7 Greek-Inspired Recipes with Spinach (That Are Not Spanakopita)
Spinach is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, celebrated for its ability to shine in traditional and modern dishes. While spanakopita is the most famous spinach-based recipe, there’s a whole world of Greek-inspired creations to explore that are just as delicious.
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Spinach Beyond Spanakopita
Greek cuisine has long embraced the nutritious and vibrant qualities of spinach. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor, spinach features prominently in everything from classic stews to refreshing dips.
The Greek culinary tradition combines spinach with cheeses, legumes, and aromatic herbs to create wholesome dishes.
These recipes highlight spinach in soups, salads, casseroles, and more. They go beyond the familiar spanakopita and include side dishes, main courses, and appetizers.
1. Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour the vegetable broth, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
2. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and add salt and pepper.
- Stuff them with spinach, feta, and garlic.
- Secure with toothpicks, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with oregano.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Greek Spinach Soup with Lemon
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the stock and bring to a boil.
- Stir in orzo and cook until tender.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in lemon juice and garnish with dill.
4. Spinach and Chickpea Stew (Revithia me Spanaki)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add chickpeas and cumin, stirring to coat.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Finish with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Baked Greek Spinach Dip
Ingredients:
- Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving with pita bread or vegetables.
- Mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth in a bowl
- Stir in garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the chopped spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with chips, crackers, or bread.
>> Looking for recipes with Greek yogurt? Check these!
6. Spinach and Feta Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Preparation:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until bubbly.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and toss with olive oil, spinach, and feta.
- Transfer to a baking dish, and top with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Spinach and Lentil Salad with Greek Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, lentils, tomatoes, and feta.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and oregano together and drizzle over the salad.
- Toss to coat and serve fresh.
Tips for Cooking with Spinach
- Choose Fresh Spinach: Opt for bright green, tender leaves. Baby spinach works best for salads, while mature spinach is better for cooking.
- Cook Lightly: Spinach wilts quickly, so avoid overcooking to preserve its nutrients and vibrant color.
- Pair with Greek Staples: Spinach pairs beautifully with feta, olive oil, and lemon juice, enhancing its natural flavor.
Spinach is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that shines in a variety of Greek-inspired dishes beyond spanakopita. You can use spinach to cook comforting stews and casseroles, but also salads and dips!
Try these recipes to add a healthy, Mediterranean touch to your table, and enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Greece in every bite. Καλή Όρεξη! (Enjoy your meal!)
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7 Greek-Inspired Recipes with Spinach
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
