Beginner Friendly Greek Recipes

These Beginner Friendly Greek Recipes are perfect for you if you want to cook something simple, fresh, and full of familiar ingredients. Greek cooking is all about comfort and simplicity—think hearty one-pan meals, crisp salads, and easy bakes that come together without stress. These recipes use everyday staples and are perfect for anyone just starting out or looking for fuss-free ideas that still feel homemade. With a few basic techniques and a short list of ingredients, you’ll be able to bring a little piece of the Mediterranean to your kitchen without fuss.

Smyrna Meatballs

baked meatballs with vegetables in tomato sauce — Ayla Clulee

Smyrna Meatballs is a Mediterranean dish consisting of lightly fried meatballs and vegetables baked in tomato sauce. It is a fantastic dish to enjoy year-round, but it tastes even better in the summer when juicy, ripe tomatoes and sweet, spicy peppers are in season.

To learn more: Izmir Kofte (Smyrna Meatballs)

Dolmades

yaprak dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves) — Ayla Clulee

Dolmades is a vegetarian dish made from Grape Leaves Stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices. It's a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings in many cuisines throughout the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

To learn more: Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Grape Leaves

Imam Bayildi

Imam Bayildi is one of the most iconic dishes in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This traditional dish features aubergines stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, all simmered in generous amounts of olive oil.

To learn more: Imam Bayildi

Green Lentil Soup

Mediterranean lentil soup served in a bowl — Ayla Clulee

Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a healthy, yet incredibly flavorsome dish consisting of green lentils, onions, carrots, and celery cooked in a tomato-based broth.

It is flavored with bay leaves and cumin and then brightened with a generous amount of lemon juice.

To learn more: Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Baklava Rolls

Sari Burma Baklava Rolls, known as Saragli in Greek cuisine and Burma Baklava in Turkish cuisine, are a delicious twist on the classic layered baklava. They’re made with flaky phyllo dough, a filling of finely chopped nuts, and soaked in a fragrant syrup.

To learn more: Sari Burma Baklava Rolls - Saragli

Skordalia

Skordalia is a classic Greek Potato Dip consisting of garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a bold garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. This garlic and potato dip comes together easily with just a few ingredients and can be served warm or at room temperature.

To learn more: Skordalia - Greek Potato Dip

Avgolemono

Avgolemono Soup is a rich, cozy, and comforting Greek Chicken Lemon Soup made with chicken, rice, fresh lemon juice, and eggs. This classic Greek soup combines simple ingredients to create a creamy, silky texture without using any cream.

To learn more: Greek Chicken Lemon Soup - Avgolemono

Papoutsakia

Aubergine Papoutsakia (or Patlıcan Pabucaki) is a delightful vegetarian stuffed aubergine dish from Greek and Turkish cuisine. While it traditionally includes ground meat stuffing similar to Greek Moussaka (Musaka), I prefer this vegetarian version as a lighter option, especially during the summer.

To learn more: Papoutsakia - Vegetarian Stuffed Eggplant

Pastitsio

Greek Pastitsio Recipe, (or Greek Lasagna - Greek Macaroni), is a favorite comfort food of mine, especially when I need to feed a crowd.

It's a baked pasta dish with layers of pasta, rich meat ragu and velvety béchamel sauce. This traditional Greek dish freezes beautifully and is ideal for making ahead.

To learn more: Greek Pastitsio Recipe

Briam - Greek Roasted Vegetables

colourful greek roasted vegetables served on a plate — Ayla Clulee

Briam is a hearty Greek casserole dish featuring roasted vegetables cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and seasoned with simple Mediterranean flavors.

To learn more: Briam - Greek Roasted Vegetables

Greek Fava

Greek Fava is a smooth, creamy, and delicious yellow split pea dip that has been a favorite in Greece for many years. Despite its name, it’s not made from fava beans but from split yellow peas, which give the dish its signature velvety texture and flavor.

To learn more: Greek Fava Recipe - Split Pea Dip

Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes

green roasted potatoes served on a plate — Ayla Clulee

Authentic Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes recipe is a staple in Greek cuisine, known for its tangy lemon flavor and crispy golden edges with soft and creamy inside. It's effortless to make, uses basic ingredients, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of Mediterranean dishes such as Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs.

To learn more: Authentic Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Greek Salad

greek cucumber salad with lettuce — Ayla Clulee

Delicious, colorful, and refreshing Greek Cucumber Salad is a perfect side dish whether it's for your summer BBQ parties or family meals.

It is consisting of healthy ingredients such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta cheese. This simple Greek Salad is ready in 15 minutes and packed with Mediterranean flavors you will love.

To learn more: Greek Cucumber Salad