17 traditional Greek Easter recipes to share
Greek Orthodox Easter is a time for celebration and to gather with family and friends.The occasion is marked by the sharing of traditional Greek food. To help you host the perfect Greek Easter feast, we've gathered our top traditional Greek Easter recipes so you and your family can enjoy the very best of Greek cooking.
These dishes will delight your tastebuds, impress your guests and satisfy everyone's tastes. Savoury options include roast lamb and moussaka. Sweet treats include tsoureki, a sweet, braided bread, and custardy galaktoboureko. Bring the flavours of Greece to your table and create lasting memories this Greek Easter season.
01
Koulourakia
Koulourakia are buttery traditional Greek Easter cookies, shaped into twists or braids and flavoured with citrus and vanilla. Try your hand at Greek Easter baking and serve these with coffee or tea. Once made, pop them in an airtight container, in order to keep them fresh for weeks.
02
Easy Greek Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a Greek casserole consisting of layers of pasta, meat sauce and béchamel. Serve it with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal to feed a crowd.
03
Tsoureki
This sweet Greek Easter bread is often braided and adorned with red eggs. Soft, fluffy and flavoured with citrus and spices, Tsoureki is an essential part of any Greek Easter feast for its traditional symbolism. Follow our tips for dyeing eggs and braiding dough to help you create a beautiful presentation.
How to dye eggs
- In a large saucepan, add water and red food colouring.
- The water should be deep enough to cover the eggs completely.
- Carefully lower the eggs into the coloured water using a spoon.
- Bring the water to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Lastly, use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs and then place them on a paper towel to dry.
How to braid dough
- Divide the dough into three equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Pinch the ends of the ropes together at one end.
- Cross the right rope over the middle rope.
- Then, cross the left rope over the new middle rope.
- Braid the ropes. Repeat this process until the entire length of the ropes is braided.
- Lastly, pinch the ends of the ropes together at the other end to secure the braid.
04
Fasolada
Fasolada is a classic Greek bean soup that combines white beans, vegetables and a savoury tomato sauce for a hearty dish. Serve with crusty bread as well as a drizzle of olive oil for added texture and richness.
05
Yemista
Yemista is a mouthwatering dish with stuffed vegetables like capsicum and tomatoes filled with a blend of rice, herbs and spices. You can also try variations like this Greek stuffed tomatoes for a delicious twist.
06
Avgolemono
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek soup that combines chicken, rice or orzo, and a zesty lemon-egg sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or placed in the freezer, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. For a delectable twist, try our chicken soup with cauliflower rice recipe, adding lemon juice for an extra burst of tanginess.
07
Greek chicken meatballs
Bursting with flavour from herbs, spices and feta cheese, these meatballs are best served with a creamy tzatziki sauce. Check out our video tutorial with Roula for expert tips on making authentic Greek meatballs.
08
Lamb with Greek salad and pita
A Greek Easter celebration isn't complete without a succulent lamb dish. Serve this tender lamb recipe with a vibrant Greek salad, yoghurt and warm pita bread for a delightful feast. For an enticing Greek lamb Easter dinner, try our fall-apart lamb leg roast infused with tangy lemon and aromatic garlic.
09
Greek almond shortbread
Add a touch of sweetness to any Greek Easter celebrations with Greek almond shortbread.Also known as Greek kourabiedes, these crumbly cookies are made with almonds, butter and powdered sugar.
10
Healthier souvlaki
Looking for Greek Easter lunch ideas? Indulge in a healthier twist on classic Greek souvlaki with our easy-to-make recipe. You can also try this recipe with plant-based chicken. For guests who fancy something meatier, you can try these quick Greek-style beef wraps, too. Enjoy with fluffy homemade pita bread recipe for a complete meal.
11
Greek-style baked risoni
A Greek-style baked risoni dish made with tender chicken, risoni pasta, tomato sauce, as well as feta cheese. This is a comforting meal, perfect for a Greek Easter feast.
12
Taramasalata
Taramasalata is a creamy Greek dip made from fish roe, bread and lemon juice, and is ideal for an Easter side dish. Serve it with homemade pita chips to truly bring home the flavours of Greece.
13
Baked feta with honey and thyme
This simple yet flavoursome vegetarian Greek Easter recipe combines salty feta cheese with sweet honey and aromatic thyme. Bake until golden and serve with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful start to your meal.
14
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a Greek dessert featuring layers of crispy filo pastry filled with creamy custard and drizzled with sweet syrup. Serve it as the perfect ending to your Easter feast.
15
Moussaka
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish with layers of tender eggplant, rich meat sauce and creamy bechamel. Its savoury and comforting flavours make it ideal for serving during Greek Easter celebrations as a main course or side dish.
16
Tzatziki
This cool, creamy yoghurt dip is made with fresh cucumber, garlic and dill. It's a refreshing Greek Easter side dish that's ideal for balancing the richness of grilled meats, as well as other hearty dishes. You can serve it with warm pita bread and also use it as a condiment for main meals. Looking for a vegan or dairy-free option? Try our plant-based version.
17
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a delectable Greek pastry with flaky filo layers and a tangy spinach and feta cheese filling. Try making it in a coil shape for a visually stunning and indulgent treat. It’s ideal for sharing during your Greek Easter feast.