Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and emphasis on vegetables. As a Mediterranean diet, traditional Greek sides dishes make ample use of vegetables, legumes, and olive oil. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular side dishes in Greek cuisine.
Tzatziki
No Greek meal is complete without tzatziki, a creamy dip or sauce made from strained yogurt, cucumbers, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs like dill or mint. Tzatziki is served as a dip with pita bread or as a sauce or side dish to drizzle on gyros, kebabs, fish, and more. The cooling cucumber and garlic flavors pair perfectly with grilled meats and dishes.
Greek Salad
The famous Greek salad (horiatiki salata) is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and oregano. It’s a fresh, flavorful salad that complements almost any Greek entree. While feta cheese is the most popular, you can also find Greek salads made with local cheeses like kefalotyri or manouri.
Baked Vegetables
Vegetables baked in olive oil and herbs are typical side dishes in Greece. Some common baked veggies include eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, beets, peppers, and more. They are seasoned with olive oil, garlic, onion, tomato, and herbs like oregano, parsley or dill. Baked vegetables are sometimes topped with feta or breadcrumbs too.
Pilafi
Pilafi is a Greek rice dish flavored with onion and vegetable broth. It can be made plain or often includes carrots, peas, tomatoes or other vegetables. Pilafi makes an excellent accompaniment to souvlaki, kebabs, roasted chicken, and other Greek main dishes.
Fasolakia
Fasolakia refers to green beans cooked in a tomato sauce. Along with green beans, the sauce usually contains onion, carrots, tomato, and herbs. Sometimes potatoes are also added. Fasolakia is a traditional Greek bean dish that pairs nicely with lamb or roasted meats.
Fava
Fava is a dip or puree made from yellow split peas. It’s a staple meze appetizer and side dish in Greece. Fava is seasoned with lemon juice and topped with olive oil and onions. It’s high in fiber and protein. Fava can be served as a dip with pita wedges or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or seafood.
Gigantes
Gigantes are large white beans baked in a tomato sauce. Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomato, and herbs like oregano and parsley flavor the sauce. Gigantes is typically served warm as a side dish. The creamy beans pair well with Greek-style chicken, lamb, or fish.
Horta
Horta refers to boiled wild greens that are popular as a side dish throughout Greece. Some of the most common types are dandelion greens, chicory, endive, spinach, and chard. Horta is boiled or steamed and then drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. It makes a vitamin-packed and flavorful accompaniment to heartier Greek dishes.
Dolmades
Dolmades are stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and sometimes ground meat or vegetables. The stuffed leaves are simmered in a lemon-infused broth. Dolmades make an appetizing side dish or light entree served with Greek yogurt.
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes seasoned with olive oil, oregano, garlic and lemon are a fixture in Greek cooking. They are the perfect complement to grilled and roasted meats. Other common Greek potato dishes include patates fournou, oven-baked fries, and patates tiganites, pan-fried potatoes.
Conclusion
Side dishes play a major role in Greek cuisine, making ample use of fresh vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and herbs. Standards like Greek salad, tzatziki, pilafi, baked vegetables, and dolmades are flavorsome accompaniments to rich Greek entrees. Trying some traditional Greek side dishes is an excellent way to appreciate the fresh flavors and ingredients integral to Greek cooking.