Greek Easter, also known as Pascha, is a significant holiday celebrated with vibrant traditions and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. A Greek Easter feast is a communal experience, filled with family, friends, and flavors that have been passed down for generations. If you’re looking to create an authentic Greek Easter menu, this comprehensive collection of recipes will guide you through every dish you need for a festive and memorable celebration.
From classic bread and appetizers to hearty main courses and indulgent desserts, these 23 traditional Greek Easter recipes will bring the flavors of Greece right to your table.
Greek Easter Bread (Tsoureki)
One of the most iconic foods of Greek Easter, tsoureki is a beautifully braided bread, slightly sweet and reminiscent of brioche. Enriched with butter, eggs, and a hint of mahleb and mastic, it has a distinct flavor and soft texture. Traditionally, it’s adorned with red-dyed eggs, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection. Serve it fresh or toasted with a smear of butter.
Greek Easter Cookies (Koulourakia)
These lightly sweet, twisted butter cookies are a staple in Greek homes during Easter. They have a hint of orange zest and a crunchy exterior thanks to an egg wash. They pair perfectly with Greek coffee, making them a wonderful treat to start the day or enjoy as an afternoon snack.
Greek Spinach and Feta Pie (Spanakopita)
Spanakopita is a well-loved Greek dish consisting of flaky phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. The crisp exterior combined with the creamy, tangy filling makes this a perfect appetizer or side dish for Easter.
Greek-Style Roasted Lamb
Lamb is the centerpiece of many Greek Easter tables. Traditionally slow-roasted with garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil, it’s cooked until the outside is perfectly charred while the inside remains tender and juicy. For maximum flavor, marinate the lamb overnight, allowing the rich Greek spices to infuse into the meat.
Chicken Souvlaki
For a lighter yet flavorful protein option, chicken souvlaki is a fantastic choice. Marinated in garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection, these skewers are served with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
Greek Easter Soup (Magiritsa)
This traditional soup is typically eaten after the midnight Easter service to break the 40-day fast. Made with lamb offal, rice, onions, dill, and a velvety egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono), it’s comforting, hearty, and full of rich flavors.
Cypriot Easter Cheese Pastries (Flaounes)
Flaounes are a delicious Cypriot Easter treat—flaky pastries filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs, and aromatic spices such as mahleb and mastic. These pastries are slightly sweet, slightly savory, and utterly delightful.
Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
A cross between custard and cheesecake, melopita is a luscious Greek dessert made with ricotta cheese, honey, cinnamon, and lemon zest. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that perfectly complements an Easter feast.
Slow-Cooked Beef with Risoni (Greek Giouvetsi)
Giouvetsi is a beloved Greek comfort food made with beef braised in a rich tomato sauce and served with orzo pasta. Topped with grated cheese, this dish is warm, hearty, and satisfying—a perfect addition to an Easter spread.
Greek Easter Lazarus Bread (Lazarakia)
Lazarakia is a small, spiced bread shaped like a figure to commemorate the resurrection of Lazarus. Traditionally, it’s made without eggs or dairy, making it a great vegan-friendly option.
Greek Couscous Salad
Bright, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, this couscous salad is a wonderful side dish. Loaded with olives, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, feta, and pepperoncini, it pairs well with lamb, chicken, or seafood.
Greek Easter Eggs
Unlike Western pastel-colored eggs, Greek Easter eggs are dyed deep red using onion skins and red vinegar, symbolizing the blood of Christ. This natural dyeing method results in a vibrant, rich color that is both traditional and stunning.
Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
Keftedes are savory meatballs made with a mixture of beef and pork, flavored with garlic, oregano, and mint. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and are best enjoyed with tzatziki and pita bread.
Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo (Ntomatosoupa Me Kritharaki)
This comforting soup is made with fresh tomatoes, orzo pasta, and a touch of yogurt for creaminess. It’s a great light dish to enjoy before or after the main Easter meal.
Tzatziki Sauce
No Greek feast is complete without tzatziki—a cool, creamy yogurt dip made with cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. It’s an essential condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, vegetables, or simply a slice of pita bread.
Greek-Style Baked Feta
A block of feta cheese is baked with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and drizzled with olive oil. The result is a warm, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for spreading on bread.
Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Portokalopita)
This aromatic citrus cake is soaked in an orange-infused syrup, making it irresistibly moist and flavorful. The combination of phyllo dough, yogurt, and cinnamon makes it a standout Easter dessert.
Greek Pork Chops
Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection, these Greek pork chops are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. They’re finished with a drizzle of ladolemono, a traditional Greek lemon oil sauce.
Greek Potatoes (Lemon and Herb Roasted)
These crispy, golden baby potatoes are roasted with lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, making them the perfect side dish for lamb or any Easter entrée.
Baklava Cheesecake
A fusion of two iconic desserts, this baklava cheesecake features a rich, creamy filling encased in layers of crispy phyllo pastry, soaked in honey and spiced walnuts. It’s a showstopping dessert that blends the best of both worlds.
Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
This rustic Greek salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and green peppers, all tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar. A large slab of feta cheese sits on top, making this salad both fresh and flavorful.
Greek Custard Pie (Galaktoboureko)
A beloved Greek dessert, galaktoboureko consists of layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a creamy custard and soaked in a sweet lemon syrup. It’s a delightful treat that will leave everyone craving more.
Greek Easter is a time of togetherness, celebration, and, above all, delicious food. These traditional recipes honor the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Greece, ensuring that your Easter feast is as authentic and memorable as possible. Enjoy the festivities with your loved ones and savor every bite of these incredible dishes!
