Taste of Greece

Updated April 04, 2008

Greek food is a go-to for its bright flavors and healthy cooking techniques. You'll love being able to make these traditional favorites at home.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Greek Salad

Credit: Rachel Weill

Greek Salad Recipe

In Greece, a version of this refreshing salad accompanies virtually every meal. Unlike most American salads, this calls for no lettuce, just chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Egg, Lemon, and Rice Soup (Avgolemono Soupa)

Credit: Rachel Weill

Egg, Lemon, and Rice Soup (Avgolemono Soupa) Recipe

If you hesitate ordering this soup at restaurants for fear of butchering the pronunciation, just break it down: Greek for egg is "avgo" and lemon is "lemono." Avgolemono's real secret, however, is that the creamy soup is a snap to make at home–it uses only 5 ingredients, all of which are pantry staples.

3 of 11

Meat, Bulgur, and Rice Dolmades

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Meat, Bulgur, and Rice Dolmades Recipe

A moist, beefy filling perfumed with the subtle aroma of fennel makes these leaf-wrapped appetizers a welcome addition to any mezze table. And making the sauce couldn't be easier: after simmering the little packages in broth, simply thicken the remaining liquid with a bit of cornstarch.

Advertisement

4 of 11

Greens-and-Cheese Pie (Hortopita)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Greens-and-Cheese Pie (Hortopita) Recipe

Most of us know and love spanakopita, the popular spinach-and-feta pie. But one bite of hortopita, its sassier cousin, and you're sure to be a convert. Made with a tasty mix of greens and herbs ("horto" simply means "greens" in Greek), it's a deliciously rustic twist on a classic.

5 of 11

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Credit: Karry Hosford

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

One of the most appealing aspects of Greek cuisine is the simplicity of its ingredients. For instance, kitchen staples like lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and oregano give ordinary chicken skewers a kick of flavor. Served with tzatziki, a cooling sauce made from yogurt and shredded cucumber, this makes for a quick Greek feast.

6 of 11

Grilled Flank Steak Gyros

Credit: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Claire Spollen

Grilled Flank Steak Gyros Recipe

Don't feel like a sandwich? Serve the steak topped with the cucumber sauce and the vegetables as a side salad. Cut the flatbread into triangles, and toast until crisp.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Aegean Lamb with Orzo

Credit: HOWARD L. PUCKETT

Aegean Lamb with Orzo Recipe

Traditionally prepared in an earthenware pot called a "youvetsi," this dish of slow-cooked lamb is a warming supper that couldn't be simpler. Start the lamb in a slow cooker, then leave it to simmer all day. When ready to eat, just combine feta and cooked orzo, a small grain-shaped pasta, with the juicy, fork-tender lamb.

8 of 11

Greek-style Lemon Potatoes

Credit: Annabelle Breakey

Greek-style Lemon Potatoes Recipe

Potatoes baked with lemon and olive oil are an irresistible side dish. In this recipe, go ahead and gild the lily with the addition of feta: it adds a delightful richness and tang.

9 of 11

Baklava with Wildflower Honey

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Baklava with Wildflower Honey Recipe

Many baklava recipes call for just one or two nuts in the filling, but the combination of pistachios, walnuts, and almonds sends this dessert over the top. And although it looks impossibly fancy, working with phyllo is a breeze when using this clever technique: instead of brushing each layer with melted butter, simply coat them with cooking spray.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Greek-Style Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts

Credit: William Meppem

Greek-Style Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts Recipe

You'll be stunned at what an impact four ingredients can make. Splurge on a lush Greek-style yogurt for this blessedly simple dessert and savor the contrast between the tart yogurt and caramel-like sweetness of honey.

11 of 11

More Greek Favorites

There are many other Greek classics to enjoy, from creamy moussaka to homemade pita bread.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next