7 Greek Vegetarian Dishes You Will Enjoy Adding to Your Everyday Diet!

Greek cuisine uses fresh ingredients and incorporates healthy Mediterranean principles. Besides, it offers different vegetarian dishes with diverse regional influences. In this article, we’ll explore seven must-try Greek vegetarian dishes made with local herbs and fresh vegetables.

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Vegetarian Dishes from Greece You’ll Love!

1. Moussaka (Vegetarian Version)

Moussaka is one of the most iconic dishes in Greek cuisine. Traditionally made with lamb or beef, this vegetarian version swaps meat for layers of eggplant and béchamel sauce.

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry.

• In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.

• Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes.

• For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Once thickened, stir in ricotta and Parmesan.

• In a baking dish, layer the eggplant, then the tomato sauce, and repeat. Top with the béchamel sauce and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

2. Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

Spanakopita is a classic Greek pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. It’s wrapped in layers of phyllo dough and is a perfect appetizer or snack.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.

• Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.

• Stir in the feta, dill, eggs, salt, and pepper.

• Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough in a greased baking dish, brushing each sheet with olive oil.

• Spread the spinach mixture over the dough, then cover with more phyllo sheets.

• Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, brush the top with olive oil, and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and crisp.

3. Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

Gigantes Plaki is a hearty main or side dish made with giant beans slow-cooked in a tomato sauce.

Steps:

• Soak the beans overnight, then drain and rinse.

• Boil the beans in salted water for about 45 minutes, until tender.

• In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.

• Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Add the cooked beans to the tomato sauce and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes, uncovered.

4. Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)

Briam is an oven-baked dish that combines seasonal vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes. It’s healthy, light, and authentically Mediterranean.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large baking dish, layer the vegetables in a single layer.

• Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

5. Horta Vrasta (Boiled Greens)

Horta Vrasta is a simple yet beloved Greek dish made with seasonal greens that is often served as a side dish, accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

Steps:

• Boil a large pot of water and add the greens.

• Cook for about 20 minutes until the greens are tender. If you’re boiling Cretan stamnagathi or chicory, then boil for 20 minutes, drain, add fresh water, and boil for another 20 minutes to eliminate extra bitterness.

• Drain the greens and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Serve hot or at room temperature.

6. Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup)

Fasolada is often called the national dish of Greece. This healthy and satisfying soup is made with tomatoes, beans, and olive oil.

Steps:

• Soak the beans overnight, then drain and rinse.

• In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil.

• Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cover with water.

• Simmer for 1.5 hours, until the beans are tender and the soup is rich.

7. Tomato and Cucumber Salad (Xoriatiki)

Greek salad or Greek village salad is a light dish made with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. It’s a great starter or accompaniment to any meal.
>> Check out this delicious Greek salad dressing recipe to combine with this salad!

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and onion in a bowl.

• Drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve chilled.

Greek vegetarian cuisine includes plenty of dishes full of flavor. They are made with seasonal, fresh ingredients and use simple preparation methods.

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7 Greek Vegetarian Dishes