It takes just a few minutes to create and adds tons of flavor to any type of chicken. You can easily use it to add flavor to chicken for a meal or to great delicious grilled chicken for your next barbecue.

Greek Marinade for Chicken

Greek chicken marinade is a simple to prepare marinade to make your chicken more flavorful without a lot of extra work.

Marinades are used for all kinds of meat and this one could be adapted to other meats but is definitely a star when added with chicken.

• Easy to make: Marinade takes just a few minutes to prepare.
• Use with any type of chicken: You can add any cut of chicken into the marinade.

Greek marinade for Chicken with yogurt 

It is definitely best to use Greek yogurt for this recipe if you have it, because the yogurt works to tenderize the chicken. However, if you don’t have any Greek yogurt, you can use plain natural yogurt and it will work in a similar way.

If you don’t have any kind of yogurt you could use lemon juice as stated at the recipe below.

Tip: Depending on what you are serving with the chicken, you can add a teaspoon of sweet smoked paprika to the marinade for extra flavor.

Key Ingredients Greek Marinade for Chicken

Marinade: The marinade is made up of olive oil, lemon, garlic cloves, yogurt and red wine vinegar with dried oregano and runny honey in the mixture.

Chicken: You can use any type of chicken for the piece, thighs, breasts or chicken pieces. It is also optional if you want to have the skin on or off. You’ll want around 1lb or 1 ½ ounce for this recipe.

Greek chicken marinade Key Preparation Tips

Take a large bowl or a ziplock bag and add the oil, lemon zest, crushed and peeled garlic and Greek yogurt. Mix in the oregano, honey, and red wine vinegar and season with salt and black pepper. Use a whisk to combine them.

Take the chicken and add to the marinade bowl or bag then put in the fridge for a minimum of two hours, ideally overnight.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (390 F) and roast the marinated chicken for 20-30 minutes depending on the size. You might need nearer 40 minutes for something like bone in chicken thighs.

Tip: If you used chicken with skin on, transfer them to a grill and heat until the skin is crispy with a good level of caramelization.

How to cook the marinated chicken on the grilled pan or barbecue

If you want to grill the chicken instead, use a direct heat to caramelize the meat before moving it to the edge of the pan to cook indirectly.

I do not recommend the griddle pan method, only the barbecue for skin on or bone in pieces of chicken, though skin on, bone in chicken thighs can be browned in the pan before being transferred to the oven to cook through.

Variations

There are two main variations for this Greek Marinade for chicken. First one is with yogurt and the second one is with lemon juice.

While I always use olive oil for marinades, you can switch the type of oil you use depending on the style of dish you want to use the chicken in. So you could use sesame oil for Asian style dishes or canola or vegetable oil for Mexican or American style dishes.

Making ahead of time and storing

You can store the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat it to use in different recipes.

Can you reuse leftover marinade?

You shouldn’t reuse a marinade that has contained uncooked chicken unless it has been cooked in some way. That’s because there’s harmful bacteria that can come from raw chicken and pass through the marinade.

As a best practice, if you want to use your marinade more than once, simply set aside a portion of the marinade in the fridge before you add the raw chicken. This leftover marinade can be safely used later for 2-3 days.

Serving suggestions

You can serve the chicken as it or can serve it alongside other Greek favorites such as salads:

1. Greek Orzo Salad (Orzo feta salad)
2. Traditional Greek salad (Xoriatiki)
3. Delicious Greek Lentil Salad Recipe with Feta cheese (Fakes Salata)
4. Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad recipe
5. Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Vegetables Salad Recipe
6. Greek Pasta Salad recipe
7. Greek chickpea salad

You could also serve it alongside some easy lemon rice, Greek lemon potatoes or vegetable dishes you love.

Other delicious chicken recipes

• Chicken souvlaki 
• Giouvetsi kotopoulo (Greek orzo and chicken)
• Lemony Greek rice pilaf with chicken legs 
• Greek chicken pie (kotopita)
• Greek lemon chicken and potatoes (kotopoulo lemonato)
• Homemade Greek chicken gyro 
• Greek lemon chicken soup (Kotosoupa Avgolemono)

Find out how to make Greek yogurt from scratch with my super easy recipe!

Greek marinade for chicken

(19 votes, average: 4.37 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 3-4 portions
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: Greek

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Description

All you need to take your chicken to the next level is a simple yet full of Mediterranean flavours marinade! And I have just the perfect Greek marinade for chicken for you to try!

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Ingredients

For Greek chicken marinade

• 90ml extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
• zest of 1 lemon
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (or the juice of 1 lemon) 
• 1 tbsp dried oregano 
• 1 tbsp runny honey
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• black pepper
• 500g chicken thighs, breasts, or other chicken pieces, skin on or off (1 lb 1 1/2 oz)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl or ziplock bag combine the oil, lemon zest, garlic cloves, peeled and crushed, Greek yogurt (or the juice of the lemon, if you don’t have any Greek yogurt to hand), dried oregano, honey, red wine vinegar, salt and plenty of black pepper. Whisk to combine.
2. Add your choice of chicken pieces and marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, but preferably overnight.
3. In the oven: In a 200 degrees (390 fahrenheit) oven roast the chicken pieces for 20-30 minutes depending on their size (40 minutes for bone in chicken thighs) until the meat is cooked through. If the pieces still have their skin, finish them under a hot grill if needed to get nice crispy skin and a good level of caramelisation. 
4. On a griddle pan or barbecue: Cook on a direct heat until the meat is caramelised before moving to the edge of the pan or an area of indirect heat to cook through. We do not recommend the griddle pan method, only the barbecue for skin on or bone in pieces of chicken, though skin on, bone in chicken thighs can be browned in the pan before being transferred to the oven to cook through. 

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Keywords: greek marinade for chicken, greek yogurt marinade for chicken, greek lemon marinade for chicken

The post Greek Marinade for Chicken with Yogurt appeared first on My Greek Dish.

What is Greek Chickpea Salad

Greek Chickpea Salad is a refreshing salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese, all dressed in a simple yet delicious homemade Greek dressing. Greek chickpea salad is not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to make and great for meal prep.

• Delicious salad alternative: Great if you aren’t a fan of leafy greens
• Loads of taste: The combination of chickpeas with tomato, olive and feta cheese, and fresh herbs makes it packed with flavor.

What you’ll need to make Greek Chickpea Salad the traditional way

To make the perfect Greek chickpea salad make sure to use some good quality fresh ingredients! Some extra virgin olive oil for the dressing, Greek feta cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives.

Kalamata olives are typically considered an essential ingredient in this salad as they provide a distinct flavor and texture. To use Kalamata olives in a traditional Greek Chickpea Salad, you can either pit them and then slice them or leave them whole if you prefer.

If you can’t get Kalamata olives, you can use other types of olives instead, such as black or green olives. While they won’t be exactly the same as Kalamata olives, they will still add a salty, savory flavor to the salad. 

Greek Chickpea Salad Key Ingredients

• Salad: You’ll need two tins of chickpeas for the recipe, along with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and olives. Fresh dill and mint add flavor to it.
• Vinaigrette: This is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Salad topping: Feta cheese is perfect for crumbling onto the top of the salad.

Greek chickpea salad Key Preparation Tips

There are just two main steps in creating this recipe:

1. Create the salad
2. Make the vinaigrette and serve

Create the salad

After draining the chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until the water running out of the bottom of the container runs clear. Then, allow the chickpeas to sit and drain any remaining water.

Cut the cherry tomatoes into four pieces and add them to a big mixing bowl. Slice the cucumber into quarters after peeling it. Add the finely chopped red onion and quartered olives to the tomato bowl along with the cucumber.

Chop the fresh herbs into small pieces and put them in the bowl with the drained chickpeas.

Make the vinaigrette for Greek chickpea salad

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Pour the mixture over the salad and stir until the dressing coats everything.

Add the crumbled feta to the salad and gently mix it with the dressing, ensuring that the cheese is evenly coated while maintaining its texture.

Taste the dish to determine if it requires additional salt and pepper, then proceed with serving it.

Should you use fresh or canned chickpeas for Greek chickpea salad?

Canned chickpeas are already cooked, which saves you time and makes the salad easier to prepare. Additionally, canned chickpeas have a consistent texture, which ensures that all of the chickpeas in the salad will have the same texture and flavor.

When using canned chickpeas, you only need to rinse them and drain them before adding them to the salad.

Using dried chickpeas requires preparation and cooking time, which may not be practical for making a quick and simple salad. While dried chickpeas can be more flavorful and have a better texture than canned chickpeas, they also need time to cook them.

Using canned chickpeas is a quick and easy way to make this Greek Chickpea Salad recipe, but it’s up to you to decide!

Variations

There are many variations of Greek Chickpea Salad that you can make to add your own unique twist to the dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Add avocado slices: Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the salad.
• Use a different dressing: Try a different dressing, such as a lemon-tahini or balsamic vinaigrette, for a different flavor profile.
• Add fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill can add freshness and brightness to the salad.
• Use different vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the salad to add more color and nutrition.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to the salad to make it more filling and satisfying.
• Use a different type of cheese: If you don’t like feta cheese, use goat cheese or shaved Parmesan instead.
• Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can add crunch and nutrition to the salad.

These are just a few ways to customize your Greek Chickpea Salad. The possibilities are endless!

Making ahead of time and storing

To enjoy Greek chickpea salad at its best, we don’t recommend keeping it in the fridge for more than 24 hours after assembly. You can store it in an airtight container.

If you want to make it ahead, wait to add the vinaigrette until you are ready to serve it to keep the ingredients fresh.

Serving suggestions

Traditional Greek Chickpea Salad is typically served as a main dish for a light and healthy lunch or dinner or as a side dish to accompany a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for what you can serve with it:

1. Grilled chicken or fish: Grilled chicken or fish pairs well with Greek Chickpea Salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Souvlaki or kebab: Grilled souvlaki or kebab, whether it’s made of meat or vegetables, is a classic Greek dish that goes well with Chickpea Salad.
3. Pita bread: Warm, soft pita bread perfectly accompanies Greek Chickpea Salad.
4. Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, are a great side dish to serve alongside the salad.
5. Couscous: Couscous or quinoa can be cooked and served with Greek Chickpea Salad to make it more filling and satisfying.
6. Hummus and vegetables: A platter of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and sliced cucumbers, with a side of hummus, is a simple and delicious side dish that complements the flavors of the salad.
7. Starters such as fried halloumi, saganaki, keftedes and tzatziki.

Ultimately, the salad is versatile and pairs well with many different dishes.

Other salads for you to try 

If you love my salad, then you’ll also love my following handpicked recommendations!

• Traditional Greek salad (Horiatiki)
• Greek potato salad 
• Greek orzo salad 
• Greek lentil salad
• Watermelon and feta salad
• Greek pasta salad 

Greek Chickpea salad with Feta cheese

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2-4 portions
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A super healthy, colourful and absolutely delicious Greek chickpea salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese and a homemade Greek dressing! The perfect side dish for grilled meats or as a light and satisfying vegetarian meal!

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Ingredients

• 2 x 400g tins chickpeas (2 x 14 oz)
• 200g cherry tomatoes (7 oz)
• 1/2 English cucumber (approx. 160g / 5 1/2 oz)
• 1/2 red onion
• 2 handfuls Kamalata olives
• 10g fresh dill (1/3 oz)
• 10g fresh mint (1/3 oz)
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 150g feta (5 1/4 oz)

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Instructions

1. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them until the cold tap until the water coming out the bottom runs clean. Set aside to let any excess water drain.
2. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Peel the cucumber and cut into quartered slices. Finely chop the red onion, and quarter the olives, adding the cucumber, onion and olives to the tomato bowl.
3. Roughly chop the fresh herbs, and add them to the bowl along with the drained chickpeas.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar along with a generous pinch of salt and a good amount of black pepper. Pour over the salad and stir until everything is coated in the dressing.
5. Crumble in the feta, and fold it into the salad carefully, making sure it is coated in the dressing but that it does not break down too much. Check the seasoning to see if it needs any more salt and pepper, and serve. 

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Keywords: greek chickpea salad

The post Greek Chickpea salad with Feta cheese appeared first on My Greek Dish.

This classic Greek dish combines thin slices of marinated beef with an array of flavorful toppings to create a tantalizing combination of textures and flavors!

So grab your ingredients and get ready to make the best pan fried beef gyro just like served in your favorite Greek taverns!

What is Beef Gyro?

Beef gyros is a delicious Greek street food that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of the day! Ok except maybe breakfast..

Slices of beef are marinated in a combination of spices and grilled to perfection. The juicy meat is then stuffed inside a warm pita bread with a variety of toppings such as tomatoes, onions, fries, lettuce and tzatziki sauce. 

The resulting combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of mouthwatering. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this pan fried Greek beef gyro is a fantastic way to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for delicious, homemade food!

• Easy to make: This is a really simple recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment
• Cooks in 20 minutes: There’s a bit of preparation needed, but cooking time is only 20 minutes

What you’ll need to make Beef Gyro souvlaki the traditional way

If you want to make authentic Greek Beef Gyro, you’ll need some key ingredients to get that traditional flavors. Sweet and smoked paprika and dried oregano are essential seasonings for achieving that savory and fragrant taste.

The best way to serve beef gyros is nothing other than wrapped in a delicious traditional Greek pita. Finding the original Greek pita can be quite challenging as most supermarkets stock only the arabian style ones but you can most likely find them at your local Greek deli or amazon (here and here)!  

Or try making your own homemade pita bread with my super easy recipe!

Of course authentic Greek tzatziki is the preferred sauce to garnish with. Most Greeks enjoy their traditional Greek souvlaki with some potato fries stuffed in the pita so feel free to try adding some as well.

With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and authentic Greek meal.

Beef Gyro Key Ingredients

Marinated beef:  You’ll need 500g of beef steak along with juice and zest of a lemon, garlic, dried oregano, salt, runny honey, hot and sweet paprika and some black pepper.

Potato fries (optional): Choose a waxy potato and use oil for cooking them in.

Beef Gyros wrap (souvlaki): To make the beef gyro wrap (souvlaki) you’ll need some pita bread (use our Homemade Pita Bread to make your own), Authentic Greek Tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes and shredded lettuce (optional).

Key Preparation Tips

There are three main steps involved with this Beef gyro recipe:

1. Marinate the beef steak
2. Cook the steak and make the gyros
3. Make the potato fries and assemble the beef gyro wrap (souvlaki)

Beef gyro marinade

To prepare the beef gyro, marinate the beef one day in advance to let the flavours to mingle. In a dish that can fit the steaks in one layer, mix together the lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, honey, paprika, and a generous amount of black pepper.

Rub the marinade into all sides of the beef using your hands. After that, put the beef covered in the fridge and let marinate overnight.

Cook the beef gyro

Heat a non-stick frying pan or seasoned skillet over high heat for a few minutes on each side to cook the beef. If the pan is in danger of burning, reduce the heat slightly. It is important to ensure a caramelized crust.

After removing the pan from the heat, trim off any excess fat and thinly slice the steaks. Before serving, return the slices to the pan and coat them well with the pan juices.

Make the potato fries

To make the potato fries, start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into strips. Then, toss them in a sieve with a generous amount of salt and let them drain for 20 minutes.

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the potatoes by a couple of inches. Make sure to leave at least 1/3 of the pan empty to allow the oil to bubble up while cooking.

After the oil starts shimmering, drop a potato strip into the oil to test its temperature. The potato strip should immediately start bubbling and frying if the oil is hot enough to cook.

To cook the potatoes until they turn golden, add the remaining potatoes to the pan and fry them until golden and crispy.

After cooking the fries, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with kitchen paper. Then season with salt.

Serve the beef gyro wrapped in pita bread with fries, Tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

What’s the best beef to use for beef gyro?

When it comes to making delicious beef gyros, the quality of the meat is important, but you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a great result!

Rather than splurging on expensive cuts, opt for a more affordable option that is still suitable for pan searing and has a good amount of marbled fat. This will ensure that your meat is tender, juicy and flavorful once you marinate it with your favorite spices and herbs.

How do you stop onions from being so sharp?

We’ve all been there – you’re prepping for dinner and slicing an onion when suddenly, the sharp smell overwhelms your senses. It’s no secret that raw onions can pack a punch, but fear not, there’s an easy solution.

Try this trick the next time you cook with onions and taste the difference! Simply soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes before draining and patting dry. This will not only remove some of the harshness but also leave the onion crispier and more enjoyable to eat.

Variations

Pan-fried Greek beef gyros is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some variations you can try:

• Classic Greek beef Gyro Pita wrap: Layer thinly sliced beef in a pita with tzatziki sauce, onion, tomato and fries.
• Beef Gyro Salad: Place sliced beef on a bed of lettuce and add cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Dress with tzatziki sauce or Greek vinaigrette.
• Beef Gyro Pizza: Spread pizza dough with tzatziki sauce and top with beef, tomato, onion, and feta cheese.
• Beef Gyro Sliders: Serve small beef gyros on slider buns with onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce.
• Beef Gyro Nachos: Spread pita chips with tzatziki sauce and top with beef, feta cheese, and diced tomatoes.
• Beef Gyro Omelette: Add sliced beef, feta cheese, and serve your omellete with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
• Gyro fries: Place the fries on a platter, then top with the beef gyro, some tzatziki sauce on top and diced tomatoes and onions.

Tip: To make a lighter version of the the dish replace the potato fries with my homemade version of baked potato fries.

Making ahead of time and storing

To store leftover beef gyro it is best to store every component separately. Wrap the beef separately from the pita and toppings to prevent any sogginess.

Place the beef in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Place the pita and any toppings in separate airtight containers or bags then store the containers or bags in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat the beef in a pan over medium heat until warm. Assemble the gyros by placing the warm beef in the pita, topping with your desired toppings, and adding tzatziki sauce, if desired.

Note that tzatziki sauce should be stored separately from the gyros components and can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

By storing your gyros components separately and in airtight containers, you can keep them fresh and ready for a delicious and convenient meal later on.

Serving suggestions

In addition to pita bread and tzatziki sauce, there are many delicious sides and accompaniments that you can serve with beef gyros. Here are a few options:

• Greek Salad: A classic side dish with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese topped with a Greek vinaigrette.
• Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes tossed with lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for a flavorful side dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: In-season vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant can be grilled or roasted and served with the gyros.
• Pilaf Rice: A fragrant, flavorful side dish made with rice, herbs, and chicken or vegetable broth.
• Greek Fries: French fries coated with lemon juice, feta, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish.
• Greek potato salad: a simple and delicious combination of potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, red onion, garlic, dill and feta cheese.
• Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, served cold as an appetizer or side dish.
• Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy side dish, perfect to balance the flavors in the gyros.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Experiment with different sides and accompaniments to find your favorite combination!

Easy Beef Gyro recipe wrapped in Pita bread

(86 votes, average: 4.93 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 40 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 portions
• Category: Main
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: Greek

Print Recipe

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Description

Make your own traditional Greek souvlaki with beef gyro with this easy to follow recipe and discover what makes this dish the most popular Greek street food!

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Ingredients

Beef gyro marinade

• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp runny honey
• 1/2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp hot smoked paprika
• black pepper, to taste
• 500g beef steak

For the potato fries (optional)

• 250g waxy potatoes (9 oz)
• oil
• salt

For the Beef Gyro pita wrap

• 1 x recipe Homemade Pita Bread
• 1/2 x recipe Authentic Greek Tzatziki
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• shredded lettuce

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Instructions

Beef Gyro marinade

1. Marinate the steak a day ahead. In a dish just big enough to sit the steaks in a single layer whisk together the juice and zest of the lemon, the garlic cloves, crushed, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, honey, paprika and a good amount of black pepper. Add the steaks and using your hands rub the marinade into all of the exposed meat. Cover and transfer to the fridge to marinate overnight.

For the potato fries

1. If you’re making the fries, peel the potatoes, and cut into strips. Toss in a sieve with a generous amount of salt and set aside to drain for 20 minutes. 
2. Heat a couple of inches of oil in the bottom of a large, heavy bottomed saucepan over a high heat, enough to generously cover the potatoes but allowing at least 1/3 of empty space in the pan to allow the oil to bubble up during cooking. 
3. Once the oil is shimmering, check the oil is hot enough to cook by adding a chip; it should start bubbling and frying instantly. Add the rest to the pan and cook for roughly 10 minutes, until the potatoes are lovely and golden. To make sure they cook evenly, stir occasionally with a long handled slotted spoon, but don’t touch them for the first 5 minutes of cooking time or else they’ll stick to the bottom of the pan. 
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pan with the slotted spoon onto a plate lined with kitchen paper, and season again with salt.

For the Beef Gyro pita wrap (souvlaki)

1. Heat a non-stick frying pan or a seasoned skillet over a high heat and cook the steaks to your liking, a few minutes on each side. Make sure you have a nice caramelised crust, but reduce the heat a little if you’re in danger of getting burnt pieces in the pan.
2. Remove the pan from the heat, and thinly slice the steaks, trimming off any excess fat. Return the slices to the pan and make sure they’re all coated in the pan juices before serving
3. Wrap the beef gyro with the olive oil chips, pita bread, Tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes and shredded lettuce. 
4. To serve, spread some tzatziki sauce on the pita breads and top with the beef gyros, some slices of red onion, some sliced tomato, fries and lettuce and wrap.

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Keywords: beef gyros recipe, Greek beef gyro, beef gyros marinade, homemade beef gyros, souvlaki gyro

The post Easy Beef Gyro recipe wrapped in Pita bread appeared first on My Greek Dish.

In this post, we’ll discuss two simple methods and recipes for how to cook halloumi cheese using a pan. The first method is grilled halloumi in a grill pan and the second is pan fried halloumi with honey and sesame seeds. Both of which will give you a delicious result each time!

Tip: You could also use an outdoor barbecue to grill halloumi.

What is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi cheese is a firm, salty cheese made from sheep and/or goat milk originating in Cyprus. It is a semi-hard and unripened cheese that is tangy and salty.

Halloumi cheese has become increasingly popular in recent years as both an ingredient in Mediterranean dishes and as part of modern fusion cuisine. 

• Traditional cheese: Halloumi cheese comes from Cyprus and is a favorite in Greek recipes.
• Halloumi cheese has a high melting point, so the outside sears and becomes crisp and charred or browned (depending on the cooking method), while the inside is deliciously warm and chewy.

Grilled Halloumi Key Ingredients

Halloumi Cheese: A block of halloumi around 250g or 8 ounces works well for two portions.
Other ingredients: You’ll want some olive oil, juice of half a large lemon and either mixed pepper or black pepper to taste.

Grilled Halloumi Key Preparation Tips

There are just four steps to make simple grilled halloumi:

• Remove the halloumi from the packaging and use some kitchen towel to dry it as much as possible. Cut it into eight pieces.
• Heat a griddle pan to a very high heat. You want your grill pan to be nice and hot before adding the cheese! This helps prevent sticking. Brush each piece of halloumi with olive oil and season.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Don’t move it around the pan to create nice brown lines on it.
• Remove from the heat and squeeze over the lemon juice before serving. Enjoy!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame Key Ingredients

Halloumi Cheese: Use the same 250g or 8 ounces for this recipe.

For this fried Halloumi recipe, you’ll need olive oil, runny honey, lemon juice, and some sesame seeds.

Tip: Use the best honey you have here as you can really taste the flavour in the finished dish.

Fried Halloumi Key Preparation Tips

To prepare this fried Halloumi remove the cheese from the packaging and use some kitchen towel to dry it, then cut it into eight pieces.

Heat a thick bottom frying pan over medium heat and toast the sesame seeds for around 1 minute until colored. Remove from the pan, making sure you wipe out any stray seeds.

Return the pan to the heat, add oil and heat until shimmering, then add the cheese. Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden.

Spoon the honey over the cheese, then flip and as soon as the honey starts to bubble, remove it from the heat.
Serve with lemon juice drizzled over it, the remaining honey from the pan over it and topped with sesame seeds.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Can you use different pepper on the cheese?

Using a mixture of peppercorns, including green and pink on the halloumi adds a variety of different flavors to the cheese. Pink peppercorns work particularly well.

However, regular freshly ground black pepper is a delicious alternative. If you don’t have a grinder for different peppercorns, they can be crushed using a pestle and mortar.

Variations

Instead of pepper or honey and sesame seeds, other variations that can be added to halloumi include garlic, herbs such as oregano or basil, cumin, chili flakes, lemon juice, olive oil and paprika.

Other creative additions could include sautéed mushrooms, grated apple, or even diced tomatoes. Whatever you decide to add to your dish, be sure to balance out the flavors to get the desired taste.

Making ahead of time and storing

Leftover grilled halloumi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, put it on a grill or pan over medium heat until heated through.

Alternatively, you can also reheat it in a microwave. Before serving, make sure to check that the halloumi has been heated all the way through.

Serving suggestions

Grilled or fried halloumi can be enjoyed with a variety of Greek appetisers such as:

• Greek Tzatziki (Yogurt, cucumber and garlic dip)
• Keftedes (Greek meatballs)
• Spanakopitakia (Spinach triangles with phyllo)
• Dolmades (Stuffed grape leaves)
• Spetsofai (Spicy greek sausages with peppers)
• Kolokithokeftedes (Greek zuchini fritters)

Popular options include salads (Greek salad) roasted vegetables, couscous, rice, or quinoa. You could also serve fried or grilled halloumi alongside some village bread, pita bread and hummus for a delicious and filling meal.

For something more unique, try serving it with grilled fruit such as peaches, plums, or apricots for a sweet and savory dish. Enjoy!

How to cook Halloumi cheese (Pan fried and Grilled Halloumi recipe)

(51 votes, average: 4.71 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 portions
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Fried/ Grilled
• Cuisine: Greek

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Description

If you love the taste of halloumi cheese, you’ll be pleased to know that you can cook it in various ways in no time! From pan fried halloumi to grilled halloumi, there are plenty of options for how to cook Halloumi cheese, this delicious Mediterranean cheese!

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Ingredients

Grilled Halloumi cheese (Grill Pan Method)

• 250g block halloumi cheese (approx. 8 oz)
• extra virgin olive oil
• mixed pepper or black pepper to taste
• juice of 1/2 large lemon

Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame

• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 250g block halloumi cheese (approx. 8 oz)
• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp runny honey
• juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Grilled Halloumi cheese (Grill Pan Method)

1. Remove the halloumi from any packaging and pat as dry as possible with a piece of kitchen towel. Slice into 8 pieces (approx. 1/2 inch, 1.3cm thick) and pat each piece dry with a fresh piece of paper.
2. Heat a seasoned or non-stick griddle pan over a very high heat. Meanwhile brush each halloumi piece with olive oil and season well with freshly ground pepper.
3. Cook the cheese for a minute or two on each side, trying not to move it around the pan so it forms nice golden lines.
4. Remove from the heat and squeeze over the lemon juice before serving immediately.

Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame

1. Remove the halloumi from any packaging and pat as dry as possible with a piece of kitchen towel. Slice into 8 pieces, and pat each piece dry with a fresh piece of paper.
2. Heat a very bottomed, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Toast the sesame seeds for about a minute until just coloured, and remove from the pan.
3. Wipe any stray seeds from the pan and return it to a medium high heat. Add the oil and once it is shimmering, add the halloumi. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
4. Spoon the honey over the top of the halloumi slices. Flip them, and the moment the honey starts to bubble, remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze over the lemon juice.
5. Serve the halloumi immediately with the honey from the pan drizzled over the top, and the toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over each slice.

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Keywords: fried halloumi, grilled halloumi, how to cook halloumi cheese

The post How to cook Halloumi cheese (Pan fried and Grilled Halloumi recipe) appeared first on My Greek Dish.

Read on to learn about the best potatoes for Greek potato salad and how to make this easy and flavourful dish to perfection!

What is Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata)?

Greek potato salad (Patatosalata) is a classic rustic dish. It’s a simple and delicious combination of potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, red onion, garlic, dill and feta cheese.

All the ingredients are mixed together and is served cold or at room temperature to allow the the flavours to mix!

This is a great side dish to serve with grilled meats or fish or as part of a summer meal. Enjoy Greek potato salad as an easy and flavorful way to enjoy the best flavors of Greece!

• Easy to make: This is a simple dish that’s ready in around half an hour
• Scale as you need: Make as much salad as you need for bigger occasions

Greek Potato Salad Key Ingredients

• Potatoes: You’ll need around 750g of baby potatoes for this recipe to serve up to six people.
• Salad ingredients: This potato salad recipe uses feta cheese, red onion, capers and lemon juice, along with fresh dill and parsley.

Key Preparation steps for Greek Potato Salad

There are just two main steps in creating this potato salad recipe:

1. Cook the potatoes
2. Create the salad

Cook the potatoes

Put the potatoes in a pan of cold water with lots of salt and bring to the boil. Cook for 20 minutes until tender, then drain and leave them to cool.

Create Greek Potato salad

Take a large bowl and whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Half the potatoes and add them to the bowl, then crumble in the feta.

Peel and finely chop the onion, then add to the potatoes.

Add the drained capers, chopped herbs and a good amount of black pepper.

Fold together the ingredients and season as needed. Leave to set for 20 minutes to let the flavors mix before serving.

What are the best potatoes for Greek potato salad?

For the best flavor and texture, the ideal potatoes to use in Greek potato salad are waxy varieties such as red potatoes or new potatoes.

These types of potatoes are lower in starch and will hold their shape better when boiled, resulting in a delicious and sturdy salad. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes can also be used but may break down more quickly.

What could you use in Greek potato salad in place of feta cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute for feta cheese in Greek potato salad, try substituting it with crumbled goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative. Both of these options will give the dish a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to that of feta.

Consider adding capers or kalamata olives to add additional Mediterranean flair and saltiness.

What can you add if you don’t like capers?

If you don’t like capers, you can still achieve a similar flavor in a Greek potato salad with other Mediterranean ingredients. Try adding roasted red peppers or chopped artichoke hearts to give the dish extra texture and flavor.

Or, go with something more traditional and opt for chopped green olives or sun-dried tomatoes to give your Greek potato salad an extra punch. Finally, if you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness, consider some diced shallots.

Variations

Greek potato salad can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. For a saucier version of the dish, use plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and add diced cucumbers or tomatoes for a refreshing twist.

Add chili flakes or replace the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese for a spicier version.

Substitute olives for the red onion and oregano for dill to give it a Mediterranean flair.

Serving suggestions

Greek potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted chicken or fish, grilled lamb, or other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

It can also be served as a light lunch or dinner on its own, topped with chopped fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley.

Try adding a few Kalamata olives, feta cheese and village bread for an easy and flavorful meal!

Other delicious Greek salads

If you love my salad, then you’ll also love my following handpicked recommendations!

1. Greek Orzo Salad (Orzo feta salad)
2. Traditional Greek salad (Xoriatiki)
3. Delicious Greek Lentil Salad Recipe with Feta cheese (Fakes Salata)
4. Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad recipe
5. Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Vegetables Salad Recipe
6. Greek Pasta Salad recipe
7. Greek chickpea salad

Easy Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata)

(78 votes, average: 4.92 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling and resting time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 portions
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiled
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Looking for a delicious and flavorful side dish or a light meal? This Greek potato salad (Patatosalata) is the answer! A classic Mediterranean dish perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

• 750–800g baby potatoes (roughly 1 3/4 lb)
• salt
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 100g feta (3 1/2 oz)
• 1/2 red onion
• 4 tbsp capers in brine
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley
• black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. To prepare this Greek potato salad recipe start by boiling the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a pan of cold water with a very generous amount of salt and bring to the boil. Cook until tender; this should take about 20 minutes. Drain, and set aside to cool.
2. To assemble the salad, in the bottom of a large bowl whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and the fresh lemon juice.
3. Halve the potatoes into the bowl, then crumble in the feta. Peel and finely chop the red onion, before adding it to the potatoes along with the drained capers, chopped herbs and a good amount of black pepper.
4. Fold together the salad and season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside to allow the flavours to blend for at least 20 minutes. Enjoy!

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Keywords: greek potato salad, patatosalata

The post Easy Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata) appeared first on My Greek Dish.

So go ahead, read along to discover how to make it to perfection with my delicious recipe, step by step photos, tips and tricks, variations and ingredient suggestions!

What is Greek Orzo Salad?

Greek Orzo Pasta salad is a traditional dish that is used as a side for parties, gatherings and even as a light mid week dinner! It is a simple recipe that can be adapted to whatever vegetables you have around the kitchen but is usually made with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and olives.

• Easy to make: There’s just a short preparation time and a little cooking needed to make this recipe. Then simply chill it and it will be ready to serve.
• Use up ingredients: Once you’ve tried it the traditional way, mix up those ingredients for a great use-up recipe.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Key Ingredients

There are a few key ingredients needed to make this salad recipe:

1. Orzo salad: As well as the orzo pasta, you’ll want some cherry tomatoes, red onion, English cucumber and Kalamata olives to mix in. Season with olive oil, fresh basil and dill.
2. For the dressing: A simple dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, a little lemon zest and oregano works perfectly.
3. To finish: As well as salt and pepper, adding some cubed feta is always my favorite option.

Tip: Use good quality Greek dried oregano here for the best results as some of the big-name brands tend to be very dry. If you can’t get Greek oregano, the next best would be a quality Mexican oregano.

Key Preparation Tips

There are three main steps involved with making this orzo salad:

1. Cook the orzo pasta
2. Prepare the dressing
3. Make the salad and finish

Cook the Orzo pasta

Boil up your kettle full of water and, at the same time, heat some olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the orzo and cook until it starts to color, stirring regularly.

Then add the boiling water from the kettle with a teaspoon of salt and cook for 10-12 minutes until just tender and al-dente.

Drain the orzo and rinse it under a cold tap until the water flowing out of the pasta is clear. This will cool the orzo down, stopping it from cooking any further and preventing it from getting too soft and soggy.

Finally, set aside to drain any extra moisture, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Make the dressing for Greek Orzo salad

For the dressing we keep it nice and simple using classic and earthy Greek flavours. Just make sure you use good quality and fresh ingredients!

My favourites are some extra virgin olive oil, a little red wine vinegar to add some acidity, lemon zest for some delicious freshness and of course some Greek oregano. In a small dish, combine all the ingredients together, season and whisk to combine.

Prepare the Orzo feta salad

Prepare the salad ingredients by quartering the cherry tomatoes, peeling and finely chopping the onion and cucumber and cutting the olives into quarters. If you find red onion is a little sharp in flavor, run it under the cold water tap before adding it to the salad mix.

Pour the orzo pasta into a large mixing bowl and add the salad vegetables. Roughly chop the fresh herbs and add them to the mix as well. Pour in the salad dressing and toss.

Stir in the cubed feta and gently stir so your feta doesn’t break apart. Taste and if needed, season with some more salt and pepper before serving. Just be careful not to add too much salt as both the feta and olives are usually quite salty on their own.

Tip: For maximum flavour, allow your salad to marinate for about an hour before serving so that the orzo absorbs the sauce.

What is Orzo?

If you’ve ever eaten orzo before, it is easy to confuse it with rice due to its shape! However, Orzo is, in fact, pasta and you can find it at the grocery store alongside other shaped kinds of pasta.

Flavor wise, Orzo tastes mild, making it the perfect match for pasta salads like this Greek Orzo Salad, but also it is a wonderful pairing for soups and even risotto-like dishes.

You’ll also find whole wheat orzo, much like most kinds of pasta. If you want to increase the fiber and protein in this dish, use the whole wheat variety instead.

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

While there’s something just perfect about orzo for this recipe, you can swap it for other types of pasta if that’s what you have. Spiral, bowtie, penne or even macaroni pasta will work the same, just use the same weight. You could even test something like a cheese-filled tortellini but use double the weight listed.

Variations

Many traditional Greek recipes will use green bell peppers in this dish but it is a controversial flavor in our house! So we left it out but if you want to add some, finely chop one pepper and add it to the salad. They will add some extra crunch to the orzo salad together with some additional freshness.

Finally, you could also add artichoke hearts which will add some delicious tenderness to the dish or some salad greens such as spinach or arugula.

Making ahead of time and storing

You can keep the pasta salad in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. If it feels a little dry when you take it out, mix some olive oil into it to refresh it.

Can You Freeze Greek Pasta Salad?

While you can freeze pasta salads, some of them don’t freeze as well as others. It all depends on the components in the dish.

In general, if you use raw crisp vegetables such as cucumbers or tomatoes, I don’t suggest freezing them since they won’t work well when frozen.

Therefore, this dish is best eaten fresh, rather than frozen. Alternatively, wait to add the veggies until after it’s thawed!

Serving suggestions

You can serve the dish as a side salad, where this recipe will make around 8 portions. It works well alongside burgers, chicken souvlaki, beef souvlaki, pork souvlaki and of course chicken gyros and pork gyros as well as other side dishes such as briam (mixed roast vegetables).

Finally, you can make this into a more substantial meal by adding something like some grilled shrimp or shredded chicken to the recipe once you have made it. Serve it with some homemade crusty bread for a simple and filling meal.

Other delicious Greek salads

If you love my Greek orzo pasta salad, then you’ll also love my following handpicked recommendations!

1. Delicious Greek Lentil Salad Recipe with Feta cheese (Fakes Salata)
2. Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad recipe
3. Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Vegetables Salad Recipe
4. Traditional Greek Salad recipe (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki)
5. Greek Pasta Salad recipe
6. Potato Salad (Greek Patatosalata)
7. Greek chickpea salad 

Greek Orzo Salad (Orzo feta salad)

(113 votes, average: 4.58 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 as a main, 8 as a side
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiled
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Greek Orzo Salad with feta cheese is one of those super simple dishes that take just so little effort to prepare! Short cooking time, little preparation and you will have a delicious light meal or side dish in 30′!

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Ingredients

For Greek orzo salad

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• a kettle of boiling water
• 300g orzo (1 3/4 cups)
• 400g cherry tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 small red onion
• 1 English cucumber
• 2 handfuls Kalamata olives
• 30g fresh basil leaves (1 oz)
• 15g fresh dill (1/2 oz)

For the orzo salad dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• zest of 1 lemon

To season and decorate

• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 180g cubed feta (6 oz)

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• 

  Potato Salad (Greek Patatosalata)

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• 

  Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad recipe

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Instructions

1. To prepare this delicious Greek orzo salad recipe, start with cooking the orzo pasta. Boil the water in the kettle. At the same time heat the olive oil over a medium high heat in a large saucepan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the orzo and cook, stirring often until the orzo starts to color. Fill the pan with boiling water, stir in a of teaspoon of salt and cook the orzo for 10-12 minutes, until just tender and al-dente.
2. Drain the orzo and rinse under a cold tap until the water running out the pasta runs clear. Set aside to drain away any excess water, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta sticking to each other.
3. Meanwhile, quarter the cherry tomatoes, peel and finely chop the onion and the cucumber, and quarter the olives.
4. Transfer the cooked orzo to a large bowl and stir in the salad vegetables. Roughly chop the fresh herbs and add those too.
5. To make the dressing, in a small bowl combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, lemon zest, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Stir this into the orzo mixture.
6. Add the cubed feta and stir carefully, making sure the cheese pieces don’t break up too much. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed, and leave to stand in the fridge for roughly an hour before serving to allow the orzo to soak up the dressing. Enjoy!

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Keywords: greek orzo salad, greek orzo pasta salad, orzo feta salad

The post Greek Orzo Salad (Orzo feta salad) appeared first on My Greek Dish.

So read along to discover my vegan yogurt shoot-out to find the best vegan yogurt for your tzatziki, my step by step preparation photos and of course my delicious recipe and vegan dish pairing suggestions for you to make the best dairy-free tzatziki you have every had!

What is tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a creamy, yoghurt based sauce, flavoured with minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil and vinegar. Tzatziki is commonly served as a dip, paired with sticks of cucumber and carrots or as part of a maze platter, together with some crusty bread and toasted pita breads! 

The secret behind the traditional Greek tzatziki is its yoghurt. Traditionally, tzatziki is made with Greek yoghurt, which is different from your usual yogurts because it is strained and the excess milk whey is removed. 

This straining process results in a much thicker yogurt that is also tangier and much creamier than plain yogurt. However, if you have ever tried a Vegan Tzatziki sauce before, you may have noticed that it just didn’t taste the same as the original. Why? It’s all because of the yogurt…

So, to make my Vegan Tzatziki taste just like the original I knew I had to find the best vegan yoghurt, one that tastes just like a strained Greek Yogurt. But how?

I tried all of the Greek style vegan yogurts available at your local supermarket – both branded and own brand, as well as their variations – soy, oat and coconut based.

I also tried the popular home-made “yogurts” which are made with ground up cashew nuts and soy. And I finally found one that is virtually indistinguishable from the original! 

So let’s get started! 

Vegan Tzatziki Ingredients

To make your dairy-free Vegan Tzatziki sauce to perfection you’ll need a handful of ingredients:

1. Vegan Yogurt: This is the base of your dairy-free vegan tzatziki. You will need a yogurt that is neutral in flavour, creamy and tangy, that has no hints of sweetness. Most vegan tzatziki recipes use either cashew nuts or soy to make the yogurt base. However, these just don’t taste the same as a traditional strained Greek Yoghurt. Luckily  there is one natural vegan yogurt that tastes just like the original – check out my vegan yogurt shoot out below for more!
2. Cucumber: You’ll need around half a cucumber to make your vegan tzatziki. The cucumber will add freshness to the tzatziki sauce, together with a crunchy bite to it.
3. Garlic: Arguably the most important flavouring in your tzatziki! Depending on how “spicy” you like it, use 2-4 cloves. Make sure you mince them using a garlic press to extract all their delicious aromas and flavors!
4. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a must. It will add a delicious earthy, nutty flavor to your tzatziki, complementing the creaminess of the yogurt.
5. Vinegar: A dash of plain white wine vinegar will cut through the creaminess of the yogurt, giving your vegan tzatziki a slight acidity. If you don’t have white wine vinegar, a cider vinegar also works great.
6. Salt, Pepper and (optionally) herbs: While the traditional greek tzatziki does not call for any herbs, if you like yours a bit more fragrant, you can try adding some chopped dill or mint!

Picking the right yogurt for your vegan tzatziki 

Since the basis for your vegan tzatziki is the dairy-free yogurt, we need one that closely resembles the taste, consistency, and color of the traditional strained Greek yoghurt. What we are looking for is:

1. Creamy: The texture of the vegan yogurt needs to be thick, creamy and by no means watery. 
2. Tangy: The vegan yogurt needs to have a tangy aftertaste and a hint of sharpness to its flavour. 
3. Neutral in flavor: Ideally the vegan yogurt needs to be neutral in taste, without a sweet or fruity aftertaste. A neutral base will allow the flavours of the garlic, cucumber and the optional dill or mint to come through. And of course, it must not have an artificial aftertaste!
4. White in color: The vegan yogurt needs to have a white or off-white color, to resemble the original as closely as possible.

With that in mind, I bought all the vegan yogurts I could find at my local supermarket and taste tested them to see how they compare against the original.

I tried both brand named ones as well as a store own brand as well as their three major variations – soy, oat and coconut based. And there was one clear winner! 

The best yogurt for your Vegan Tzatziki: Oatly Oatgurt Greek Style

Without a doubt, the Oatly Oatgurt Greek style dairy free yogurt is the best for making your vegan Tzatziki. I was admittedly surprised when I tasted it for the first time. It tasted exactly the same as a strained Greek Yoghurt. So much so that I decided to do a blind test between it and my regular, usual strained Greek Yogurt. I could not distinguish the two! 

Its consistency is thick and creamy, just as you would expect from a Greek yogurt. Its color is a beautiful slightly off-white shade. 

When tasting the Oatly Oatgurt Greek Style yogurt, you initially get that sharp tangy flavor, together with a velvety, smooth taste in the mouth. Thankfully, it also did not leave any artificial aftertaste. This is a beautiful vegan Greek Yoghurt, ideally suited for savoury dips, like our dairy-free, vegan tzatziki!

How did the remaining vegan yogurts in my round up taste like? Read on to find out!

Alpro Greek Style Oat vegan yogurt

I had high hopes for this one. After all, it is also an oat based yogurt, just like my favorite, the Oatly. However, when I opened it I was surprised by its color and texture.

The Alpro Greek Style Oat yogurt was a lot more jelly like, feeling almost like a creme brûlée in texture. Its color was also slightly more off-white than the Oatly. 

When tasting it, it was obvious that this yogurt is much sweeter than the Oatly and the traditional Greek yogurt. The tangy, sharp “bite” I was expecting was not there. You definitely don’t want to be making a savoury dip with this one!

Thankfully, it also did not leave an artificial aftertaste but rather one that had a hint of oats. All in all, it tasted like a delicious desert and it would go great with some chopped up fruit or biscuits, like my delicious quick and easy Greek yogurt desert!

Alpro Greek Style Coconut vegan yogurt

With the Alpro Greek Style Coconut vegan yogurt being coconut based I expected it to be sweet and, of course, taste like coconut milk!

And indeed that is exactly how it tasted! It was fairly sweet, velvety in texture with a hint of sharpness and tanginess. Its consistency was thick and very, very creamy. As expected, it left a slight coconut aftertaste, like the you’ve drunk coconut milk.

What really impressed me with the Alpro Greek Style coconut yogurt was its color. It was bright white, much whiter than all the rest, including the original Greek Yogurt! 

Finally, while I loved its taste, it would not be suitable for a savoury dip, like my vegan tzatziki sauce. However, its deliciously creamy texture and sweetness would work amazingly well with some chopped up fruit as a light dessert! 

And lastly – Tesco’s Free From Soy vegan yogurt

I must admit, I was disappointed when tasting Tesco’s Free From Soy vegan yogurt. Being soy based, I was expecting a neutral flavor that could be a good alternative to the Oatly and similar to the original Greek yogurt. 

However, I was disappointed. Firstly, its consistency was very watery and not creamy at all. Texture wise, from the ones I’ve tested, it resembled the original strained Greek yogurt the least.

Looking at the nutritional label, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. It has the least amount of fat among all of the vegan yogurts I tested.

Secondly, its taste had a strong hint of soy coming through with a very little sharpness and tanginess. While it had no hint of sweetness, it also left a weird aftertaste that felt very artificial.

Unfortunately this yogurt would not be suitable for a vegan tzatziki. Also due to its odd aftertaste I could not imagine myself using it for a fruit or biscuit based dessert either. 

How to make a vegan, dairy-free, Tzatziki sauce

Making your vegan tzatziki sauce is super simple. Start by pouring the yoghurt in a large bowl. Then, grate your cucumber using a box grater. You don’t need to peel the cucumber – just cut it in half and grate it! 

Tip: The cucumber is quite watery. After you’ve grated it you’ll need to squeeze it with your hands over your sink to remove any excess moisture. When it’s dry, place it in your bowl.

Now let’s peel and press the garlic. Grab a couple of garlic cloves, gently press down on them using your hands and peel them. Then, use your garlic press to squeeze them on your bowl.

Finally, add your olive oil, vinegar, a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper and mix it all together. Give your vegan tzatziki a taste and add some more salt if it tastes bland.

If you’d like your dairy-free tzatziki sauce a bit more creamy, add a little bit more olive oil and mix. This is also the time to add any chopped up herbs, if you’re using them. Finally top it off with some olives and chopped up cucumber for some extra crunch!

Storing your Vegan Tzatziki

To store your vegan tzatziki, wrap your bowl with some cling film (plastic wrap) and pop it in the fridge. It will keep for approximately 4 days. When you want to use it, take it out of the fridge, mix it so any liquids that may have come out are incorporated and serve.

What to serve your Vegan Tzatziki sauce with?

This vegan yogurt sauce is super versatile and goes well with pretty much any savoury dish you can imagine!

I love serving it with some sliced up cucumber and carrots as a simple dip to start our dinner as well as as part of a vegan meze platter and as a side to some delicious Greek vegan dishes.

Below are my top recommendations and serving suggestions!

As part of a Vegan Meze Platter:

• Greek Pita bread
• Greek “village style” rustic bread
• Hummus dip
• Crispy Greek Fried Eggplant
• Crispy Fried Zucchini – Courgette Fritters
• Greek Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves with rice)
• Authentic Greek Fava Recipe (Yellow Split Peas Puree)

As a side dish to a vegan dish:

• Vegan moussaka with lentils
• Greek Peas And Potato Stew With Tomatoes
• Country-Style Greek Potato Stew
• Delicious Briam Recipe (Greek Mixed Roasted Vegetables)
• Traditional Greek Green Beans
• Chickpea Fritters Recipe (Revithokeftedes)
• Traditional Greek Kolokithokeftedes (Fried Zucchini/Courgette Balls)
• Tinos Fennel Fritters
• Tomatokeftedes (Fried Santorini Tomato Balls / Tomato Fritters)

Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

(94 votes, average: 4.97 out of 5)
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• Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 bowl
• Category: Dips
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This is my ultimate Vegan Tzatziki recipe! Deliciously creamy, refreshing and, best of all, even though its dairy-free, it tastes just like the original!

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Ingredients

• 1 tub of Oatly Oatgurt Greek Style Vegan Yogurt (or similar alternative)
• 1/2 large cucumber
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• a pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp chopped dill or mint (optional)
• 1 tbsp black olives

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Instructions

1. To prepare your vegan tzatziki start by pouring the vegan yoghurt in a large bowl.
2. Wash your cucumber, cut it in half and grate it using a box grater in a second bowl. You don’t need to peel it, just grate it whole. Using your hands, squeeze your cucumber shreds until all the water has come out. Place your dried out cucumber in the yoghurt bowl.
3. Then, peel your garlic cloves and using a garlic press squash them into your bowl.
4. Finally add your olive oil, vinegar, a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper and mix it together using a spoon. Taste your tzatziki and, if it feels bland, add some more salt, mix it and taste it again.
5. If you’re using any herbs add them now and using your spoon mix your vegan tzatziki again.
6. Finally top your vegan tzatziki off with some olives, some chopped up cucumber and a drizzle of olive oil.
7. Enjoy!

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Keywords: vegan tzatziki, vegan yogurt sauce, vegan tzatziki sauce, vegan yogurt and cucumber sauce

The post Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (dairy free) appeared first on My Greek Dish.