Low-Calorie Greek Food: Best Dishes to Try

Greek cuisine is famous for using fresh ingredients and healthy staples. But many people don’t realize that it also offers delicious low-calorie dishes to eat lighter without sacrificing taste. Here are some of the best low-calorie Greek foods to add to your menu.

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Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)

Calories: ~200 per serving

This simple, rustic salad is a staple of Greek cuisine and a nutritional powerhouse. Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and a slice of feta cheese, it’s drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. No lettuce required.

It’s a summery dish low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and very Mediterranean!

Tzatziki

Calories: ~50 per 2 tablespoons

This creamy, garlicky yogurt dip made with cucumber and dill is not only refreshing but also low in calories, especially if you choose to make it with 0,2% or even 0% fat Greek yogurt.

Tzatziki is typically served as a dip or spread, and goes well with grilled meats or raw vegetables. Since its main ingredient is Greek yogurt, tzatziki is high in protein and good for your gut, too.

Grilled Souvlaki (Chicken, Lamb, or Pork)

Calories: ~150 per skewer (chicken)

Souvlaki is one of the healthiest grilled meat options out there. These marinated meat skewers grilled to perfection are typically served with pita, salad, or tzatziki.

Choose chicken for a lower-calorie count and skip the pita for a low-carb twist.

Fasolada (White Bean Soup)

Calories: ~180 per cup

This humble bean soup is a Greek comfort food that’s surprisingly light and a winter staple. Made with white beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, olive oil, and herbs, it’s a hearty vegetarian option, high in fiber and full of flavor, without piling on the calories.

Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Calories: ~35 per piece

Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and – in some recipes – they can even have lean meat. They’re often served cold with a squeeze of lemon and some Greek yogurt.

A few of these make a satisfying appetizer or snack, and their small portion size helps with calorie control.

Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

Calories: ~250 per serving

This dish features giant butter beans (lima beans) baked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs. It’s a fiber-rich, protein-packed vegetarian dish, filling but not heavy.

Just keep an eye on portion sizes and olive oil content if you’re watching calories closely.

Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip)

Calories: ~70 per 2 tablespoons

Think of it as Greek baba ghanoush—smoky roasted eggplant blended with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s typically eaten with bread or raw vegetables and is a great way to enjoy eggplant without frying it.

Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)

Calories: ~150 per serving

Briam is a colorful medley of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and garlic baked in olive oil and herbs.

It’s a Greek-style ratatouille, low in calories, high in fiber, and makes a fantastic vegetarian main or side dish.

Lahanosalata (Cabbage Salad)

Calories: ~100 per serving

This tangy cabbage slaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, lemon juice, olive oil, and sometimes a touch of vinegar. It’s a staple winter salad. It’s also incredibly refreshing and low in calories, making it a perfect side to balance out heavier dishes.

Avgolemono Soup (Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup)

Calories: ~200 per cup

This traditional Greek soup combines chicken broth, lemon juice, egg, and a bit of rice to create a creamy, zesty dish that feels indulgent but isn’t. Avgolemono is comforting in days of cold weather.

This Greek staple is protein-rich and perfect for a light meal.

Revithia (Greek Chickpea Stew)

Calories: ~220 per cup

Made with chickpeas, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, Revithia is a simple stew eaten all over Greece. It’s considered satisfying and nourishing, as well as a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. And it’s low in fat if you go easy on the olive oil!

Horta Vrasta (Boiled Greens)

Calories: ~50–80 per serving

This traditional side dish is just boiled leafy greens (like dandelion, chicory, or spinach) dressed with lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s nutrient-dense, detox-friendly, and surprisingly tasty for something so simple.

It’s a staple of Cretan cuisine, where we serve it often together with grilled or boiled meat.

Bonus Snack: Greek Yogurt with Oats & Honey

Calories: ~180–220 per serving (with a small amount of honey)

While technically a dessert or snack, Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey and a tablespoon of oats can be a protein-packed treat.

Oats are known as a helpful ingredient when following a low-calorie diet, which is useful to keep you full without adding on calories. Keep portions moderate and go light on the honey for a light, sweet finish.

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