Introduction

In Greece, meze (pronounced meh-ZEH) are small dishes, similar to Spanish tapas, that are often served as an appetizer or snack before a main meal. They usually consist of a variety of hot and cold dishes, both savory and sweet, that can be enjoyed with drinks or as part of a larger feast.

Here are three simple, delicious meze recipes that you can easily make at home. They are perfect for entertaining guests, or simply enjoying as a tasty and healthy snack.

Recipe 1: Greek Salad Skewers

• Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, cut into rounds
• 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Skewers

• Instructions:

• 1. Thread the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese onto skewers.
• 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• 3. Drizzle the skewers with the dressing and serve.

Recipe 2: Tzatziki Dip

• Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Instructions:

• 1. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer and press out as much liquid as possible.
• 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
• 3. Stir in the dill and cucumber.
• 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Recipe 3: Grilled Halloumi Cheese

• Ingredients:

• 8 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into 8 slices
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Instructions:

• 1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• 2. Brush both sides of the halloumi slices with olive oil.
• 3. Sprinkle the oregano, salt, and pepper on both sides of the cheese.
• 4. Place the cheese slices on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the cheese is slightly softened.
• 5. Serve hot.