The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing special moments, and indulging in delicious meals. When it comes to festive feasts, Greek cuisine offers a wealth of traditional side dishes and appetizers that are perfect for holiday celebrations. Known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting textures, Greek food brings a unique charm to any holiday table.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Greek side dishes and appetizers to serve during your holiday feast. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a cozy dinner party, these dishes will add a touch of Mediterranean magic to your holiday menu.
No Greek appetizer spread is complete without tzatziki, the cool and creamy yogurt dip flavored with cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill. It’s refreshing, light, and pairs beautifully with almost everything on your holiday table.
Tzatziki is often served as a dip alongside warm pita bread or fresh vegetable sticks, but it can also be used as a sauce for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Its tangy flavor provides a wonderful contrast to rich and hearty holiday dishes.
Pro Tip: Make tzatziki a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled with a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.
Spanakopita is a beloved Greek side dish made with layers of buttery phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and fresh herbs. The flaky, golden crust and savory filling make it a perfect addition to your holiday feast.
Spanakopita can be prepared in large trays or made into individual triangles, making it versatile for holiday gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, spanakopita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Culinary Tip: Spanakopita freezes well, so you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it fresh on the day of your event.
Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, are a popular Greek appetizer that’s perfect for holiday feasts. These tender grape leaves are filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, then simmered in a lemony broth.
Dolmades are bite-sized and packed with flavor, making them an ideal finger food for holiday parties. The combination of the soft grape leaves and the tangy, herb-filled stuffing makes each bite a delight. Serve dolmades warm or at room temperature, drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
Fun Fact: Dolmades are often enjoyed as part of a mezze platter, accompanied by other small Greek appetizers like olives, feta, and roasted vegetables.
For a lighter side dish, a horiatiki or traditional Greek salad is a refreshing option to balance out richer holiday dishes. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and chunks of feta cheese, this salad is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Horiatiki is simple to make but adds vibrant color and fresh flavors to your table. It’s also a great way to incorporate vegetables into your holiday meal, offering a refreshing contrast to the heavier main courses.
Serving Suggestion: Dress the salad with extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for the perfect finish.
Keftedes are savory Greek meatballs made with a mixture of ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like mint and parsley. They’re often served as an appetizer or side dish, accompanied by a tangy yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Keftedes are small, flavorful, and easy to eat, making them a great appetizer for holiday gatherings. They can be baked or fried, and their savory, spiced flavor is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Pro Tip: Make a large batch of keftedes and keep them warm in the oven, so they’re ready to serve as guests arrive.
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. A platter of feta cheese and Kalamata olives is a classic Greek appetizer that requires no cooking but offers big flavor. The creamy, salty feta pairs perfectly with the briny olives, making it an irresistible combination.
This mezze plate is easy to assemble and can be customized with other additions like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichokes. It’s the perfect way to welcome guests to the table and whet their appetite for the main course.
Serving Tip: Drizzle the feta cheese with a little olive oil and sprinkle it with dried oregano for added flavor.
Like spanakopita, tiropita is a savory Greek pie made with phyllo dough, but instead of spinach, it’s filled with a rich, cheesy mixture. Typically made with feta and ricotta cheese, tiropita is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s perfect for the holidays.
Tiropita can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, and its rich, cheesy filling is a hit with everyone. The crispy phyllo dough adds texture, while the cheesy filling melts in your mouth, making it a comforting addition to your holiday spread.
Culinary Tip: Tiropita can also be made in small individual portions, making it easy to serve at large gatherings.
For those who love garlic, skordalia is a must-have on the holiday table. This traditional Greek dip is made from pureed potatoes or bread mixed with plenty of garlic, olive oil, and sometimes a touch of vinegar. It’s thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Skordalia is often served as a dip for bread or vegetables, but it can also be used as a sauce for fried fish or grilled meats. Its bold garlic flavor makes it a standout dish that complements a variety of holiday appetizers.
Pro Tip: For a smoother texture, use a food processor to blend the ingredients until creamy.
Gigantes plaki is a hearty Greek dish made from giant beans (gigantes) baked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs. This rustic dish is a comforting side that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Gigantes plaki is warm, filling, and full of flavor, making it a great side dish for holiday feasts. The tender beans soak up the flavors of the tomato and herbs, creating a dish that pairs well with roasted meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian option.
Culinary Tip: Make gigantes plaki a day ahead of time—the flavors only get better after they sit overnight.
Greek side dishes and appetizers are a wonderful way to add Mediterranean flavors to your holiday celebrations. From the creamy richness of tzatziki to the crispy layers of spanakopita and tiropita, these dishes offer something for every palate. Whether you’re hosting a traditional Greek feast or simply want to incorporate a few Greek touches into your holiday meal, these appetizers and sides will bring warmth, flavor, and tradition to your table.
So this holiday season, celebrate with the bold, fresh flavors of Greece and enjoy a festive feast that’s full of love, flavor, and a sense of togetherness.
