For light, healthy, distinctive meals, you can’t go wrong with Greek food — a cuisine so good-for-you that it helped inspire a well-known diet, appropriately named the Mediterranean diet. Chockablock with heart-healthy ingredients that include olive oil, fish, beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Greek cuisine is made up of the items you’d crave if you were living on the Mediterranean, surrounded by blue ocean and endless sunshine.
But of course, you don’t have to fly to the Mediterranean to enjoy Greek food. You can make it at home anytime and feel good about your efforts. Here are some of our favorite Greek recipes to get you started. Opa!
GREEK CRISPY TURKEY PITA
Lean protein is a staple in Greek cuisine and this turkey pita fits the bill. Take a raw turkey breast and slice it thin, then pound it even thinner before dredging it in flour, egg, panko and seasoning. Pan-fry it so it’s hot and crispy, then tuck it into a pita along with crisp lettuce, tomatoes and yogurt sauce, and savour the flavours of the Mediterranean.
GREEK ROASTED CHICKEN AND TOMATOES
This simple, healthy sheet-pan dinner combines chicken, tomatoes, olives and, importantly, a symphony of Greek spices. After baking, top it off with feta cheese and complete the meal with Gluten-Free Greek Quick Bread for maximum deliciousness.
MEDITERRANEAN TOMATO TART
Like a tender, Greek pizza this rustic tart is loaded with sliced tomatoes, slivered black olives and plenty of Swiss cheese. Made on frozen, pre-rolled puff pastry, it takes only 15 minutes to prepare—and it tastes like it’s loaded with love.
GREEK SANDWICH WRAPS
Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch or a light dinner, these Greek Sandwich Wraps check all the boxes. Small flour tortillas serve as a blank canvas for chicken breast strips, thin slices of cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and savoury Greek seasoning. Feeling creative? Swap out the chicken for roasted turkey or ham, add some roasted red pepper strips or tap into your inner Greek muse for more inspiration.
GREEK CHICKEN BURGERS WITH LEMON PEPPER YOGURT SAUCE
The Mediterranean diet generally includes little to no red meat. When you sink your teeth into one of these Greek Chicken Burgers—which are loaded with flavourful feta cheese, onion, garlic and oregano and topped with crisp cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes and a refreshing homemade yogurt sauce—you won’t miss the beef.
GREEK VEGETABLE PIZZA
Sure, the Italians invented pizza. But the flavors of Greece are undeniably delicious on a pie! This recipe for a white pizza uses a prepared pizza crust and loads it up with veggies, cheese and Greek seasoning. It manages to be both light and satisfying at the same time.
MEDITERRANEAN OLIVE SPREAD
Photo credit: Sydney Kramer from Crepes of Wrath
Whether you’re throwing a party or planning a dinner made up entirely of dips, this Mediterranean Olive Spread deserves top billing. With a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, chopped Kalamata olives and an array of seasonings, it goes great with toasted pita bread or pita chips. Just be prepared to share the recipe, because guests will no doubt ask!
SPICY GRILLED SALMON WITH TZATZIKI
This simple, spicy salmon dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a heart-healthy family meal that’s doable even on busy school nights. Just brush salmon steaks with a mix of soy sauce, coriander, chili, garlic, cayenne and salt and toss them on the grill. Mix together an easy, refreshing tzatziki, and dinner is served.
SHAKSHUKA WITH HEARTY GREENS
Shakshuka means “mixed,” and this hearty vegetarian recipe is exactly that: a melange of vegetables, tomatoes, chickpeas, spices, greens, feta and poached eggs. Whether you follow this recipe to a tee, or use it as a general guide, keep in mind that shakshuka can be tailored to your tastes. Feel free to play around and experiment, adding in vegetables and spices to your heart’s content. The good news is that it all comes together in one pan, making clean-up simple even even when the meal tastes complex.
GREEK BUTTER BEANS
Filled with fibre and nutrients, this vegetarian dish combines lima beans, carrots, onion, celery, tomatoes and Greek seasoning for an adaptable side you can serve cold or hot. Loaded with flavour, it's great for picnics and potlucks, or just reheat it for your next solo dinner.
SAVOURY GREEK EASTER BREAD WITH FETA AND OLIVES
Savoury bread lovers will be in heaven with this take on Easter bread, which is punctuated with tangy olives, rich feta cheese and citrusy lemon zest. Topped with colourful soft-boiled eggs, it’ll be the talk of the table at Easter dinner.
