greek Recipes - 17 Greek chicken souvlaki on skewers on a plate - 18 Easy Greek Recipes - 19 Greek meatballs on a tray - 20 Greek Salmon on a tray - 21

Greek-Inspired Seafood Dishes

Easy Greek Recipes - 22 Easy Greek Recipes - 23 Easy Greek Recipes - 24 Orzo on a white serving dish - 25 Baked cod on a dish - 26 Easy Greek Recipes - 27

Side Dishes

Greek Potatoes on a plate with a fork in them - 28 Easy Greek Recipes - 29 Easy Greek Recipes - 30 Hands scooping out greek cabbage salad with serving spoons - 31 Easy Greek Recipes - 32 Easy Greek Recipes - 33

Greek Desserts

A slice of Vasilopita with pomegranate seeds on top sits on a speckled plate. A hand is holding a one euro coin near the cake. A fork is on the plate with crumbs scattered around. Candles and a blurred background create a cozy atmosphere. - 34 Easy Greek Recipes - 35 Easy Greek Recipes - 36 Easy Greek Recipes - 37 Easy Greek Recipes - 38 Easy Greek Recipes - 39

Staple Greek Recipes

Greek yogurt in a jar - 40 Easy Greek Recipes - 41 Easy Greek Recipes - 42 Greek tzatziki sauce with walnut meatballs - 43 Greek Pita - 44 Easy Greek Recipes - 45

You’ll find some similar Greek ingredients across any Easy Greek Recipe and that’s fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and of course, olive oil, olives, and herbs like oregano. You’ll also often find lemon juice used in marinades and dressings.

Yes! Generally, Greek food is very good for you as there is a priority on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Greek diet is veggie-heavy and made with wholesome, healthy ingredients.

There is a ton of Greek food that is vegetarian friendly including Greek salads, spanakopita , moussaka , dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and so much more.

Look for feta cheese made with sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It should also be made in Greece and be store in a brine/liquid, vs. pre-crumbled. I also have tips on how to select the best ingredients for a Greek Salad with more information.

You’re in luck because I have a whole guide on olive oil and how to ensure you’re picking the best of the best for your cooking and Easy Greek Recipes.

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A person serves a fresh salad with tomatoes, greens, and shredded chicken from a large bowl, surrounded by ingredients, lemon slices, water, and smaller salad serving on a marble countertop. - 46

Viral Costco Chicken 🐔

Three large shawarma wraps filled with sliced meat, pickles, red cabbage, and vegetables are arranged on a white plate, garnished with parsley, on a patterned blue tablecloth. - 47

Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe 🍢 (Viral)

A clear glass mug is being filled with yellow juice. Another mug of juice, a plate with yellow cubes, lemons, and a beige cloth are on a light-colored surface in the background. - 48

Frozen Lemon Ginger Cubes 🍋

A plate of food with meat and sauce. - 49

Arayes (Middle Eastern Meat-Stuffed Pita)