What are some popular Greek lunch dishes that can be made at home?
Mouth-Watering Greek Recipes for an Authentic Lunch Experience
If you’re looking for a delicious lunch that will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean, try these mouth-watering Greek recipes. From fresh salads to hearty souvlaki, these dishes are packed with bold flavors and ingredients that are sure to please.
Greek Salad
This classic salad is a favorite throughout Greece and the world. Made with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, it’s tossed with a delicious dressing of olive oil, lemon, and dried oregano.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chicken Souvlaki
/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__2020__04__20200429-souvlaki-chicken-skewers-15-6102x4567-5539a8e892874a859e847fffd92d0a18.jpg)
Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with cubes of meat that are marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled on skewers. Chicken is a great choice for souvlaki, as it’s lean and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 skewers
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each cube.
- Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Spanakopita
This savory pastry is a staple of Greek cuisine and is perfect for a lunch appetizer or side dish. Layers of spinach and feta cheese are nestled between flaky sheets of phyllo dough, then baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for a few minutes, until any excess water has evaporated.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Spoon the spinach mixture over the phyllo dough, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the spinach mixture, again brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Bake the spanakopita for 30-35 minutes, until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.
These Greek recipes are perfect for anyone looking to try something new and satisfying for lunch. With their bold flavors and fresh ingredients, they’re sure to transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Enjoy!