7 Best Greek Vegetables Side Dishes

Best Greek Vegetables Side Dishes for a Healthy Meal

Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. If you’re looking to add a Mediterranean touch to your meals, incorporating Greek vegetable side dishes is the perfect way to do it. Not only are these dishes delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or cooking for a gathering, these Greek sides will complement any meal. Let’s dive into some of the best Greek vegetable side dishes that are both flavorful and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love Greek Vegetables Side Dishes

Greek vegetable side dishes are more than just tasty accompaniments—they’re also a great way to bring healthy options to the table. Filled with fresh veggies, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, these dishes are naturally heart-healthy and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them with grilled chicken, seafood, or as part of a vegetarian meal, they bring a light yet satisfying touch to any plate.

1. Roasted Vegetables with Feta (Briam)

One of the most classic Greek side dishes, Briam is a colorful medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, topped with tangy feta cheese. It’s an easy dish to prepare and makes a delicious accompaniment to any main course.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic, oregano, and thyme
• Crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Coat the vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
3. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Briam is a great option if you’re looking for a vibrant and flavorful Greek vegetable side dish. It’s also an excellent side for grilled meats or fish.

2. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

No list of Greek vegetable sides would be complete without a Greek Salad. This refreshing dish, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta, is a staple in Greek cuisine and a wonderful side dish for almost any meal.

Key Ingredients:

• Ripe tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Oregano

Tip: Always use high-quality olive oil—it makes a big difference!

Perfect Pairings: Greek salad is a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It also works well as a stand-alone dish for a light lunch.

3. Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

Spanakopita, or spinach pie, is another beloved Greek side dish. Made with flaky phyllo dough and filled with spinach, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, this savory pie can be served as a side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach
• Feta cheese
• Phyllo dough
• Dill and parsley

Instructions:

1. Sauté the spinach with olive oil, then mix it with crumbled feta and herbs.
2. Layer the phyllo dough in a baking dish, alternating with the spinach filling.
3. Bake until golden brown and flaky.

Tip: Spanakopita can also be made ahead and frozen, making it an easy option for busy nights. Pair it with grilled meats or include it in a vegetarian spread.

4. Tzatziki (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip)

Tzatziki is a creamy and refreshing dip made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs. While often served as a dip for pita bread, it can also be used as a side for grilled vegetables, chicken, or lamb.

Ingredients:

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Fresh dill or mint

Instructions:

1. Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
2. Refrigerate before serving to let the flavors blend.

Pair Tzatziki with roasted vegetables or grilled meats for a delicious, creamy contrast.

5. Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Greek-style roasted lemon potatoes are a tangy, flavorful side dish perfect for pairing with chicken or lamb. These potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then roasted to perfection.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the potato wedges with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
3. Roast for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

6. Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans in Tomato Sauce)

Fasolakia is a hearty Greek vegetable dish made from green beans, tomatoes, and onions, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a perfect way to enjoy green beans with a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients:

• Green beans
• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the onions and garlic in olive oil until they soften and become fragrant.
2. Add the green beans and tomatoes, and simmer until the beans are tender.

7. Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

Gigantes Plaki is a popular Greek side dish made with large beans baked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is high in fiber and protein, making it both filling and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• Giant beans (lima beans)
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the beans until tender, then mix them with the tomato sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Bake the mixture until the sauce thickens and the beans are golden brown.

Serving Tip: This dish is delicious when paired with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Final Thoughts

Greek vegetable side dishes are a fantastic way to enjoy healthy, delicious food that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a larger gathering, these Greek sides will bring Mediterranean flavors to your table. Try them with grilled chicken, seafood, or as part of a vegetarian spread for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Make sure to keep these recipes in mind next time you’re planning your meals. Greek vegetable side dishes are not only tasty but also full of nutrients, helping you create a well-balanced meal that everyone will enjoy!