While the Greeks are renowned for their love of meat and seafood, it’s a lesser-known fact that they also possess an impressive array of delectable vegetarian recipes.
In fact, this article showcases no less than 28 mouth-watering vegetarian dishes that are a staple in Greek cuisine and enjoyed throughout the year.
Dolmades
The essence of dolmades lies in the combination of fragrant rice wrapped in vine leaves, accompanied by a tangy sauce. The classic pairing is with lemon sauce, but some may prefer to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or enjoy it with tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt for a creamier twist. Whether served warm, cold, or at room temperature, these delectable bites are sure to delight, their flavors and textures melding together in perfect harmony.
Fasolakia Ladera (Green Beans)
In Greece, olive oil is an integral part of the cuisine. It’s no surprise that dishes falling under the ‘ladera’ category – meaning rich in olive oil – are a staple. Two classic examples of such dishes are Briam and fasolakia, which share a common thread: their reliance on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Fasolakia, specifically, is a beloved vegetarian dish that typically consists of green beans cooked to perfection with tomato sauce, carrot slices, fragrant herbs like oregano, and of course, an ample amount of olive oil. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes fasolakia a satisfying meal when served hot or warm, often accompanied by crumbly feta cheese and crusty bread on the side.
Turlu
Despite the debate over its Greek or Turkish origins, Turlu’s history and ingredients blur the lines between the two cultures. This dish, like many others in the ‘ladera’ category, is characterized by a rich tapestry of vegetables including leek, carrots, eggplants, zucchinis, red peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. The vegetable medley is simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, infused with herbs and spices, before being served hot alongside bread, oregano, and crumbly feta cheese.
Bouyiourdi
Bougiourdi, a delicious vegetarian Greek side dish, can easily be transformed into a satisfying light lunch or dinner by pairing it with pitta bread or crusty bread slices. The recipe involves baking a mixture of ingredients, including feta cheese or a blend featuring feta, juicy tomatoes, pungent garlic, earthy oregano, and a kick from chili pepper slices or flakes, all tied together with olive oil.
Once the dish emerges from the oven, it’s best to serve it piping hot, so be cautious not to touch it with your bare hands due to its scorching temperature.
Beetroot Salad
In a delightful twist on traditional salads, a Greek beetroot salad brings together the sweet, earthy flavor of beetroots with the crunch of chopped walnuts. The addition of two distinct dressings – a tangy vinaigrette and a creamy concoction featuring Greek yogurt, garlic, and mint – elevates this dish to new heights. When all these ingredients are harmoniously combined, they create a refreshing, healthy, and surprisingly filling salad that will leave you wanting more.
Horta Vrasta
While many salad recipes require a plethora of ingredients to achieve their signature flavors, the Horta Vrasta recipe stands out as a rare exception. This Greek dish, literally translated to ‘boiled grass’, is actually made with a mere three components: boiled and softened leafy greens, similar to endives, which are then elevated by the addition of vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In contrast to more mundane lettuce leaves, these humble greens undergo a transformative process that results in a surprisingly delightful flavor profile.
Fava
Transforming humble yellow split peas into a culinary masterpiece is as easy as combining them with a few carefully chosen ingredients. When mashed and pureed, these legumes take on a new dimension when mixed with the brightness of lemon juice, the richness of olive oil, the pungency of chopped onions, and the depth of garlic.
This traditional fava dish can be savored as a side or an appetizer, or enjoyed for lunch or dinner paired with crumbly feta cheese, leafy greens, and perhaps even a simple egg sandwich for added texture and flavor.
Mpamies
Okra may not be a typical ingredient in many cuisines, but the Greeks have discovered its unique charm and incorporated it into their vegetarian repertoire. Specifically, they use okra to create another delicious dish within the ‘ladera’ category, which is often compared to fasolakia for its cooking method. While opinions on okra’s texture are sure to be divided, trying this dish can help you form your own opinion – and who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!
Flaounes
Flaounes, a traditional Cypriot pastry, are a delightful treat that combines the richness of cheese and raisins with the distinct flavors of mahlab and mastic. The unique aspect of these doughy pockets lies in the fact that both the dough and filling incorporate these spices, which harmoniously blend together to create a truly distinctive taste experience.
The chewiness imparted by the mastic in the dough provides a satisfying texture, while the fresh mint added to the filling leaves a revitalizing aftertaste that will leave you craving for more.
Spanakopita
Greek pies are often overlooked, but for those who’ve had the pleasure of trying them, there’s no need to elaborate further. For those who haven’t, it’s hard to put into words just how delightful they can be. Spanakopita is a quintessential Greek pie that showcases the perfect balance of crispy phyllo layers and creamy spinach and feta filling.
To create this masterpiece, homemade phyllo is carefully stacked in layers before being topped with the savory filling, only to be encased once more in additional layers of flaky goodness.
Tiropita
Tiropita, a classic Greek dish, is crafted by layering phyllo dough around a rich blend of cheeses. The cheese mix, comprised of Graviera, Gouda, anthotiro, and feta, creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. A crucial component in this recipe is the addition of heavy cream, which not only enhances the overall taste but also serves to bind the various cheeses together.
For those looking to reduce the calorie count, it’s possible to adjust the amount of heavy cream or omit it altogether, still resulting in a satisfying and savory pie.
Prasopita
In the realm of pies, we’ve had the pleasure of featuring cheese and spinach as main attractions. Now, it’s time to give the spotlight to the prasopita, a Greek leek pie that showcases the harmonious union of leeks and feta cheese. This delightful vegetarian treat is elevated by homemade phyllo dough and an abundance of fresh herbs, making it an excellent option for any meal or snack throughout the day.
Tzatziki
While tzatziki is often overshadowed by its Greek culinary counterparts, this refreshing dip deserves some serious recognition. Not only is it surprisingly easy to prepare, but it’s also an incredibly versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of dishes. In fact, you might find yourself wondering how you ever managed without it!
The combination of tangy yogurt, cool cucumber, and savory garlic creates a flavor profile that complements everything from grilled meats to crispy pita bread.
Patates Yahni
Patates Yahni, a quintessential Greek vegetarian potato stew, boasts an unparalleled ease of preparation. The humble spud’s remarkable ability to fill and satisfy makes this dish a staple in many households. A rich, red tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs elevates this comforting stew to new heights, beckoning you from afar with its mouthwatering aroma.
In fact, the tantalizing scent wafting from this hot, fresh-from-the-kitchen offering is so potent that it’s likely to entice even the most discerning palates.
Tahinopita
Indulge in the rich flavors of Greece with a delightful vegetarian treat – tahinopita. This sweet pie is characterized by a soft and chewy dough filled with a harmonious blend of sugar, tahini sauce, and cinnamon. The star of the show is undoubtedly the creamy tahini sauce, which sets this dessert apart from traditional sweet treats. If you’re not a fan of the distinct taste or texture of tahini, you may want to explore other options.
Nonetheless, for those who appreciate its unique charm, tahinopita offers a fascinating twist on the classic Greek cinnamon roll, substituting butter with the nutty and aromatic properties of tahini.
Halva
In Greece, halva is a beloved dessert that transcends seasonal boundaries. While it’s true that many Greeks reserve their enthusiasm for this sweet treat during the fasting period leading up to Easter, it’s not uncommon for families to indulge in halva throughout the year. One of its most distinctive features is its unique texture, which may initially strike some as unusual due to its resemblance to soil. However, once you take a bite, the rich flavors will quickly win you over.
Fasolada (White Bean Soup)
In Greek cuisine, Fasolada is a beloved soup that has been passed down through generations. This hearty, vegetarian dish is made with white beans, carrots, onions, and tomato paste, making it a staple in many Greek households. Typically served hot or warm, it’s often accompanied by crumbly feta cheese and crusty bread for a satisfying meal. To make this comforting soup even more accessible, it’s essential to soak the white beans overnight or for at least 8-12 hours beforehand.
This will significantly reduce cooking time, which usually clocks in at around 1 ½ hours. By preparing the soup earlier in the day, you can enjoy a warm and nourishing lunch after work.
Gigantes
Gigantes, often referred to as ‘giant’ white beans, live up to their name with their impressive size. In comparison to other popular white bean varieties like cannellini, Gigantes are noticeably larger. This unique characteristic is reflected in their cooking method, where they’re typically baked in a rich tomato sauce infused with oregano and other aromatic spices. The result is a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with wholesome flavor.
To round out the meal, feta cheese and crusty bread are natural accompaniments.
Spanakorizo
In the heart of this Greek vegetarian dish lies Spanakorizo, a spinach-rice combination that’s simplicity itself. The process begins by sautéing onions and garlic before adding rice to cook, only to be topped with a generous helping of raw spinach. With the heat off and a quick stir, the spinach wilts into the rice in mere minutes – we’re talking 2-3 minutes tops. This culinary delight is elevated by its rich olive oil base, transporting your senses to the sun-kissed hills of Greece.
Fakes (Lentil Soup)
In Greece, fakes is a close second to fasolada in terms of popularity and frequency of preparation. This hearty soup is a staple in many Greek households, thanks to its simplicity and ease of preparation. The ingredients list is short and sweet: onion, lentils, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. With these basic components, you can have a delicious pot of fakes on the table in just 30 minutes.
Serve it up with some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness, and don’t forget to have a crusty loaf of bread on hand to mop up any remaining broth or scrape the sides of your bowl clean.
Gemista
Yemista, also known as stuffed peppers and tomatoes, is a versatile dish that can be prepared with meat or without. The vegetarian version, often referred to as the ‘original’ recipe, has gained popularity among those who prefer a meat-free option. This variation, affectionately dubbed ‘orphana,’ typically consists of tomato sauce and rice inside the peppers.
While personal preferences may vary when it comes to adding specific herbs, spices, or vegetables to the sauce, here’s a basic recipe to serve as a starting point:
Papoutsakia
The traditional Greek dish, Papoutsakia, typically consists of minced pork or beef. However, the name ‘little shoes’ is aptly given to these eggplant boats filled with meat, as they are topped with a golden-brown layer of melted cheese and tomato slices. Interestingly, Greeks have adapted this recipe to create vegetarian versions that cater to both vegetarians and those who fast before Easter Sunday due to religious beliefs.
These plant-based Papoutsakia boast a medley of ingredients including mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, olives, onions, peppers, all topped with a blend of feta and mozzarella cheese. This vegetarian twist on the classic dish offers a satisfying alternative for those looking to indulge in a flavorful and hearty meal.
Greek Salad
Greek salad has long been synonymous with Greece’s culinary identity, a dish widely recognized as quintessential to the country. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to several key factors: its reliance on fresh ingredients, ease of preparation, unparalleled flavor, and the fact that it’s also a vegetarian option.
The combination of chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, olives, and generous helpings of feta cheese creates a salad that is at once aromatic and refreshing, with the scent of oregano, olive oil, and the great outdoors wafting through every bite.
Dakos
In the culinary traditions of Crete, Dakos is a beloved vegetarian salad that offers a delightful alternative to the classic Greek salad. Characterized by its simplicity and flavorful combination of ingredients, this dish is perfect for those seeking a lighter, yet satisfying meal option.
The foundation of Dakos is built upon traditional Cretan biscotti or rusks, known as paksimadia, which are generously topped with a rich medley of mashed tomatoes, olive oil, and crumbly feta cheese.
This harmonious blend of textures and tastes comes together to create a truly enjoyable culinary experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Kolokithokeftedes
As we delve into the world of Greek cuisine, let’s start by exploring the delightful zucchini fritters. These crispy treats are a masterclass in texture and flavor, thanks to their combination of grated zucchini, sautéed onion, fresh mint, eggs, crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper. When deep-fried in sunflower oil and served with either tzatziki or a refreshing yogurt sauce, they’re the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
And don’t be afraid to get creative – adding some extra accompaniments on the side is entirely up to you!
Revithokeftedes
Among the best vegetarian alternatives to traditional Greek fritters, chickpea-based revithokeftedes stand out for their unique flavor profile. Unlike falafels, these flat, crispy treats are infused with a blend of herbs – thyme, oregano, and parsley – along with olive oil, giving them a distinct taste. With minimal effort required to prepare and fry in olive or sunflower oil, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians looking to create a Greek-inspired dinner at home.
Briam
A traditional Briam dish is characterized by its medley of roasted vegetables, carefully cut and subsequently baked in a baking pan or tray. The initial step involves covering the mixture with aluminum foil to ensure even cooking, before removing it to allow the top layer to develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. While variations may include additional ingredients, the classic Briam recipe typically comprises tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, onions, and garlic.
The Bottom Line
Discover the rich flavors of Greece without leaving your comfort zone! While these 28 mouthwatering vegetarian recipes were designed with vegetarians in mind, they’re sure to tantalize your taste buds regardless of your dietary preferences. Who knows? You might just find yourself searching for flights to Greece and craving more authentic local cuisine!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.