18 Greek Appetizers Brimming with Aromatic Herbs and Zesty Feta

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If you’re organizing a gathering or just want to enjoy some flavorful small bites, Greek appetizers might be the perfect choice. Known as mezedes in Greece, these delectable dishes feature a wide range of bold flavors in manageable portions. From rich dips like tzatziki and taramosalata to crispy phyllo pastries and delectable feta cheese preparations, these appetizers are a feast for the senses. The challenge lies in saving enough space for the main course!

Cucumber-Dill Tzatziki

Julia Hartbeck

This refreshing dip, made with yogurt and cucumber, is an easy addition to any table. It can be served with warm, toasted pita bread or a colorful array of fresh vegetables. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving enhances its creamy texture and flavors.

Spanakopita Pie

Food & Wine

Spanakopita is a beloved Greek dish that can be prepared in several ways, whether in triangular shapes, rolled, or layered. This delightful pastry features a crispy exterior filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, and herbs, all encased in convenient phyllo dough.

Saganaki Halloumi (Cypriot Fried Halloumi)

Saganaki refers to the method of frying cheese, and it is a much-loved starter in Greek cuisine. In this twist, halloumi cheese is fried in clarified butter, drizzled with spiced honey, and served alongside lemon yogurt, brandy-infused nectarines, and fresh tomatoes for a satisfying sweet and savory kick.

Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lamb, Rice, and Herbs)

Morgan Hunt Glaze / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Josh Hoggle

Stuffed grape leaves are a staple throughout the Mediterranean, known as dolmades in Greece. These dolmas wrap a flavorful combination of ground lamb, rice, and herbs in tender grape leaves, creating a dish that’s deeply savory and aromatic.

Marinated Feta with Lemony Herb “Jam” Balls

Greg DuPree

This innovative appetizer transforms fresh herbs into vibrant jam-like balls featuring preserved lemon and currants. By steaming basil, mint, and cilantro, the herbs maintain their color and taste while infusing cubed feta with their essence when submerged in olive oil.

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Matt Taylor-Gross

This quick and simple dip combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with salty feta cheese to create a smoky and tangy spread that comes together in five minutes.

Roasted Baby Artichokes with Parsley and Mint

Eva Kolenko

Known as aginares in Greece, baby artichoke hearts are immersed in lemon water before being sautéed and roasted until crispy. Seasoned with garlic, crushed red pepper, and dry white wine, they are garnished with fresh parsley and mint, adding a refreshing touch to the final dish.

Avgolemono Chicken Soup with Rice

Diana Chistruga

Silky and comforting, avgolemono is a traditional Greek soup made with a blend of lemon juice, egg yolks, shredded chicken, and rice. This dish is a warm, filling choice year-round.

Greek Salad of Sorts

© John Kernick

A delightful mix of textures and flavors, this Greek salad features crispy pita chips, crumbly feta, spicy peperoncini, fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and kalamata olives, all working together to create a vibrant dish that pleases a crowd.

Tirokroketes (Greek Fried Goat Cheese Balls) with Honey

© Tina Rupp

These delectable bites are a sweet-savory treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or dessert. The batter for the goat cheese is lightened with club soda, and a double layer of panko crumbs creates a satisfying crunch on the outside.

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Phyllo Triangles

© Reed Davis

Thin layers of phyllo dough enclose a luscious filling of sautéed mushrooms mixed with goat cheese, garlic, and shallots. Baked until golden and crispy, these triangles make for a rich and flavorful appetizer.

Taramosalata

© Guy Ambrosino

This dip, made from tarama (fish roe), boasts a creamy, briny flavor that ranks among classic Greek meze dips, joining the likes of hummus and melitzanosalata as a staple at many gatherings.

Chicken Souvlaki

© Evi Abeler

Souvlaki, which translates to “small skewer,” is a beloved street food in Greece. Though enjoyed as a handheld snack, it can also be plated with pita and vegetables, or served simply with tzatziki as a flavorful appetizer.

Shrimp Saganaki

© Yunhee Kim

Saganaki refers to both the dish and the pan used to prepare it. In this variation, shrimp are sautéed with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, served directly from the skillet for a delightful and comforting meal.

Greek Hand Pies with Greens, Dill, Mint, and Feta

© Lucy Schaeffer

Inspired by a traditional turnover from a tavern in Monemvasía, chef Jacques Pépin’s recipe produces irresistibly flaky hand pies, thanks to the incorporation of olive oil into the dough.

Herbed Zucchini Feta Fritters

© Michael Turek

Fluffy and flavorful, these fritters showcase zucchini combined with fresh dill, parsley, and mint, while the addition of feta adds a delightful tang. They are best enjoyed hot with a chilled yogurt-cucumber dip on the side.

Grilled Manouri Cheese with Caramelized Plums

© Martin Morrell

Chef Michael Psilakis creatively prepares manouri cheese, a fresh variant of feta, by grilling it and pairing it with caramelized honey-glazed plums for a sophisticated and memorable starter.

Thrace-Style Spicy Mussels

© Kathrin Koschitzki

In a unique preparation, these mussels are first steamed with butter, cinnamon, and white wine, then seasoned with lemon juice and served in a herbed chile-tomato sauce, enriched with feta cheese, creating a dish that bursts with flavor.

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