Nothing speaks more Mediterranean than Greek cuisine. Greek appetizers give you the refreshing, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean without being too heavy.
These Greek appetizers offer a feast for your senses, from savory Saganaki to the delicious Tzatziki Bites.
Of course, we love all the Greek appetizers on this list but wait until you see #23 for the full taste of the Mediterranean experience.
We know you can’t wait, so here are 25 of the best Greek appetizers we’d love for you to make at home.
1. Greek Meze Platter
This is the Greek version of the charcuterie, if you may.
This platter has everything: Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, little dolma (stuffed grape leaves), various peppers, and bread.
If you want to get the full Greek experience with a single dish, then this one should be great for you.
You have all the significantly Greek things, from the Feta cheese to the dolma.
2. Spanakopita
Spanakopita or Greek spinach pie is also one of the top favorites for Greek appetizers.
You can add some more herbs to the filling to give it a more potent flavor.
3. Dakos (Cretan Maze)
Crete is one of the most historically famous places in Greece, and they have a lot of things to offer.
Dakos is known to the locals as the Cretan Maze, and it’s a dish made of soaked barley rusks.
It’s usually topped with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil.
You can add some oregano to give it more flavor.
This is an amazing appetizer for people looking for something filling but not too heavy for the next meal.
4. Olive Tapenade
Greece is also known for its olives, and neighboring Italy also shares the same love for this fruit.
So it’s no surprise to everyone that one of the most common Greek appetizers is an olive dish.
Olive Tapenade is a dish made of olives, olive oil, capers, and anchovies.
Typically, you can spread it on bread or crackers, as a bite-sized snack.
You can also put some feta cheese on the side.
5. Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)
Who doesn’t love cheese?
Cheese is already good, but frying it takes it to another level, which is what this dish is all about.
Saganaki is a Greek dish made of fried cheese.
Greeks serve it with lemon and pepper, giving it a tart and savory flavor.
You can use any type of cheese for this dish, but Kasseri, Graviera, or kefalograviera are the most common ones.
6. Tzatziki Bites
Tzatziki is an iconic Greek dip made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil.
It’s indeed refreshing and flavorful, making it an essential part of any Greek spread.
You can either use store-bought tzatziki for this dish or make your own.
Tzatziki is known for its distinct flavor, so it’s best to use high-quality yogurt for this dish.
Serving these tzatziki-filled bites will brighten up anyone’s day for sure.
7. Feta & Greek Yogurt Pita Appetizer
Feta and Greek yogurt are one of Greece’s greatest contributions to the culinary world.
This Greek appetizer will set the mood as soon as you lay it on the table.
This can be served as a light snack or a Greek appetizer.
Indulge in the classic flavors of Greece in this dish by using high-quality feta and Greek yogurt.
8. Greek Salad Skewers
Salads are light and good enough, but they’re usually not that exciting.
But with these Greek Salad Skewers, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
These skewers are cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives.
It is a great appetizer because it is both refreshing and easy to eat.
You can even sprinkle some vinaigrette with olive oil for that tang.
9. Greek Puff Pastry With Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are meant to be used for this dish because of their distinct flavor.
Inside the puff pastry, you can put ingredients such as kalamata olives and feta cheese.
It’s savory and salty, but it’s not too strong on the flavor profile.
Serving this dish warm will give you the best results.
10. Greek Bruschetta With Feta Cheese
This dish blends both Italian and Greek cultures, thanks to their shared history, culture, and love for food.
This has bruschetta, feta cheese, and olive oil.
One bite on this dish and you can immediately taste the freshness and rich flavor.
Add some chili for that spicy kick or a squeeze of lemon for that tangy twist.
If you need a Greek appetizer that is both refreshing and would bring lots of smiles to the table, then serve this one.
11. Grilled Calamari
Since Greece is an archipelago of over 6,000 islands, it’s no surprise that seafood is a big part of their cuisine.
And one of the most popular Greek appetizers is grilled calamari.
Grilled Calamari is just right for summer lunches when you’re tired of eating the usual meats for meals.
You can make it spicy or tangy, whatever you like.
12. Greek Tahini Dip
This dip is quintessentially Mediterranean—creamy, nutty, and decadent.
Also enjoyed in Cyprus, this dip is perfect to be paired with basically anything.
Pair with some flatbread or pita, or use it as a veggie dip.
You can make your own tahini paste or buy it from the store.
Add some water, lemon juice, and garlic to create that suitable consistency.
13. Greek Layer Dip
When Greeks enjoy food, they really enjoy it to the fullest.
This dish has all the flavors of the Greek palate—sour, tangy, sweet, spiced, nutty, everything!
It has cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, sweet peppers, and zucchini strips.
You can plate this dish up with some pita triangles, and you’re in for a wild ride of flavors bursting in your mouth.
14. Greek Stuffed Cucumber Bites
If you’re tired of enjoying your salad normally, you must try this pleasant twist.
Serve cucumber bites filled with kalamata olives, Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and many spices and herbs for the ultimate Greek appetizer experience.
15. Bakaliaros (Battered-Fried Salted Cod)
This is another enjoyable treat from the shores of the Mediterranean.
Salted cod is coated in beer batter, then fried to perfection.
You can serve it with a hefty helping of skordalia, and a Greek garlic dip.
16. Greek-Styled Deviled Eggs
Give your deviled eggs a refreshing twist.
Instead of the usual ingredients for the deviled eggs, this recipe has oregano, olive oil, red vinegar, and chunks of olives for that authentic Hellenic taste.
17. Greek Filo Parcels With Tzatziki
If you want to serve spinach pie but in bite-sized portions, you should try making this recipe.
It has the same goodness as the spanakopita but is easy to eat because they’re so small!
Dip it with tzatziki for the complete experience.
18. Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
Salad is an essential part of every Greek cuisine, making for a nice Greek appetizer for most people.
Salty feta cheese, tangy and sour cherry tomatoes, decadent olives, gorgeous greens, and a hearty dose of olive oil in the dressing—what’s not to love?
Choose this appetizer when you want something light but filling.
19. Taramasalata
This authentic Greek recipe calls for a day of preparation for the complete experience.
Cod is prepared a day in advance and then made into a puree.
This dish is versatile as it can be a dip or a spread for appetizers.
Pair it with some pita bread or vegetables, and you’re good to go.
20. Keftedakia (Greek Meatballs)
Kids would love this next Greek appetizer as it reminds them of burger patties.
Juicy and savory, these meatballs can be served as an appetizer or a main dish.
Serve with some tzatziki on the side for dipping, and you’re in for a treat.
21. Mussels Saganaki With Mustard
This is undeniably one of the best Greek appetizers for family meals.
Mussels are cooked in a tomato sauce and then topped with Feta cheese.
You can also add some olives for an extra zing.
Lay it out with some crusty bread on the side for an awesome meal, or eat it as-is for the appetizer.
22. Tiropitas
Cheese and egg-stuffed triangles are ideal for light meals when you want something hearty but not heavy.
The dough is filled with Feta cheese, eggs, and many spices, then fried.
You can give some tzatziki or skordalia on the side.
23. Greek Chicken Souvlaki
This is Greece’s answer to Persian kebabs.
Bite-sized chicken thigh pieces are skewered and rubbed with a marinade, complete with a Greek flavor profile.
They’re then grilled and served with pita bread, onion, and tomato.
You can also add tzatziki on the side for dipping.
24. Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves
Dolmades, as it is called in the local Greek language, is one of the most iconic Greek appetizers.
Grape leaves are washed and stuffed with rice, onions, and a mixture of spices, this is usually served in rural areas of the country.
25. Feta Dip
We end this list with an easy-to-make dip that includes Feta cheese.
The savory taste of the cheese adds to the blend of flavors this dip already has.
Serve with some flatbread or breadsticks for a simple yet authentic Greek culinary treat.
The bottom line
There you have it; here are some of the best Greek appetizers that you can whip up for your next party or get-together.
So, what are you waiting for?
Start cooking and impress your loved ones!
Top 25 Greek Appetizers 🥗
Here are 25 of the best Greek appetizers that you can whip up for your next party or get-together!
Ingredients
- Greek Meze Platter
- Spanakopita
- Dakos (Cretan Maze)
- Olive Tapenade
- Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)
- Tzatziki Bites
- Feta & Greek Yogurt Pita Appetizer
- Greek Salad Skewers
- Greek Puff Pastry With Kalamata Olives
- Greek Bruschetta With Feta Cheese
- Grilled Calamari
- Greek Tahini Dip
- Greek Layer Dip
- Greek Stuffed Cucumber Bites
- Bakaliaros (Battered-Fried Salted Cod)
- Greek-Styled Deviled Eggs
- Greek Filo Parcels With Tzatziki
- Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
- Taramasalata
- Keftedakia (Greek Meatballs)
- Mussels Saganaki With Mustard
- Tiropitas
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Feta Dip
Instructions
- Scroll for your favorite recipe from our list of Greek Appetizers.
- Pick out the ingredients needed for the dish.
- Cook then enjoy immediately!