Some cultures have really figured out the secret to eating their way to a long, healthy life. In Blue Zones, where it's common to live to be over 100 in good health, meals are made primarily from plants, full of antioxidant-rich spices, and largely unprocessed. And just as important, mealtime is a time to connect with loved ones.
Ikaria, Greece is one of the Blue Zones and their meals certainly reflect this way of living. Protein, healthy fats, and lots of veggies are used in abundance at every meal, along with aromatic spices like rosemary, dill, and nutmeg.
If you want to eat like the Greeks, look no further than the healthy Greek recipes included here. Meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert are all included—and all are inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine. All that's left is to find someone to share them with—even if it's over Zoom.
Keep reading to see 10 healthy Greek recipes to cook at home.
1. Breakfast egg muffins
This delicious breakfast is a muffin version of a classic Greek omelet. The ingredients—egg, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives—are the same, but the end result is a batch of savory muffins, which, let's be honest, are more fun to eat.
Get the recipe: Breakfast egg muffins
2. Greek yogurt breakfast bowl
Maybe you don't have time to bake breakfast egg muffins. Maybe you don't have any time at all. You can still have a Greek-inspired breakfast. Simply top off a bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a little honey. Voila, a protein-rich brekki ready in less than five minutes.
Get the recipe: Greek yogurt breakfast bowl
3. Chicken bowl with tzatziki sauce
Ready for lunch? This bowl is full of fiber and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Cauliflower rice makes up the base, chicken serves as the protein, and cucumber, onions, olives, and tomato top it off. The finishing touch is a homemade tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon juice.
Get the recipe: Chicken bowl with tzatziki sauce
4. Greek salad sandwich
If you're bored of the same old sandwich for lunch, switch things up with this Greek-inspired one that only takes five minutes to make. Hummus serves as the protein and adds a creamy layer to the red onion, tomato, and cucumber. Last, add tzatziki and feta cheese.
Get the recipe: Greek salad sandwich
5. Spanakopita bites
These mini spinach and feta cheese bites are the perfect afternoon snack or appetizer. You can use either cottage cheese or ricotta for the filling (both work), which is mixed with dill, onion, nutmeg, parsley, and lots of spinach. It's a great way to get a quick hit of fiber and protein with each creamy mouthful.
Get the recipe: Spanakopita bites
6. Greek chicken and potatoes
Chicken and potatoes are a classic dinner combo in many parts of the world (including the States), but what gives this recipe its Greek flavor profile is all in the spices. Rosemary, nutmeg, garlic, and lemon are all infused with olive oil, which is used to coat both primary ingredients.
Get the recipe: Greek chicken and potatoes
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Watch the video below to learn about the health benefits of olive oil:
7. Greek quesadillas
This recipe gives a fun Greek take on the classic Mexican food. While you still need tortillas, the filling is completely reimagined. In it is spinach, onion, red peppers, black olives, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. And it all comes together in less than 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: Greek quesadillas
8. Greek chicken sheet pan dinner
It's always good to have an easy sheet pan dinner recipe on hand, and this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is cooked with red onion, garlic cloves, kalamata olives, and baby potatoes. Everything is coated in a savory olive-oil based marinade, made with paprika, oregano, and cloves.
Get the recipe: Greek chicken sheet pan dinner
9. Baklava
Baklava is a classic Greek dessert made with nuts, sugar, and honey all wrapped up in light flaky phyllo. Using an array of different nuts—this recipe calls for almonds, pistachios, and walnuts—makes the taste and texture more interesting. The cinnamon and vanilla are also key.
Get the recipe: Baklava
10. Portokalopita
Portokalopita, orange cake with yogurt and syrup, is another quintessential Greek dessert. The tangy citrus bursts through in every bite.
Get the recipe: Portokalopita
Love these healthy Greek recipes? Join Well+Good's Cook With Us Facebook group for more meal ideas.
Tags: Food and Nutrition, Healthy Cooking, Healthy Meal Ideas
